Food and drink

From quick snacks to relaxed meals, Edinburgh Zoo offers plenty of tasty food and drink to fuel your day of discovery. Whether you’re visiting with little ones, meeting friends or taking a well-earned break between animal encounters, you’ll find something delicious waiting for you. 

Across our cafés and restaurants, you’ll discover freshly prepared dishes, family friendly favourites, great value offers and treats worth stopping for, including menus created especially for Young Explorers.

Grasslands is getting a refresh

Grasslands is temporarily closed while we give it a little makeover. But don’t worry – we still have a number of catering choices available from The Gannet and Penguins Café.

Thank you for your patience whilst we make our café and restaurant even better. We can't wait to welcome you back!
 

Grasslands Restaurant wood-fired pizza IMAGE: Robin Mair 2022

The Gannet

The heart of food and drink at Edinburgh Zoo 

The Gannet is our largest dining space, a relaxed and welcoming restaurant serving freshly prepared food all day. It’s the perfect spot to pause, refuel and plan your next adventure.

Gannet menu

The menu features comforting classics, nourishing bowls and hot sandwiches, made with ingredients from trusted Scottish producers, including artisan cheeses and breads and the best of the season’s harvest.

Families are well looked after with a range of family friendly options, including:

  • Feed the Herd meal deals
  • Young Explorers meals for under 13s, from tiger toasties to mini fish and chips
  • Freshly baked cakes and barista made coffee, available to take away and enjoy as you explore the zoo

And don’t forget to save room for something sweet! Visit our Dessert Bar for fun sundaes including the Hippo Mud Bath and Cheeky Monkey, or enjoy delicious Isle of Arran ice cream by the scoop.

With plenty of space for families to relax together, The Gannet is a comfortable spot to refuel before heading back out to explore.

Whether you’re dining in or grabbing something to take with you, The Gannet is the ideal base for your zoo adventure.

Penguins Café

A must visit café overlooking our world famous penguins 

Set beside one of Edinburgh Zoo’s most iconic habitats, Penguins Café offers unbeatable views of our waddling residents.

Penguins café menu
Woman and child visitors looking at the menu at The Gannet restaurant. IMAGE: Rachel Hein May 2024

Perfect for a quick stop or a relaxed break, you’ll find:

  • Barista made Puro Fairtrade coffee
  • Soup of the day with artisan bread
  • Fresh deli sandwiches and vibrant salad boxes
  • Hot savoury favourites, including sausage rolls and pies
  • Grab and go snacks and sweet treats
  • Young Explorers Pick & Mix packages

Don’t miss our exclusive Sir Olav biscuit, inspired by Major General Sir Nils Olav III, Edinburgh Zoo’s very own knighted king penguin.

Penguins Café is the perfect place to recharge while watching one of the zoo’s most beloved colonies go about their day.

Hand holding coffee mug on bench IMAGE: Robin Mair 2022

Grasslands

Street food, inspired by adventure

PLEASE NOTE - Grasslands kitchen is temporarily closed while we give it a little makeover.

Grasslands is a relaxed spot to refuel during your day of discovery. Inspired by bold flavours from around the world, the menu features street food favourites including buttermilk fried chicken and stone baked pizzas.

Look out for Roaring Rewards alongside tasty options for Young Explorers!

Food on the go and picnic spots

Feeling peckish? You’ll find snacks, drinks and ice creams at kiosks across the zoo, perfect for a quick refuel between animal habitats.

For even more choice, look out for our new street food vans around the zoo. Grab a tasty toastie from Grazing Post, tuck into a slice of Detroit-style pizza from Jungle Spot, or think pink at Pink Flamingos, with treats including pink lemonade, pink lamingtons and red velvet cookies.

Bringing your own food? Enjoy one of our many scenic picnic areas with beautiful views across the zoo’s hills and habitats.

 

Family picnic in Lemur Lodge IMAGE: Robin Mair 2022

Making planet-friendly choices

Look out for paw prints across our menus and packaging. They help you understand the relative carbon impact of different dishes and make planet friendly choices while still enjoying the food you love. It’s all part of our wider commitment to caring for wildlife and the world we share.

Food for everyone

We believe everyone should enjoy great food during their visit. Across all our outlets, you’ll find options for a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan and non-gluten containing choices. 

Allergen guidance is clearly available and our friendly team members are always happy to help you choose with confidence.