PRIVATE Edinburgh Food Tours - Old Town, Leith
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Take a deep dive into Scottish cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. You’ll sample some of the most iconic Scottish dishes along with some of our very own 'chubby recommendations' in some of Edinburgh’s favourite eateries, pubs and shops whilst being guided by one of our expert local guides who is a true foodie!
During the experience you'll feast on: World famous Scottish beef, Scotland's national dish (with a twist!) at an iconic pub, A sweet treat with some smokey refreshment from a local institution, A sampling of traditional Scottish cheeses from a famed cheesemonger, A tasting of whisky smoked salmon at an exclusive Whiskey Society paired with a wee dram and a controversial dessert (you will be converted!) from a true local spot/
You'll sip on: Cocktails, Whiskey, Traditional Scottish ales/lagers or Non-alcoholic alternatives.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Edinburgh Castle
During the experience, we'll catch fantastic views of the historic Edinburgh Castle.
St Giles' Cathedral
During this experience we'll indulge in a delicious treat right outside this landmark.
Options
Edinburgh Old Town Food Tour
Edinburgh Old Town: Dive into the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town and sample iconic Scottish dishes
Leith Food Tour
Leith: Join Chubby Fellow to sample some of the foods only a melting pot of cultures and influences like Leith can create.
What‘s Included
Please note the legal drinking age in the UK is 18.
If taking an afternoon tour then there will be lots of delicious food served that equates to a very large lunch so come hungry!
If taking an evening tour then there will be plenty of food served that equates to a very large dinner so come hungry!
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Terrific Edinburgh Food Tour
Joshua S,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Terrific food tour highlighted by John’s deep knowledge, great humor, and carefully selected stops along the way! Highly recommend!!
Fun eating and drinking experience
DiverJay,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I had an Edinburgh food tour with Rona and it was terrific. Rona made sure to inquire about likes and dislikes, and planned the tour accordingly for maximum enjoyment. We finished the tour well fed and with plenty to drink, and our host was very friendly and entertaining. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Chubby Fellow for a food tour when in Edinburgh.
Amazing Experience
shelism,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing tour and experience. Was one of the best part of our trip. Our guide Rona was a delight and full of knowledge and information on Edinburgh and the food that we tried. It was all delicious and we enjoyed ourselves and this experience with Rona so very much!
Do this tour
Adrian B,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am a recovering sceptic. One of my oldest friends now a resident of Edinburgh for 30+ years gave my wife and I a voucher as a welcome to Edinburgh pressie, and also because I had always complained that these tours were for pretentious people, eating pretentious food..... I WAS WRONG. It became obvious that though our host John, was not from the city, he had developed a deep love for its history, its architecture and above all, its food. He swept us along with easy patter that swung in and out of history, quisine, and quirkiness. The food element in many cases was a real shot in the dark for me, some worked, and some (tiny minority) did not.... yes the Haggis balls put the fear of god up me, and the hangar steak was so worth waiting for but all was explained with a light breezy delivery. The contents of the "messanger bag"? The boy is a bloody alchymist, a gin concoction? No problem sir. The whiskey drams, John spoke with knowledge on process and taste on Scotch whiskey. We never once got the feeling that John was selling a product, sure you pay for your tour but it was as if our guide was letting us into a little secret, hoping and wanting you to love what his adopted town has to offer. All this, and a walk around the gothic madness of Edinburgh, which inspired JK Rowling..... It is so worth it. I imagine the winter tours will be pure atmosphere. Ps. I gave the deepfried Mars bar a swerve, by the end of the evening that was just asking for trouble. Well done John, you were exceptional.. See you again A.
An absolute Must Do in Edinburgh
kaybQ9416WC,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I could not possibly rate this experience highly enough—truly one of the very best Edinburgh has to offer. It was an absolute highlight of our trip. John was an absolutely magnificent tour guide, exceptionally knowledgeable and incredibly passionate about what he does. Every stop on the tour was carefully chosen and full of flavour. We discovered hidden gems we’d never have found without Chubby Fellow. John’s expert knowledge and presence truly elevated the tour. Warm, engaging, and full of stories, he made us feel like we were exploring the city with an old friend. An unforgettable experience and an absolute must-do. Thank you John !!
