The Lioness of Leith is a gastropub in Leith, Edinburgh. Rated 4.5 stars from 1108 Google reviews. Known for burgers built on fundamentals and local beer selection that matters. Best for burger craving and group dinner. Ranked #13 of 16 in Leith. Price range: £10–20.
Rankings updated April 2026
The Lioness of Leith
Zone Ranking
Ranked weekly from live Google review data
in Leith
↑ Up 1 this week
Quick Verdict
Locals return repeatedly for burgers that don't hide behind gimmicks, a genuinely good beer selection, and an atmosphere that feels earned rather than designed. Worth the trip into Leith.
You want a burger where the patty and bun quality matter, a proper cocktail, and zero pretence.
About The Lioness of Leith
The Lioness of Leith is a gastropub on Duke Street where burgers are the main event and the beer list is almost entirely local. Walk in and you'll find eclectic decor (80s and 90s touches), muted lighting, and a casual crowd that runs from couples to families with kids to tourists who've stumbled in by accident and stayed. The menu isn't just burgers, though they dominate. It offers a solid bean burger option and sides like hand-cut chips reviewers often single out. The cocktail menu is taken seriously (Smokey Paloma and Old Fashioned both get specific praise), and the wine list has some depth. Service is consistently described as friendly and unobtrusive. No reservations needed, though they do accept them. It's the kind of place locals keep coming back to, and tourists find by accident and wish they'd found sooner.
What Stands Out
Burgers built on fundamentals
Reviewers consistently praised burger quality: 'The flavour and texture of the patty wasn't hidden and the bun held its shape and structure.' Another noted 'Burger flavour combinations were spot on. Nothing silly but plenty of variations you knew would work.' Vegetarian option also praised: 'The bean burger was tasty and filling.'
Local beer selection that matters
Multiple reviews mention local beers specifically. One states 'Beer selection is mainly local beers and that's a plus.' Another orders 'a pint of Leith Juice' by name. The venue attributes confirm 'Great beer selection' as a highlight.
Cocktails and sides executed properly
Specific drinks get name-checked: 'can recommend the old fashioned and Smokey paloma.' Hand-cut chips are described as 'to die for.' Sides are noted as 'quality' and 'rich and cheesey' (macaroni).
What Customers Say
Quality sides and Great beer and cocktail offerings - can recommend the old fashioned and Smokey paloma!!
I thoroughly enjoyed my burger an dries, super good quality and flavour.
Excellent burgers that were enjoyed by everyone in the party.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about The Lioness of Leith
Walk in—no reservation required. The venue accepts reservations but doesn't need them. One reviewer arrived with no plans beyond avoiding central Edinburgh and 'were found a perch and settled in happy.' Expect to wait on weekends during peak times.
Burgers are the focus. The patty quality is deliberate—reviewers note the flavour and texture aren't hidden under toppings. Flavour combinations work without being gimmicky. There's a bean burger option that reviewers describe as 'tasty and filling,' which is rare to find done well.
Yes. Reviews mention groups, families with kids, couples, and solo diners all finding their place here. The atmosphere is described as 'cosy' and 'really good vibes' without being loud. Dogs are allowed.
Beer selection is mainly local (Leith Juice is mentioned by name). Cocktails are taken seriously—the Old Fashioned and Smokey Paloma get specific praise. There's also a wine list worth exploring.
£10–20 per person for food. One reviewer notes burgers 'can be a little pricey when you add the sides, but that's just everywhere these days.' Another describes it as 'very reasonably priced' overall.
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Rankings are recalculated weekly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this week.
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