Experience rustic, family style cooking at award-winning French restaurant La Garrigue. Sample the tastes of Languedoc at one of the most authentic restaurants in Edinburgh (Hitlisted in The List Eating & Drinking Guide 2012) or visit our fantastic little bistro in Leith.
Restaurants, Bistros & brasseries and "Edinburgh"
- Hellers Kitchen
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Outside Catering - The Magnum Restaurant & Bar
At the Magnum we combine Scotland's best local ingredients with traditional flavours - The Boat House
Fresh local seafood with world class views! - Urban Angel
Urban Angel use local, organic and fairly traded produce in a cool environment
The Outsider
15/16 George IV Bridge,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1EE
‘Pink fur potatoes’ is probably a typo, but with a wine list that describes a South African chenin as ‘like falling from a white-water raft whilst passing through a peach grove’, all bets are off. The Outsider buzzes. A suspended mezzanine hovers over a…
The Bon Vivant
55 Thistle Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1DY
With its Gallic flair for gluttony and enough wine on hand to raise the level of the Loire, this Thistle Street bar is aptly named. Oenophiles will be bowled over by a menu that offers some 42 wines, by the glass alone, and – if you really want to show…
Monteiths
57–61 High Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1SR
Monteiths’ discreet menu board at the head of one of the Royal Mile’s darker closes is easily missed. But don’t, because this subterranean bar and restaurant’s low-key Scottish style is a welcome antidote to the energetic tartanry to be found nearby.
The Basement Bar and Restaurant
10–12a Broughton Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3RH
Situated below street level, this bar looks like the sort of place American sitcom characters would head for after a hard day’s mirth-making, thanks to the obligatory neon sign, mustard-coloured walls and staff dressed in Hawaiian shirts. It could be…
The Apartment Bistro
7–13 Barclay Place,
Edinburgh,
EH10 4HW
The Apartment has been going strong since 1999, and its 2010 refurb seems to have rebooted things nicely. Here, ‘modern bistro’ means seasonality and an evolving menu, as evidenced by a neat little daily set menu, plus specials. A starter of pork…
Favorit
19–20 Teviot Place,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2QZ
Favorit is a late night diner for the young and hip and – most importantly – for those with the munchies. Black and white chequered tiles, retro tables and benches and a large, red neon Favorit sign set the scene. All that's missing is Pulp Fiction's…
A Room in the Town
18 Howe Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 6TG
A Room in the Town claims to be the place that ‘started it all’. ‘It’ is using quality Scottish produce to produce excellent eating at reasonable prices. Oh, and in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere too. Nearly 15 years on, this Room is still bang on…
Iglu
2b Jamaica Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 6HH
For all that it is tucked at the far end of a side-street, Iglu has established an enviable profile, priding itself on serving seasonal, locally-sourced, organic and wild foods in the cosy upstairs restaurant and downstairs bar area. Proving high…
Wildfire Restaurant and Grill
192 Rose Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4AZ
There’s nothing wild about Wildfire. That’s an excellent thing. This little gem – nine tables in a cosy space – is worth discovering at the Charlotte Square end of Rose Street for its lack of pretension and gimmick. With a core steak-and-seafood…
The Honours
58a North Castle Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 3LU
There was little doubt that a brasserie developed under the keen eye of Martin Wishart, Edinburgh's advocate of French cuisine, was going to be something special. Taking over the Castle Street site once home to Tony's Table, Wishart’s team have turned…
Blue Moon Café
1 Barony Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 6PD
On a corner off Broughton Street this gay-friendly diner serves up simple hearty food at reasonable prices. Lunch is a particularly good deal with main courses all under £6. Daily specials include a couple of soups, which might be a velvety smooth leek…
Restaurant Mark Greenaway at No 12 Picardy Place
12 Picardy Place,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3JT
Mark Greenaway’s take on dining is unashamedly modern. With deconstructed creations, foams, smokes and multi-ingredient theatrics aplenty, this is a sophisticated, highly confident offering. A starter of Loch Fyne crab cannelloni is a good introduction…