In Depth Explanation of our Experience with the Chubby Fellow
Trip61805005571,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We took the PRIVATE Edinburgh Food Tour in July 2025. John(aka Chubby Fellow) was listed as our Tour Guide and we picked this activity due to a recommendation from Chase Travel along with remarks written on Trip Advisor. To be blunt, this was the biggest ripoff I have ever experienced. We met our Tour Guide, Shaun(not John aka: Chubby Fellow), outside Mackays on the Royal Mile. Our guide escorted us into the neighboring court yard for a cocktail. A thermos was drawn from our guides 'Messenger bag" and he poured the clear beverage into small paper dixie cups. Shaun explained it was concocted by John and he was not sure what this drink contained. My wife and daughter did not wish to try the unknown beverage but my son in law and I did. We were still trusting tourists at this point. It tasted like gin but I cannot be sure of this. Nothing special to start this Dinner tour for 4 at the price of 973.28 USD. It began to drizzle so we entered MacKays Pub for drinks and an appetizer. We were served 2 appetizer portions, from the Wee Plates menu, of Smoked Salmon with Smoked Mackerel for 4 adults. We ordered a bloody Mary for my wife and my son in law and I had a Half Pint of Beer each. My daughter did not drink, or partake in the smoked food since she was newly pregnant. Then onto the next stop along the Royal Mile for a main course. The table was not ready for us so our guide brought us into an adjacent ally for a wee bit of whiskey. This time he removed a previously open bottle of Singleton 12 yo Scotch from his "messenger Bag' and poured some into small paper dixie cups. The bottle had very little scotch in it and only three of us tried it. This, by the way, is a very inexpensive bottle of Scotch priced at about 30 USD for 750 ml. Our guide Shaun, probably late 20's or early 30's, had virtually no knowledge of Edinburgh history, Food or Whiskey. He was not a 'Foodie" by any stretch to the imagination. When our table was ready at the Pub we entered and sat down. Shaun ordered three Hanger steaks for the four of us. These were good but nothing special. My son in law and I had another half pint of Beer and my wife and daughter had water. The steaks were served without vegetables or any side dish. We were still quite hungry after this course. On to the next stop along the Royal Mile Pub Tour was to enjoy a local delicacy of Haggis Balls along with a local Cider. Nice ambience in this establishment. The three of us had the cider with alcohol and my daughter had it non-alcoholic. I requested a Whiskey and was told that this was not in the budget for the night. We were served 4 Haggis Balls of which three were eaten. They were okay and again nothing special. We moved onto our last stop which was a desert establishment with outside seating for 10. Only four seats were open so our guide needed to stand. We were ordered Fried Mars Bars with or without vanilla ice cream. I am not kidding you! This cost us 278 USD per person! It was the last night of our stay in Scotland and the Tour sounded great on line. This however was so depressing and did not follow with what we experienced while in Edinburgh. The next morning before leaving we called John and he apologized. The best he could offer us was to reimburse 50%. We were so unhappy with this event that I am not sure I would be happy if he offered us 100%. It really ruined our last night. Please do not make the mistake that we made.
Food and Fun!
laurakZ7634DC,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wanted to sample traditional Scottish dishes away from the typical tourist restaurants. From smoked salmon to fried haggis with sweet chili sauce, a sampling of Spanish and Scottish fusion dishes we sampled it all. Desserts of sticky toffee pudding and fried mars bars were a perfect ending to our dining experience. Pairings of Scottish spirits enhanced each dish. John, our guide, was so much fun and I'd say we quickly welcomed him into our family. Fun, delicious and lots of laughs. You won't regret this experience!
100% Worth it - Your Stomach Will Thank You while your waistline might not!!!
178gregorys,Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolute blast - great way to sample so many local dishes. We had a great time with our host as we had much in common, both in interests and just family dynamics. The food was amazing every place we went, and the mix of atmospheres kept everything fresh (Teuchter's Landing, Kezba, Mara, Pieroni's, and Roseleaf). It was nice to get our of the Royal Mile area during the festival time as well and just get a little breather. 100% would recommend.
A Perfect Blend of Food, Scotch, and Conversation
392pavelr,Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a fantastic experience with Chubby Tours - Edinburgh. My guide, John, made the experience memorable with his engaging storytelling and easy conversation. The food and Scotch tastings were excellent, but the real highlight was the walk through Edinburgh and the chance to connect with John’s knowledge and personality. Highly recommend!
We need more Chubby Fellows in more cities - they’re a special treat in Scotland!!!
M7497EVmarkt,May 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a way to see a city, get to know the culture and embrace the food, drink, spirit(s), and its people. I’ve literally travelled the world for more than 40 years and I wish John and people like him were in so many other places - it would have made all the difference. I can’t say enough about John and his confident and knowledgeable humor that really put this “anti-touristy” man at ease and ready to enjoy all Edinburgh and its diversity of food and drink could offer my wife and I. It truly is such a refreshing way to be guided through where to eat, how/what to order, and translate such pa breadth of local fare into a cogent, concise, and well-curated afternoon. Don’t go it alone, call the Chubby Fellow and make Edinburgh, and in fact all of Scotland a much more enjoyable venture, especially in a pub!
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