Tower Restaurant

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

In the running for Edinburgh's best-located restaurant, the Tower is on the top floor of the Museum of Scotland and has spectacular views of the castle. With a lovely big terrace at the back, this place is packed at lunchtime in summer and is equally popular with tourists and loyal locals. Inside, it looks almost too chic, with some uncomfortable-looking purple cushioned silver chairs, semi-circular velvet-covered sofas and the floor-to-ceiling front window. However, the atmosphere is perfect when night falls, with couples nabbing the best window seats, and plenty of space for a romantic tête à tête. Although it's not the most creative menu in the world, there is plenty of extravagant produce to please foodies here. A thick and creamy clam chowder goes down very well as a starter before organic cod accompanied by a truly delicious truffle and ecrevisse butter, while the smoked breast of duck, accompanied by braised red cabbage and Toulouse sausage, is a sumptuous, perfectly rich and juicy main. Excessively naughty desserts include dark chocolate and stem ginger crème caramel, or carrot gateau with cream cheese frosting and a surprisingly successful coriander ice-cream. The Tower is ideal for a special occasion, but make sure you book early for the best night of the year: the Edinburgh Festival fireworks.

• High point: Contemporary elegance at its best set off by a fantastic view
• Low point: There needs to be a little more creativity in the kitchen before the Tower reaches its height