Spoon Café Bistro
6a Nicolson Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9DH
Home life getting you down? Move here. Seriously. It’s open from 10am till 10pm, serving everything from morning rolls through to a three-course dinner. There’s free wi-fi. People bring you drinks. The furniture is cool kitsch-retro-chic. If only the…
1780
167 Rose Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4LS
Formerly known as the Bad Ass Bistro, this Rose Street pub has a dusky but snug interior, with walls peopled with iconic photos of the twentieth century’s good and great, making for a slightly clichéd yet classic pub vibe. Although 1780 seems to be in…
The Doric Tavern
15/16 Market Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1DE
The self-proclaimed oldest gastro pub in Edinburgh is due for a refurbishment in 2011 that will hopefully see the currently rather bland décor raised to the same standard as the really rather good food. The menu mixes pub grub staples with some more…
Opal Lounge
51 George Street, New Town,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2HT
This labyrinthine, subterranean bar/restaurant below George Street is a stylish venue for a meal, a quiet drink, or, very late in the day, a spot of clubbing. The mood is funky and très chic, with a motif of hot-pink and 1970s stylised flowers - the…
A Room in the West End
26 William Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 7NH
A cheery atmosphere awaits in a Room in the West End in the basement under Teuchters pub in William Street. With its red walls, chunky furniture and three wee booths at the back if you want a bit of privacy, the style is informal. Here you’ll find…
Bar 50
50 Blackfriars Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1NE
Set inside a shiny modern hostel and marketing itself squarely at its backpacker residents and the students from the halls next door, Bar 50 is the kind of place it’s easy to walk past. While not exactly a hidden gem, its location and focus on cheap…
The Boat House
22 High Street,
South Queensferry,
City of Edinburgh,
EH30 9PP
The undisputed gem in South Queensferry’s culinary crown, The Boat House has great Rail Bridge views, relaxed surrounds and a confident, creative pair of hands in the kitchen. Split into two parts – with a newly renovated seating area upstairs sans…
Hellers Kitchen
15 Salisbury Place,
Edinburgh,
EH9 1SL
Richard and Michelle Heller have moved on from the popular New Bell in Causewayside, and Hellers Kitchen (previously their second string) is now basking in the full focus of their attention. It’s your typical friendly wee neighbourhood bistro, but…
A Room in Leith
1c Dock Place,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6LU
With its prime waterfront setting, complete with large wooden conservatory, outdoor dining terrace and even a small floating pontoon, the Leith outpost of the 'A Room In …' chain is a busy and buzzing destination. There is more than a little European…
The Jam House
5 Queen Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1JE
Dusky purple lights cast romantic shadows on the walls of this funky, jazz-centric venue once occupied by BBC Scotland. Guests dine on the balcony above the main stage where soulful musicians entertain throughout the evening. A fixed-price set menu with…
Metropole
33 Newington Road,
Edinburgh,
EH9 1QR
Taken over recently by the folks who make Canonmills’ Circle Café go round so nicely, the improvements at Metropole are clear. Always a pleasant, airy space, the mix and match floral crockery remains, as do the diner-style booths, though they’ve been…
110 Restaurant
Genting Club, 124 Dundee Street, Fountainpark,
Edinburgh,
EH11 1AF
Genting Club Fountainpark was formerly known as Edinburgh Circus Casino.
Situated at Fountainpark in the heart of the Capital, moments from Edinburgh Castle, you will be sure to have a fantastic time.
Whether you are planning to celebrate a night…
Chez Jules
109 Hanover Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1DJ
It's twenty years since the plain but distinctive red-and-yellow colour scheme of Pierre Victoire off-shoot Chez Jules first appeared in Edinburgh. Its comeback over the last couple of years – first on Hanover Street then, towards the end of 2010, a…
The Dogs
110 Hanover Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1DR
A dark wooden staircase flanked by statues of the owner’s dogs takes you up to two atmospheric Georgian dining rooms. Low lit by candles, the restaurant is simply furnished with old-school wooden tables and chairs, and of course pictures of those dogs.
