Boxing Day in Edinburgh: Where to Eat Between Christmas and Hogmanay

The days between Christmas and Hogmanay are an odd stretch in Edinburgh. The presents are open, the leftovers are fading and the city is still full of visitors, locals with time off and families who have run out of things to do. It is also the week when planning a meal out is hardest, because opening patterns change and the best tables go quietly.

If you are searching for Boxing Day in Edinburgh, or somewhere to eat on the 27th, 28th or 29th, here is how to plan it properly, and where Divino fits in.

Why This Week Needs Planning

Most of the year you can decide on the afternoon where to eat that evening. Between Christmas and New Year that rarely works. Venues change their hours, groups of friends and family are all trying to meet at once, and plenty of people are travelling through the city.

The calendar also helps and hinders. In 2026 Christmas Day falls on a Friday, Boxing Day on a Saturday and Hogmanay on a Thursday. That gives you a full run of days in between, but it also means more people have more time to book the same handful of evenings.

Plan Around the Days, Not Just the Venue

A few habits make the week easier, wherever you eat.

• Book early: reserve as soon as you know your dates, particularly for groups of six or more.
• Check festive opening dates: festive opening days and hours often differ from the usual pattern, so confirm before you set off.
• Think about the time of day: an earlier table can be easier to secure than a prime evening slot.
• Have a back-up: a second choice nearby saves a cold, hungry walk.

Eating in Edinburgh’s Old Town

The Old Town suits this week. The Grassmarket, the Royal Mile and the streets around Edinburgh Castle are within walking distance of one another, and a long winter walk followed by dinner is the natural shape of the day. Our guide to Italian restaurants near the Royal Mile and our piece on the Grassmarket cover the area in more detail.

A long, slow meal also suits the week itself. After days of roast dinners, a plate of fresh pasta, a shared antipasto and a glass of wine is a welcome change.

Divino Between Christmas and Hogmanay

Divino sits in a vaulted stone cellar at 5 Merchant Street, a few steps from the Grassmarket and a short walk from the Royal Mile. Our normal hours are Sunday to Friday from 5pm and Saturday from noon, but festive dates can differ, so please check the bookings page or call (0131) 225 1770 for the days you want.

What you can order depends on the day. Our festive menu is available at set prices for the festive period, so check the menu PDF for exact dates, and our à la carte menu covers everything else. If you would like something lighter after Christmas, the antipasti and fresh pasta are a good place to start.

Make a Day of It

The Old Town is made for walking off a heavy Christmas. A loop around the Grassmarket and the Royal Mile, with a look up at Edinburgh Castle, takes you past some of the city’s oldest streets. Wear sensible shoes, because the cobbles and slopes can be tiring in winter.

Then book the meal for the end of the walk rather than the middle. Knowing where you are eating makes the afternoon more relaxed, and it gives you something to look forward to.

Wine for a Long Lunch or Dinner

This is the week for lingering, and wine is what Divino does best. We have more than 200 bottles and up to 40 wines by the glass through the Enomatic, poured as a 25ml taste, a 125ml half glass or a 175ml large glass. That makes it easy to try a few things without committing to a bottle.

If you are curious about wine more generally, our wine list is available online, and our themed Sunday wine tasting evenings are worth checking for current dates. Themes change from month to month, so look at the listings rather than assuming.

Groups, Families and Reunions

This is the week for catching up with people you have not seen all year. If you are bringing a larger group, whether that is family, friends or colleagues, our parties and events team handle group bookings separately from the standard booking page. Ask early, and mention any dietary needs when you do.

Our guides to group dining in Edinburgh and Christmas celebrations go into more detail.

What About New Year’s Day?

New Year’s Day follows the same rule as the rest of the week: do not assume, check. Opening patterns for 1 January can differ from the rest of the week, and the sensible approach is to confirm directly with the venue. If you are planning a table at Divino for early January, the bookings page is the place to see current availability.

Book Your Table

If you want a long, unhurried meal somewhere warm between Christmas and Hogmanay, book a table at Divino and confirm the festive dates when you do. Booking ahead is the single biggest thing you can do to make the week easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I eat in Edinburgh on Boxing Day?

Opening varies by venue, so check directly. Divino’s usual hours are Sunday to Friday from 5pm and Saturday from noon, but please confirm festive dates on the bookings page.

Do I need to book between Christmas and Hogmanay?

It is strongly advised. Groups and visitors are all looking for tables, so booking early gives you the best choice.

Is Divino open between Christmas and New Year?

Festive dates can differ from our normal hours, so check the bookings page or call (0131) 225 1770 before you plan.

Can I book a large group in the week after Christmas?

Yes, enquire through the parties and events page, which handles group bookings separately.

Where is Divino?

At 5 Merchant Street, Edinburgh EH1 2QD, in the Old Town, a few steps from the Grassmarket.