Bon Vivant is a lively, informal tapas-style wine bar and restaurant on Thistle Street in Edinburgh's New Town. The menu features small plates of European and Scottish-inspired food alongside a carefully curated wine list. A great option for a relaxed dinner with friends.
Bon Vivant is a relaxed wine bar and small-plates restaurant on Thistle Street in Edinburgh's New Town, a narrow lane of independent shops and restaurants that sits below George Street and above Rose Street. The concept is built around natural and artisan wine — the list is curated with real knowledge and changes frequently — accompanied by a menu of sharing plates that draw on European and Scottish influences. The plates are seasonal and unpretentious: charcuterie boards with Scottish additions, small fish dishes, a cheese selection, and vegetable-forward dishes that reflect what's available from local suppliers. The room is intimate and slightly candlelit in the evenings, with wood panelling and a low-key aesthetic that suits after-work drinks as naturally as a full dinner. The clientele is a mix of New Town locals, wine enthusiasts, and visitors discovering Thistle Street's independent character. Bon Vivant does not take reservations — it operates walk-in throughout the day from noon. The informal format means it suits an impromptu evening stop rather than a planned celebration dinner. The kitchen keeps accessible hours, staying open until midnight, making it one of the more flexible late-evening dining options in central Edinburgh. Bon Vivant offers one of Edinburgh's most pleasurable wine experiences at approachable prices.
Location
55 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DY
Highlights
- Natural and artisan wine list — one of Edinburgh's best-curated wine-bar selections
- Intimate Thistle Street wine bar with a candlelit evening atmosphere and independent character
- European and Scottish small plates designed for sharing alongside a glass or bottle
- Walk-in format and midnight kitchen closing time — one of Edinburgh's best flexible late-evening options
- Consistent local following from New Town residents and wine enthusiasts
Tips for visiting
- Ask the bar team for a wine recommendation — they are knowledgeable and enjoy talking through the natural wine list
- Arrive early evening (6pm–7pm) for the best chance of a good table without a long wait
- The charcuterie board and cheese selection are reliable, shareable anchors for a wine-focused evening
- Thistle Street has other independent restaurants nearby — Bon Vivant suits a drink-and-snack stop before or after dinner elsewhere
- The informal, unhurried pace makes it well suited to couples or small groups wanting a relaxed Edinburgh evening
Accessibility
Bon Vivant is on the ground floor of a Thistle Street building with largely step-free access from street level. The compact room may present some navigation challenges for wheelchair users. Contact the venue to confirm arrangements before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bon Vivant take reservations?
No, the restaurant and bar are walk-in only. Arriving early in the evening is the best strategy for securing a good table, particularly at weekends.
Is Bon Vivant primarily a bar or a restaurant?
It functions as both. Guests can visit purely for drinks from the natural wine list, or build a full meal from the sharing plates menu. The format is intentionally flexible.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine refers to wine produced with minimal intervention — no added sulphites, commercial yeasts, or filtration. The results vary widely but the best examples are vibrant, distinctive, and pair very well with the food at Bon Vivant.
What is the price range for a full meal with wine at Bon Vivant?
A sharing dinner for two with a bottle of wine typically costs around £60–£80. As a wine bar the per-glass selection is also good, allowing a more affordable visit.