Hotel du Vin
11 Bristo Place,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1EZ
Fact: eating out is way nicer than eating in. Or at least it is when the people who bring your food and pour your drinks are really, really lovely. This is well understood in Hotel du Vin, where the service is full of personality and pretty much…
Urban Angel
1 Forth Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3JX
Seasonal, local and organic are the buzz words for these bright, informal, modern bistros. A high proportion of the menu is made up of daily specials making the most of what produce is best that day. A nourishing parsnip soup is enlivened with mustard…
Elliot's Restaurant
Apex Hotel, Waterloo Place, 23–27 Waterloo Place,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3BH
Competing with hundreds of bars and eateries, it’s a hard-knock life for hotel restaurants in Edinburgh. Elliot’s, part of the Apex chain’s Waterloo Place hotel, does its best to keep guests in and even tempt the locals along with some smart deals…
Home Bistro
41 West Nicolson Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9DB
Quite why owners Richard Logan and Rowland Thomson chose to homage the seventies with their charming bistro isn’t clear, though the wallpaper, trio of flying ducks and elongated wooden antelopes are endearingly quirky. But the nostalgia ends right where…
Le Monde
16 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2PF
If you’re an Edinburgh WAG looking for a bite to eat before a night on the town with your footballer boyfriend, Le Monde will be one of your first choices. The world is your oyster in this boutique hotel with international themed bedrooms, dining areas…
North Bridge Brasserie
20 North Bridge,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1YT
If you wish a little 19th-century grandeur with your dinner, the North Bridge Brasserie will fit the bill. Now a hotel but originally the home of the Scotsman newspaper, dark wood panelling and marble columns give a period feel, while the adjacent bar…
Teuchters Landing
1c Dock Place,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6LU
The pub sister of the A Room In… chain of restaurants, both Teuchters are directly connected to the Leith and West End branches of the restaurant. As if offering a frankly stunning range of alcohol (over 90 single malts in Teuchters; a wealth of…
The Cellar Door
44–46 George IV Bridge,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1EJ
Located on the Old Town's busy George IV Bridge, the Cellar Door dishes up sweet treats and coffee in a small street-level patisserie, while hidden from view downstairs is the restaurant. The unassuming interior has high ceilings, warm beige walls and…
Rick’s
55a Frederick Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1LH
A stalwart of Edinburgh’s style bar scene for over a decade, Rick’s is gently re-inventing itself with accessible, casual dining at its heart. The space works well, divided by banquettes and wood panels into lots of cosy nooks and crannies, all…
Smoke Stack
53–55 Broughton Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3RJ
A meat-lovers’ mecca since 1996, Smoke Stack reinforces its menu’s focus on beef with its spartan interior, the deep-crimson walls visually echoing the shade of a quiveringly rare fillet steak. While there are salads, fajitas and a few vegetarian…
The Terrace Brasserie
Royal Terrace Hotel, 18–22 Royal Terrace,
Edinburgh,
EH7 5AQ
Situated on one of the grandest Georgian streets in Edinburgh is the dining-room of the Royal Terrace Hotel. The concise menu features some interesting ideas that lift it above the usual brasserie fare. For starters the soft sweetness of the scallops is…
Toast
146 Marchmont Road,
Edinburgh,
EH9 1AQ
Marchmont's residents have been withholding information from the rest of the city: they have jealously guarded the fact that Toast, tucked up at the top of Marchmont Road, is such a delight. It's understandable, given that queues for seats in the small…
E:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an Irishman
46 Queen Charlotte Street,
Edinburgh,
EH6 7EX
Located just off the Links this modern split-level bistro draws in both Leith professionals and passing visitors. The restaurant’s name is a reference to the nationalities of the guys behind the venture: the Scotsman has since left, the Englishman is…
Indigo Yard
7 Charlotte Lane,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4QZ
While not as conspicuously trendy as some of its West End neighbours, Indigo Yard’s exposed walls and unusual shape create a cosy, cave-like feel – although at weekends it can be cramped. It’s a popular spot for a tipple, with 15 beers on tap, another…
Iris
47a Thistle Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1DY
It’s hard to leave Thistle Street without eating a great meal somewhere, but Iris easily holds its own in this competitive neighbourhood in which every square foot of restaurant space is put to work. Here, however, soft panelling and carpeting in a…
Ivory Lounge
126–128 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4JN
