This classic turn-of-the 20th-century railway hotel perched above Edinburgh’s Waverley Station has been one of Edinburgh’s finest hotels for over a century. Inside many of the public rooms have a classic, time-worn feel, but the bedrooms are far more modern and boutique in style. Unusually, room rates include a range of extras that attract charges at many other luxury hotels....
Castle Terrace shares the “nature to plate” philosophy of its sister restaurant The Kitchin. The head chefs are good friends too, but head chef Dominic Jack is given full creative reign here, as his latest menus show. It’s fairly new to the scene (2010) and so better value than more established rivals – despite having quickly won its Michelin star...
Café whose bustle and castle views from the convivial back room are as much the attraction as the food. And you’ll likely have to share a table with visitors and gossiping students. It’s certainly a laid-back hang-out that invites dawdling and perhaps even stimulates creativity – if J.K. Rowling is anything to go by. It was here that, as a...
A bit of a throwback to 1970s vegetarianism, but a delicious wholesome cafeteria food nonetheless. A pleasant bohemian atmosphere reigns, with regular live music in the evenings. If you like the food – check out Henderson’s own cookbook.
Indigo Yard was among the 1990s pioneers of Edinburgh’s hip eating and drinking scene; one of the first to combine a modern bar with a cosmopolitan restaurant. It’s no longer quite cutting edge – the in-crowd all frequent George Street venues – but what it hasn’t lost is its cheerful vibe and the chance to drink a bit, dine a...
Slick dining’s offered in this smart boutique-style restaurant where seasonal menus operate under the slogan “from nature to plate”. Fish and seafood are a strong point, but you might need a strong stomach for some creative items like Pig’s Head & Langoustine or Bone Marrow & Snails. The restaurant website lists the latest menus, as well as some background on...
The Auld Alliance – between France and Scotland – is alive and well at Martin Wishart’s, at his original Edinburgh restaurant at the port of Leith. This discreet waterside fine-dining haven offers the best of traditional and modern French cuisine combined with the finest and freshest Scottish local ingredients. Unusually, the food includes a good vegetarian selection too. As celebrity...
Mum’s started out as a sausage-and-mash place and that’s where it’s strongpoint still lies, with a good variety to choose from. But many of the other hearty dishes, like steak-and-ale pie and their burgers are great too. Their boast of serving “Great comfort food” is justified and, with mains averaging £9, prices are reasonable too.
From its location high up in the National Museum, the smart Tower Restaurant is blessed with great castle views and a handy location if you’ve been exploring the exhibits below. Sadly, being far from street-level, the Restaurant can be a bit empty and soulless yet the quality of the food, which is mostly regional (such as Argyll oysters, seafood, game...
Relaxed cellar bistro with an urban-rustic vibe (sparse wood and stone interiors and original features like ovens and fireplaces) and fresh, organic food, wines and beers. The blackboard menu is a good source of inventive specials, and there’s a great for range of veggie options. If you haven’t had vegetarian haggis, this is a good place to try it –...