If you’ve ever looked for a list of good restaurants in Edinburgh, you’ll know there are plenty out there.
But as a wheelchair or powerchair user, you’ll also know how many of those lists don’t always feature accessible restaurants!
So, if you’re somebody who needs to ‘bring your own chair’, here are some of the best Edinburgh restaurants that have room for an extra chair or two, or three…
(1-5 Newington Rd, EH9 1QR)
Southpour. Picture: contributed
In Edinburgh’s lively student neighbourhood, Southpour is a welcome addition to the Newington food and drink scene.
The best thing about its location? The student-friendly prices!
The restaurant has glittering string lights, exposed brick walls and wooden beams, and ‘Easy Access’ is literally painted on the wall.
The trickiest part is getting parked, but if you’re familiar with Edinburgh’s public transport there are more than enough buses passing through this part of town.
It’s worth it – they have one of the best brunches in Edinburgh, and their Smashed Avocado with Sourdough is a must.
Read access reviews of Southpour.
(40 Portobello High St, Edinburgh EH15 1DA)
Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller
If the weather’s right, head to Porty for a spot of alfresco dining and drinks in the beach huts at Foresters Guild.
In summer, the beer garden is a hidden Edinburgh gem, and in winter you can take shelter inside beside the toasty log fire.
The food is gastropub at its best with brioche bun sandwiches, grilled dishes, classic fish ‘n’ chips, and not forgetting the ‘very stick toffee pudding’.
Read a disabled access review of Foresters Guild.
(73 Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AU)
Hemma. Picture: TSPL
Part of the Joseph Pearce Boda Bar chain, Hemma Bar means ‘At Home’ in Swedish – so expect lounge chairs, lampshades and books for the taking.
The restaurant is perfect for a party or large gathering as it’s housed over three stories in a spacious glass building.
There is very little to get in the way of wheelchair users, so pick your favourite spot!
If you like this, their sister bar Akva in Fountainbridge has one of the city’s largest beer gardens. It’s equally as spacious and has a younger, more playful mood to it.
Browse disabled access reviews of Hemma and Akva.
(6 Queensferry St, EH2 4PA)
Pâtissier Maxime. Picture: TSPL
It’s hard to walk past this shop on Queensferry Street without bumping into someone as you glance backwards at the delectable, colourful and stylish cakes lining the window!
It’s really easier to just go inside. When you do, you’ll find that access is level and there is a lowered pay counter.
At the back of the patisserie there are several tables with movable seats and an accessible toilet.
Macaron, anybody? Read a disabled access review of Pâtissier Maxime.
(184-186 Cowgate, EH1 1JJ)
OX184. Picture: OX184
You’ll have to venture beneath the bridges to experience this one, but it’s popular with wheelchair and powerchair users.
Part of the FullerThompson chain which includes other venues such as Holyrood 9a, OX184 has a distinct warehouse feel. In winter, the roaring fire beckons; but they throw open their massive industrial doors during the summer months.
A good choice would be anything from the wood fired grill; or if you’re just in for a late night snack (they serve until 2.30am) you can’t beat the House Fries & Cheese Dip.
An ideal accessible dining spot for the city’s festival season.
Browse reviews by wheelchair users of OX184.
(331-325 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 8SA)
La Favorita. Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller
Leithers will vouch for this modern pizzeria as being home to the best pizza in Edinburgh.
Don’t be put off by the fleet of La Favorita cars delivering pizzas around the city in fast food mode; the restaurant on Leith Walk continues to serve its famous crisp thin log fired pizzas in a large and spacious setting.
Like Southpour, La Favorita is in a location that will spoil you for choice with the number of wheelchair accessible buses rolling by. Read access reviews of La Favorita.
All of this information has come from disabled people, their friends and families who have submitted reviews of restaurants in Edinburgh to Euan’s Guide.