For an after-work drink and bite to eat the Ivory Lounge is a comfortable option. A flamboyant entrance with patterned mirrors and upholstered seating gives way to a large bar and dining area. Part of a chain of similar bars, the interior is a…
Maxies Bistro and Wine Bar
5b Johnston Terrace,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2PW
An up-to-date review of Maxies will appear here shortly …
One Square
1 Festival Square,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9SR
The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa may struggle to call itself the loveliest looking hotel in Edinburgh, but it does have an outlook to rival its fellow big hitters. You can make the most of it at the rooftop Spa or, now, the revamped bar and brasserie…
Porto & Fi on the Mound
9 North Bank Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2LP
Those who cherish Porto and Fi's café in Newhaven will feel right at home in this city centre offshoot. The morning rolls and muffins, gorgeously Bunterish home-made cakes plus dishes adaptable to a light lunch or hearty supper are all here. But while…
The Shore Bar & Restaurant
3 The Shore,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6QW
Down by the water in Leith this dark wood-paneled bar is strong on seafood, served by attentive staff in a pub that has retained is character and friendly informal atmosphere. Loch Fyne oysters taste as fresh as the crest of a wave, sweet and plump and…
Tigerlily
125 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4JN
Tigerlily is the flagship venue for the Montpelier Group, a set of well-liked, bold restaurants and bars in the city, centred around this boutique hotel, restaurant and bar on George Street. The restaurant layout is charmingly haphazard, with mismatched…
Urban Angel
121 Hanover Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1DJ
Seasonal, local and organic are the buzz words for these bright, informal, modern bistros. A high proportion of the menu is made up of daily specials making the most of what produce is best that day. A nourishing parsnip soup is enlivened with mustard…
The Voodoo Rooms
19a West Register Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2AA
While the food may not claim as much focus as the music, events and super-smashing cocktail list in the sexy, sultry and edgy Voodoo Rooms, it's more than just an afterthought. Tucked beside the main bar, a small, black linen and leather restaurant…
Agenda
92/98 Corstorphine Road,
Edinburgh,
EH12 8AT
Glass-fronted and set back from St John's Road on the main Corstorphine drag, Agenda is a bar, restaurant and hotel. In the comfy bar area, which contains scattered leather sofas, you'll find a younger crowd drinking and listening to the latest tunes.
Amicus Apple
17 Frederick Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2EY
Although you may expect to pay a premium for food at a cocktail bar betwixt George Street and the Castle, Amicus Apple manages to buck the trend. On weekdays it offers 2-for-1 meals for those who book online and with the recent introduction of a £5…
Browns Bar & Brasserie
131–133 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4JS
A decent all-round package should be an upmarket chain’s stock in trade, and Browns Bar and Brasserie in George Street has a slick take on most eating and drinking options. The chandelier wouldn’t disgrace Phantom of the Opera, while smart white-aproned…
Café Cassis
Salisbury Hotel, Salisbury Road,
Edinburgh,
EH16 5AA
Tucked under the Salisbury Hotel in the quieter reaches of Edinburgh’s southside, Café Cassis makes good use of its semi-basement situation. Beyond the tight entranceway, the interior is warmly lit, welcoming and relaxed, and backs onto a…
Reds
254 Portobello High Street,
Edinburgh,
EH15 2AT
The sign reading ‘Six buggy limit’ says it all. If you live in Portobello and have small children, chances are you’ll know Reds and its large, soft cage – sorry, play frame – in the back room, where your offspring can slide and scamper while you eat or…
Tempus
25 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2PB
Large mirrors and bold works of art line the walls of the George Hotel's plush dining room, the ceiling is elaborately decorated and lit by huge chandeliers. Understated it isn’t but, despite the opulent surroundings the atmosphere is one of casual…
Bia Bistrot
19 Colinton Road,
Edinburgh,
EH10 5DP
'I do the food and he does the booze and the money.' It obviously works, because Roisin and Matthias Llorente’s unassuming little eatery in a run of shops near Morningside’s Holy Corner has won a Michelin mention and a following of locals who, if they…
Bigos
277 Leith Walk,
Edinburgh,
EH6 8PD
There is a home-spun image created by the rough hewn wooden word 'Bigos' nailed on to the front of this tiny restaurant. And despite the dangerous looking agricultural implements and animal skins hanging on the walls, Bigos does without doubt have a…
Café Rouge
43 Frederick Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 1EP
The name conjures up a cosy bistro on La Rive Gauche. Yet, while the chansons belt forth from the stereo and the menu features a handful of familiar regional specialities such as boeuf bourguignon, there's nothing particularly intimate about Café Rouge.
