Dishoom Edinburgh is a homage to the Irani cafés of old Bombay, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Edinburgh outpost occupies a stunning conversion of the listed former post office building. Known for its house black daal (cooked for 24 hours), naan rolls at breakfast, and excellent cocktails.
Dishoom Edinburgh opened in the listed former General Post Office building at St Andrew Square in 2019, becoming the chain's first Scottish outpost and one of the most visually striking restaurant conversions in Edinburgh. The brand pays homage to the Irani cafés of Bombay — Persian-owned all-day institutions that were the city's social backbone through the 20th century — through interior design, menu, and ethos. The Edinburgh room is enormous and lavishly detailed: ceiling fans, antique mirrors, bentwood chairs, and walls dense with vintage Bombay imagery, all executed with a level of historical care that goes well beyond pastiche. The menu spans all-day Bombay café dining: breakfast naan rolls from 8am, a full lunch and dinner menu, and late drinks until 11pm daily. The house black daal — slow-cooked for twenty-four hours in a recipe that remains constant across all Dishoom restaurants — is among the best Indian comfort dishes available in Scotland. The bacon naan roll at breakfast has become one of Edinburgh's most celebrated morning items. Chicken tikka, lamb chops, and freshly griddled naan are consistently well executed. The drinks menu includes a strong cocktail programme and a selection of chai. Dishoom takes reservations for lunch and dinner (breakfast is walk-in only), and queues at peak times confirm its popularity with visitors and Edinburgh residents equally.
Location
3A St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2BD
Highlights
- Spectacular conversion of Edinburgh's former GPO at St Andrew Square — one of the most beautiful dining rooms in Scotland
- The house black daal, slow-cooked for 24 hours — a signature dish consistent across all Dishoom restaurants
- All-day Bombay café format: breakfast naan rolls from 8am through to late-night dinner
- The bacon naan roll at breakfast is among Edinburgh's most popular morning dishes
- Historically detailed interior paying tribute to the Irani cafés of old Bombay
Tips for visiting
- Breakfast is walk-in only and the bacon naan roll sells out — arrive before 9am for the best chance
- Reservations are taken for lunch and dinner; book online in advance as the restaurant fills quickly
- The black daal is worth ordering at any time of day — it is the dish most emblematic of Dishoom's kitchen
- The restaurant is large but noise levels are high at peak times; request a booth if a quieter table matters
- The cocktail menu is creative and India-influenced — a pre-dinner drink at the bar is a good way to start
Accessibility
Dishoom Edinburgh is on the ground floor of the former St Andrew Square post office with step-free access from the street. The large dining room is well suited to wheelchair users and those with mobility requirements. A lift provides access to any upper-level areas.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation to visit Dishoom Edinburgh?
Reservations are available for lunch and dinner and are strongly recommended. Breakfast is walk-in only. Queue management at the door is efficient but lines can be long at peak times.
What is the house black daal?
The daal is cooked for twenty-four hours overnight, producing a rich, deeply spiced lentil dish. It has become Dishoom's most iconic menu item and is available at both lunch and dinner.
Is Dishoom good for vegetarians?
Yes, the Bombay café template has always accommodated vegetarians naturally. The menu includes strong vegetarian dishes across all sections from breakfast through to dinner.
What makes the Edinburgh Dishoom special compared to other UK branches?
The St Andrew Square building is one of the most architecturally significant Dishoom conversions — the former GPO's proportions and listed features give the dining room a grandeur that sets it apart.