Restoration Yard Blog

Midlothian’s Top Five Eateries

Looking for some new Midlothian eateries to try this summer? You're definitely not stuck for choice. Midlothian is home to countless talented and creative food & drink producers. Cafes, gastro pubs, independent breweries and even craft gin purveyors! The choice is yours. To make it a little easier for you to choose, we've picked Midlothian's Top Five Eateries that are absolute must-trys this summer. 

The Secret Herb Garden

The-Secret-Herb-Garden

Nestled beautifully in 7 acres of pristine farmland at the foot of The Pentland Hills, The Secret Herb Garden Café & Bistro offers a truly unique experience to drink and dine among grapevines, fruit trees and herbs in a beautiful glasshouse all year round. The ever-changing menus are inspired by and curated from the amazing fresh produce grown on-site every day. Enjoy simple yet delicious seasonal dishes, demonstrating the harmony between The Secret Herb Garden and kitchen.  

32A Old Pentland Road, Lothianburn, EH10 7EA

The Papermill

Overlooking the beautiful River Esk in the tranquil conservation village of Lasswade, the Paper Mill is an all-day bar and restaurant within an historic former paper mill. Reclaimed materials, screenprinted artworks and found objects create its cool industrial design aesthetic. The staff are friendly and super helpful while the menu is extensive, with lighter bar food for those evening drinks with friends. The best bit is the spacious outdoor terrace leads down to the riverbank therefore making it summer perfection.

The Paper Mill 2–4 Westmill Road, Lasswade, EH18 1LX

Itihaas Indian Restaurant

This multi-award-winning Bangladeshi and Indian restaurant has a big reputation, which it lives up to. The food is always excellent as is the amazing hospitality making it a local favourite for good reason. Veggies and non veggies will adore the Murghi Chatt and the Chana Massallam.

Itihaas, 17-19 Eskbank Road, Dalkeith EH22 1HD

The Kitchen at Restoration Yard

Another gem just on the outskirts of the city is The Kitchen at Restoration Yard. The Terrace of this beautiful restaurant overlooks River Esk, perfect for summertime dining. Are you an avid smashed avocado fan, eggs benedict buff, in need of the full Scottish or a vegan burrito? The breakfast menu has something for all tastes. Then there are luscious lunches too including light bites, healthy salads or marvellous mains. All diets are catered for. Oh and the best bit is that four-legged friends of the canine variety are welcomed on The Terrace too.

Dalkeith Country Park via Town Gate, Dalkeith EH22 1ST

The Sun Inn

This old coaching inn is a five-time AA Scottish Gastropub of the Year. It's menus comprise a delicious offering of Euro-Scottish fusion and delight on every visit. Make a romantic night of it and stay in one of the six beautifully decorated bedrooms with The Sun's Pamper Package.

The Sun Inn, Lothianbridge, Dalkeith, EH22 4TR

Get booking. We hope you can soak up some summer rays while enjoying Midlothian's Top Five Eateries. Want to hear all the news from Restoration Yard first? Sign up to our newsletters or follow us over on or follow us on FacebookInstagram or Twitter.