The Dome Grill Room
14 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2PF
Edinburgh’s George Street doesn’t lack fine buildings, but even so the Dome’s imposing pillared and porticoed street frontage makes quite a statement. The interior is every bit as grand: the Grill Room was originally a 19th-century banking hall, and…
Good Seed Bistro
101/102 Dalry Road,
Edinburgh,
EH11 2DW
With terracotta flagstones, dark red walls and dim lighting there’s a definite Mediterranean feel to the surroundings at Good Seed, in keeping with the food. It’s one of a clutch of good restaurants now established in an area that was long…
Katie's Diner
12 Barclay Terrace,
Edinburgh,
EH10 4HP
Katie’s Diner, Kate and Geoff Ness’s friendly neighbourhood eatery, has been satisfying Bruntsfield locals for more than a decade now and it’s easy to see why: its small but welcoming interior, filled with an eclectic mix of bric-a-brac and photos of…
Kyloe Restaurant & Grill
The Rutland Hotel, 1–3 Rutland Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2AE
Kyloe, previously the Restaurant at the Rutland, has been reborn as a place for all things beef. Occupying a grand, first floor space, it’s decked out with cowhide booths and other bovine-themed furnishings. The playful interior, however, belies a…
Museum Brasserie
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1JF
They invented a lot of stuff, did the Scots, and many of those inventions are on display at the all-new National Museum of Scotland. The equally all-new Museum Brasserie echoes this pioneering spirit by quietly reinventing the tourist attraction dining…
Negociants
45–47 Lothian Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1HB
Negociants celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year as one of the most popular bars among Edinburgh’s student population. Year-round the place bustles, particularly at weekends, while the Edinburgh Festival brings a tourist clientele attracted by…
Sygn
15 Charlotte Lane,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4QZ
Sygn’s geometric print wallpaper, grey fabrics and beech tables create a retro-chic vibe that’s simple yet elegant, proving to George Street’s style bars that you don’t need to be ostentatious to be cool. And if you can resist the temptation to go home…
The Water of Leith Café Bistro
52 Coburg Street,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6HJ
Set on a sunny corner beside the water of Leith this bright little café-bistro draws locals, families and couples alike with its quality food and friendly ambience. A printed menu covers the basics but the blackboard is the main show here, presenting a…
Whiski Rooms
4, 6 & 7 North Bank Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2LP
Despite sitting in the heart of tourist territory, Whiski Rooms attracts a mixture of diners including professionals, locals of all ages and students, as well as the expected flow of visitors. Created in 2011 from a former bank and bookshop, the Whiski…
Bisque Bar & Brasserie
Bruntsfield Hotel, 69 Bruntsfield Place,
Edinburgh,
EH10 4HH
Bisque is the restaurant for the Bruntsfield Hotel, next to Bruntsfield Links, found down a set of steps from the car park. Unassuming at the front, the focus inside is on a wall of glass leading into an unusually large, paved, afternoon sun-trap…
Blonde
75 St Leonard's Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9QR
Relaxed neighbourhood bistro Blonde occupies a quiet spot on St Leonard's, not far from the hustle and bustle of student-filled South Clerk Street. Its two unassuming dining spaces are clean, minimal and simply furnished, with blonde wood and large…
Cafe Hub
Castlehill, Royal Mile,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2NE
Glowering imposingly from the very top of the High Street, the black Gothic splendour of the Hub was transformed when it became the official home of the Edinburgh International Festival, with a now entirely contemporary interior which glows with colour…
Café Renroc
91 Montgomery Street,
Edinburgh,
EH7 5HZ
Open from early in the morning until late, this corner café is the heart of its very own little local scene and a hub for Hillsiders, with frequent live music, poetry and story-telling evenings, even featuring – of all things – a beauty salon…
Charleston Restaurant
Gala Maybury Casino, 5 South Maybury Road,
Edinburgh,
EH12 8NE
