Heron is a scottish restaurant in Leith, Edinburgh. Rated 4.8 stars from 428 Google reviews. Known for tasting menu that feels like a curated experience, not a showcase and scottish produce treated seriously. Best for birthday dinners and special occasions. Ranked #5 of 16 in Leith. Price range: £100+.
Rankings updated April 2026
Heron
Zone Ranking
Ranked weekly from live Google review data
in Leith
↑ Up 1 this week
Quick Verdict
Book it. Every single recent review is 5 stars, and they're not generic—people describe the sequencing of courses, the wine choices, specific dishes. That doesn't happen by accident.
You want a tasting menu where each course builds on the last instead of just showing off, and you don't mind paying £100 for it because the produce and technique justify the bill.
About Heron
Heron is a Michelin-starred Scottish restaurant in Leith that runs a tasting menu format with optional wine pairings. The space feels more relaxed pub than formal fine dining—good music, cosy atmosphere, room to breathe—but the food and wine work at serious level. Every reviewer mentions the same thing: nothing on the plate disappointed them. Dishes that stuck with people include squid, turbot, venison, and an onion course that surprised diners. The kitchen sources Scottish produce and builds the menu around it. Service gets consistent praise for being knowledgeable without the stiffness you'd expect at this price point. They handle dietary requirements (coeliac, vegetarian) without fuss and adapt the tasting menu on the day. Wine pairings—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—are inventive and reasonably priced for the level. Reviewers come back for birthdays and special occasions, but also solo, and nobody regrets it.
What Stands Out
Tasting menu that feels like a curated experience, not a showcase
A reviewer noted: 'Each dish worked in accordance of what came before and was coming next. A lot of taster menus I've had before were more of a showcase of what the chef can do rather than curating a dining experience.' Another said 'every course was sensational' and the sequencing was deliberate, not random.
Scottish produce treated seriously
Reviewers specifically praised Scottish squid (called 'very tasty 10/10'), venison, and turbot. One visitor noted it was 'a great showcase for Scottish produce and how Scotland is showing up on the global food front.' The gluten-free bread was so good one diner said they'd return just for it.
Service that's attentive without being formal
Multiple reviewers used the same phrase: staff were 'friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.' One noted the team 'went and found out' answers to questions about new menu items. Another highlighted a staff member (Seoridh) who 'went above and beyond.' For dietary needs, staff explained options clearly and made modifications without making it feel like a hassle.
What Customers Say
Very enjoyable meal with beautifully cooked food and staff who were knowledgeable and helpful.
The gluten free bread is amazing 🤩 will come back just to have it again.
The food was incredible, not a single dish did not delight and the presentation was beautiful.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Heron
From £100 for the tasting menu. Wine pairings (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic matched wines) are extra. Reviewers said the wine pairings offered good value for the price, and the overall cost delivered value for money given the produce quality and technique.
Yes. Lunch reservations are recommended, dinner reservations are recommended. They accept reservations but don't have online booking—call or visit [heron.scot](http://heron.scot/) to arrange. (No walk-ins at this level.)
Wednesday to Friday, 5:30pm–9:00pm. Saturday and Sunday, 12:00pm–2:00pm (lunch service). Closed Monday and Tuesday. Book ahead for both lunch and dinner.
Yes. A coeliac diner reported the staff 'knew about my disease and explained that I could have the tasting menu' with modifications, and praised the gluten-free bread. Vegetarian options are available. They'll adapt the menu—just tell them when you book.
Cosy and modern, with good music. Reviewers described it as relaxed rather than stuffy—more intimate than formal. One visitor noted it felt like a pub in the best way, not a stiff fine-dining room. Full by service time, but not overcrowded.
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