Edinburgh’s food scene is a proper melting pot, and when it comes to Chinese cuisine, we’re spoiled for choice. Whether you’re after the rich flavours of Cantonese cooking, hearty Northern Chinese dishes, or a buffet that lets you sample it all, the city’s got you covered. We’ve taken a deep dive into five standouts—Karen’s Unicorn, Jimmy’s Express, China Red, Sichuan House, and Dumplings of China—to see what makes them a must-visit.
Karen’s Unicorn: Cantonese Elegance in New Town
📍 Location: 8b Abercromby Place, Edinburgh EH3 6LB
🌐 Website: [Visit Website]
🍽 Specialties: Salty and spicy squid, steamed seabass in black bean sauce, Peking ribs, roast duck
⭐ Average Rating: 4.5/5
Right in the heart of New Town, Karen’s Unicorn has been a favourite for proper Cantonese cooking since the early 2000s. Its sleek black-and-purple decor gives it a modern yet cosy feel—perfect for date nights or a special wee treat.
Why It Stands Out
Karen’s Unicorn sticks to time-honoured Cantonese cooking techniques, making sure every dish is packed with flavour. Their salty and spicy squid has punters raving about its crispiness, and the steamed seabass in black bean sauce is a fine example of their attention to detail.
Customer Insights
Regulars love the consistent quality and top-notch flavours. One happy customer summed it up:
“The Peking ribs are class, and the roast duck’s some of the best in Edinburgh.”
Another praised the warm, attentive service, saying it’s a spot they return to time and time again.
Jimmy’s Express: A Fusion of Regional Chinese Flavours
📍 Location: 45 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL
🌐 Website: [Visit Website]
🍽 Specialties: Sea bass with ginger-scallion sauce, hand-pulled noodles, cumin-spiced meats
⭐ Average Rating: 4.2/5
Just off the busy South Bridge, Jimmy’s Express brings together the best of Cantonese and Northern Chinese flavours. With chef Sam Shum at the helm—who’s spent over 40 years perfecting his craft—every dish is made with proper skill and care.
Why It Stands Out
Jimmy’s Express is all about authenticity. Their sea bass with ginger-scallion sauce is a belter, cooked to perfection, while their hand-pulled noodles and cumin-spiced meats give a taste of Northern China’s bold and hearty flavours.
Customer Insights
Food lovers swear by Jimmy’s Express for its flavour-packed dishes and expert cooking. One enthusiastic reviewer put it simply:
“Highly recommended! Proper authentic taste and cracking service.”
Another mentioned how they love the mix of traditional cooking and modern touches, making it a perfect place for a relaxed meal with a bit of flair.
China Red: A Grand Buffet Experience
📍 Location: 30 Grindlay Street, Edinburgh
🌐 Website: [Visit Website]
🍽 Specialties: Sichuan hot pots, dim sum, seafood selections
⭐ Average Rating: 4.0/5
If you’re in the mood for variety, China Red is the place to be. This buffet-style restaurant is a paradise for those who love to sample a bit of everything, from steaming Sichuan hot pots to expertly made dim sum and fresh seafood dishes.
Why It Stands Out
China Red is all about choice and quality. Their hot pot is a top pick, offering bold, spicy broths packed with authentic Sichuan flavours. Their dim sum selection is a real treat, with delicate dumplings and Cantonese buns that rival the best.
Customer Insights
Visitors love the huge selection and fresh ingredients. One guest described their experience:
“A brilliant spread of dishes, beautifully presented and full of flavour. The Sichuan hot pot is a must-try!”
Others praised the friendly staff and great atmosphere, saying it’s the perfect spot for family gatherings or group outings.
Sichuan House: A Portal to Southwestern Flavours
📍 Location: 37-39 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
🌐 Website: [Visit Website]
🍽 Specialties: Mala Xiang Guo (spicy hot pot), Chairman Mao’s Red-Braised Pork, pork and chive dumplings
⭐ Average Rating: 4.3/5
Perched between the National Library of Scotland and the Royal Mile, Sichuan House is a favourite among both academics and visitors. With large street-facing windows, the lively atmosphere of this spot speaks for itself.
Why It Stands Out
This is Sichuan cuisine beyond just heat. The Mala Xiang Guo (spicy hot pot) brings a perfect balance of Sichuan pepper and dried chilies, while the Chairman Mao’s Red-Braised Pork offers a rich, slow-braised dish full of deep umami. Their pork and chive dumplings are another standout, handmade with the perfect balance of filling and wrapper.
Customer Insights
“This place serves the real deal—bold, authentic Sichuan flavours that transport you straight to China.”
“Best hot pot in Edinburgh. Full of flavour and spice, just the way it should be.”
Dumplings of China: Edible Artistry in the West End
📍 Location: 60 Home Street, Edinburgh EH3 9NA
🌐 Website: [Visit Website]
🍽 Specialties: Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), Northern Guotie, Cantonese Har Gao
⭐ Average Rating: 4.6/5
Tucked away on Home Street, Dumplings of China transforms dumpling-making into an art form. The open kitchen allows diners to watch chefs meticulously hand-folding dumplings with precision.
Why It Stands Out
From delicate Xiao Long Bao that burst with flavourful broth to crispy Northern-style Guotie, this spot serves some of the best dumplings in town. The use of natural food colourings to create rainbow dumplings adds an extra touch of artistry to the experience.
Customer Insights
“Hands down, the best dumplings I’ve had in the UK—so fresh and packed with flavour.”
“The sweet & sour crispy pork is a must-try, and the dumplings are absolutely unreal!”
Final Thoughts
From classic Cantonese flavours to bold Sichuan spice and expertly crafted dumplings, these five restaurants offer some of the best Chinese food in Edinburgh. Whether you’re after a high-end dining experience or a lively buffet, there’s a spot for every occasion. Which one will you try first? Let us know your favourite!