To travel beyond the front desk of this neon-lit 1920s landmark you must first join Gala Casinos, surrender an ID, register your name and address and look into one of the many wall cameras for a photograph. Now free to roam, diners walk up the art deco…
Diner 7
7 Commercial Street,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6JA
Leith certainly has its fair share of restaurants, but in among the fine dining and the seafood platters it would be an oversight to miss the narrow entrance to this laid-back burger and steak specialist. Inside it’s simply decorated (if you discount…
La Fontana
1 Howard Street, Canonmills, New Town,
Edinburgh,
EH3 5JP
The arrival of La Fontana in mid-2006 continues the Mediterranean tradition for this prominent, but ever-changing Canonmills site. The neon 'Ristorante Italiano' sets the tone for a faux-brick bar and rousing Italian pop music. There are more than two…
La Garrigue Bistro
88 Commercial Street,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6LX
La Garrigue has a 'wee brother' operation down on Commercial Quay in Leith; set in the former Daniel's, it has much more of the classic French bistro about it, serving up coq au vin, tartiflette, confit duck leg and simple omelettes, pasta bowls or fish…
Itchycoo Bar & Kitchen
80 High Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 1TH
Sleek and glossy, the tables in the Radisson Blu’s Itchycoo are wisely clustered round a small central bar area, helping a buzzy atmosphere to form even with relatively few diners. The lounge menu is available all day, and is exactly what you’d expect…
The Magnum Restaurant & Bar
1 Albany Street,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3PY
A genuinely warm welcome and an impressive côte de boeuf are but two memorable highlights of a visit to the Magnum. Or, there’s the light, thin pastry of crab and Lammermuir smoked cheese tart and its unusual accompanying salad of red peppers and smoked…
Montpeliers Bar and Brasserie
159–161 Bruntsfield Place,
Edinburgh,
EH10 4DG
A favourite of Bruntsfield’s young professional set for two decades, the apparently recession-proof Montpeliers sowed the seed for a successful and diverse group of bars and restaurants including George Street glam joints Tigerlily and Rick’s. Here…
Ocean Kitchen Bar & Grill
Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6JJ
A shopping mall wouldn’t be everyone’s choice of an ideal dining experience, and slap bang in the middle of the main food court, Ocean Kitchen Bar & Grill isn’t the most atmospheric dining experience. However, if you’re lucky enough to get a seat by…
Oscars Bar and Grill
1–2 Moat Place,
Edinburgh,
EH14 1NY
Considering its off-centre, primarily residential location, Oscars is a surprising find. Where perhaps a ‘Queen Vic’ style local is expected, the reality is more of a gastro-experience, with ambient lighting, comfortable seating and impressive…
Pink Olive
55–57 West Nicolson Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9DB
Tucked in beside the Fringe hotspot of Bristo Square, Pink Olive is a charming, snug, family-run and eponymous bistro. Olive, the owner’s gran, supplies the rhubarb from her garden, and granddad-in-law grows the apples for the delightful chutney which…
Double Dutch
27–29 Marshall Street,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9BJ
Under new management since the summer of 2008, but still trading under the same name, any former Dutch influence which this café boasted has long since disappeared. There’s plenty to take its place, although it could be argued that the extensiveness of…
First Coast
97–101 Dalry Road,
Edinburgh,
EH11 2AB
Anyone who believes great food can’t be found west of Haymarket is missing out. First Coast’s marine wainscoting, cream walls and natural wood create a serene blend of smart, bright and comforting. So it is with the food. A menu featuring grain salad…
Hadrian's Brasserie
The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 2EQ
Hadrians may be located within the iconic Balmoral Hotel, but it manages to avoid the usual hotel restaurant curse of deserted dining rooms and sub-par food by enticing in locals with tempting menus which change frequently. Service is faultless, with…
The Hudson Hotel
7–11 Hope Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4EL
On first appearance there is very little to lift the Hudson out of that popular subcategory of pub that should perhaps be termed 'elegant Edinburgh bars that also serve food'. Like so many it is a haven of shining dark wood, subtle lighting and leather.
