Outdoor dining

The hilltop Terrace Café in Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens has an unparalleled view of the city's skyline. The inviting outdoor tables make it an obvious place for an alfresco lunch in fine weather. Inside, small tables are placed near long windows…

With its sleek lines, darkened underground vibe and loud, clubby soundtrack in competition with the hubbub of well-oiled conversation, Tonic is very much cut from the same cloth as the style bars of George Street and its surrounding area. Where this…

There are many restaurants serving Italian food for the masses, what singles Tony’s out is the service.. It’s polished and on a par with more expensive establishments. The food is not bad either and ribs dish to start is a substantially meaty choice.

Happy birthday to the Traverse Theatre. In 2013 the venue celebrates its Golden Jubilee and to mark the occasion its fondly regarded basement bar/cafe has an updated menu. Fried sea bass with crushed new potatoes, or tagliatelle with mushrooms…

Despite its tiny size, revolutionary soup cafe Union of Genius is a big presence on Edinburgh's food scene. Their fast-food approach to soups is perfectly customer friendly, with a choice of six daily concoctions (for example a traditional cream of leek…

Whether you’re a true cocktail aficionado or can’t tell a Manhattan from a mojito, the WestRoom’s extensive and engaging cocktail menu is sure to both intrigue and delight. The staff here seriously know a thing or two when it comes to mixology, and are…

Scallops wrapped in pancetta is a good way to start in this large, airy and stylish basement dining room. The portion is generous and the scallops not overcooked. The antipasto misto is described as a signature dish, but is a little disappointing. It…

The Battlefield Rest enjoys a high reputation as a reliable local. It has a large and loyal clientele that it has built over 20 years, so at the weekend it can be very busy The menu is thoroughly old-fashioned Scottish-Italian fare, with dishes ranging…

Any Edinburgher knows the weather down Portobello beach can be changeable, but it’s always summer in this charming, family-run beachfront café which blends the simplicity of an old-fashioned seaside greasy spoon with a strong emphasis on quality and…

An unprofitable foray into food now abandoned, the Belle is concentrating on what it does best: being the West End’s cosiest wee pub. With patrons ranging from suits, fashionistas and students to dogs – there always seems to be at least one in – all…

Not to be confused with the establishment of the same name located on Leven Street, this Bennets Bar is to be found on Maxwell Street in Morningside. With the same owners as The Cumberland Bar, Bennets is another very traditional pub specialising in…

The gem in South Queensferry’s culinary crown, The Boat House has great views, relaxed surrounds and a confident, creative pair of hands in the kitchen. Split into two main areas, with a cocktail bar thrown in for good measure, the bistro and restaurant…

It’s of very little surprise to find this small local restaurant packed out whatever time you visit. Over the last three years, owners Aris and Rico have built a reputation that would make them the envy of many city centre Italians. Having begun life as…

The two Café Andaluz branches in Glasgow share menus, deals and décor, but while there isn’t much to separate them in culinary terms, there is a distinctly West End feel about the (original) Cresswell Lane restaurant. Glasgow University’s main campus is…

Situated next door to Holyrood Palace, this café is the obvious place to grab a sandwich or hearty bowl of soup after visiting the Queen’s Gallery and Palace, or after an invigorating trek round Arthur’s Seat or tour of the Scottish Parliament. With…

As if getting up the resolve to go to the gym wasn’t difficult enough, at Hillhead Sports Club members must resist the tempting menu Café Source Too offers as they head to a workout. Sister venue of the St Andrews in the Square cafe, it offers a rather…

Combining Old Town cellar with deliberately worn industrial touches, this is one of the city centre’s better looking bars. Coombed stones walls and low lighting make for an atmospherically louche hangout slightly at odds with the pumping bass on the…

With its large, brightly lit dining area, long serving hatch at the back and the bar running along the side, Carluccio’s gives the impression of a bustling up-market canteen. Inside the door high shelves are packed with squid ink spaghetti, finest…

Housed in the former Sheriff Court there are few building fronts as impressive anywhere in the city. Gone are any remnants of law court life. Split between a ground floor with a massive glitzy cocktail bar, and an upstairs restaurant that has a more…

Co-owned by celebrity foodie Nell Nelson, this cafe-cum-gift shop is tucked away just out of reach of Stockbridge’s main drag. As you’d expect from The Woman Who Ate Scotland, quality and locality are key when it comes to the sourcing. Cheddar from…