Leith Lynx
100-102 Constitution Street,
Edinburgh,
EH6 6AW
Since taking over Leith Lynx in July 2011 new owner and chef John Winnik has overhauled the menu and modernised the cooking. The dishes make good use of seasonal ingredients sourced locally – as a result the menu changes constantly and offers plenty of…
The Living Room
113–115 George Street,
Edinburgh,
EH2 4JN
The large dining room, filled with business people and tourists easing into the cream leather booths, oozes laid-back sophistication. It is all surface shine, with smart, attentive staff and vases of orchids, but the substance, the food, doesn’t quite…
Metro West End Brasserie
Apex European Hotel, 90 Haymarket Terrace,
Edinburgh,
EH12 5LQ
Smart contemporary décor and the west end location of Metro Brasserie make it an obvious destination for business professionals and tourists alike, just a five-minute walk from Haymarket train station. The same menu applies for lunch and dinner, but…
Mums Great Comfort Food
4a Forrest Road,
Edinburgh,
EH1 2QN
Whoever the mysterious Mum was, she clearly had no time for airs and graces. Mum’s is the original Monster Mash from back in 2003, but this incarnation appeared in 2010 and has been keeping the army of dedicated fans full of robust, no-nonsense cooking…
Parliament House Hotel
15 Calton Hill,
Edinburgh,
EH1 3BJ
Situated in the heart of the city, the Parliament House Hotel is the perfect place to explore cosmopolitan Edinburgh. In just a few minutes, you can walk to the world famous Princes Street, and the main business community, shopping and entertainment…
Porto & Fi
47 Newhaven Main Street,
Edinburgh,
EH6 4NQ
Open views across the Firth of Forth make this bright, modern café-bistro the ideal place to admire Edinburgh’s stunning seascape. Indeed, a love of this setting is evident in everything from the artist paintings on display to the owners' sourcing of…
Samphire Seafood Bar and Grill at Orocco Pier
17 High Street,
South Queensferry,
City of Edinburgh,
EH30 9PP
As the go-to destination for a drink in South Queensferry, Orocco Pier’s stunning views of the Forth Rail and Road Bridge ensure it’s a popular haunt with the many locals and visitors seeking a stylish place to hang out. While the Antico bar at Orocco…
Santo's Bistro
23 Canning Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 8EG
In the context of the starkly oppressive high-rise offices off Lothian Road, this family-run café is a welcome retreat in which to linger over comforting daily specials or grab lunch to go. With their older sister Locanda De Gusti – one of Edinburgh’s…
The Suburban Pantry
12 Hillhouse Road, Blackhall,
Edinburgh,
EH4 2AG
Take one modest space in a run of suburban shops. Add a chef who cooks fresh food with imagination and care. Stir in a partner with an eye for interior design, and who waits tables with a smile. Result: full house for dinner Thursday to Saturday and a…
Ten Hill Place
10 Hill Place,
Edinburgh,
EH8 9DS
Surrounded by academia and festival venues, Ten Hill Place is ideally placed for a great bistro. But hotel restaurants so often fail to shine, and whether or not Ten Hill Place rises above its peers depends on a major refurbishment which the owner, the…
Timberyard
10 Lady Lawson Street,
Edinburgh,
EH3 9DS
A planned opening for June 2012, Timberyard is the ambitious from-scratch new bistro-restaurant from the Radford family, best known from their days steering Atrium and Blue on the floors above the Traverse Theatre. The new venture is nearby, in fact, in…
