Scottish cuisine was never traditionally renowned of course, conjuring images of deep fried mars bars and haggis rather than anything gourmet. However, with a fabulous location, lots of cobbled car-free streets and the presence of Scotland’s first Michelin starred restaurant Edinburgh has been able to establish itself as a renowned dining venue.
In every area of Edinburgh, even amidst the tourist trap of the Royal Mile or in the once seedy docklands at Leith, visitors can now find stylish, original places to eat.
On the Royal Mile
This is the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh’s Old Town: beguiling but also crammed with tourists. But there are some great places to take a break from the crowds.
- The Witchery:Often described as more elaborate than Edinburgh Castle next door, this opulent Gothic restaurant is frequented by celebrities including Jack Nicholson. Seafood is the thing to go for. Location: Castlehill.
- The Tower:Owned by the same people as the Witchery, this restaurant has the best views of Edinburgh from above the Museum of Scotland. Cuisine is traditional Scottish: think venison and lobster. Location: Chambers Street.
- Ecco Vino:There are plenty of great restaurants on the same road but Ecco Vino does Italian food better than most: it’s a romantic spot for a meal out with a great wine menu. Location: 19 Cockburn Street.
In the New Town
The New Town is north of the Royal Mile, with lots of elaborate 18th and 19th century buildings housing great restaurants.
- Café Royal Oyster Bar:Going strong for 150 years, this place serves up great seafood with a chic eating environment. Location: 17a West Register Street.
- Valvona and Crolla: This is possibly Britain’s best deli: tasty snacks are available for eat-in or take-away. There is also nearby Vincaffé, where you can try the deli delicacies reinvented in the form of tasty evening meals. Location: 19 Elm Row
On the Southside
South of the Royal Mile stretches The Meadows, one of the key Edinburgh Festival venues. Here is the home of Edinburgh University and plenty of great alternative cafes and cheap eateries: a good antidote to Royal Mile bustle.
- Kilimanjaro Café:This Bohemian café is one of the city’s best: the coffee is great, the cakes adorable and the vegetarian lunches and soups sublime. There are plenty of books to browse as you munch. Location: 126 Nicholson Street
- Black Medicine: This is another great café serving great coffee. Location: Nicholson Street.
At Leith
Leith is the former dockland of Edinburgh, now full of chic waterside restaurants.
- Restaurant Martin Wishart:This was the first Michelin starred restaurant in Edinburgh, right by the waterside and with an original Scottish-themed menu with a French flair. Location: The Shore.
- Fishers:This is another amazing seafood restaurant, with maritime paraphernalia on the walls and a cosy, intimate and unpretentious atmosphere. Location: The Shore.
- Vintners Rooms: This restaurant is in some five hundred year-old wine vaults. The cuisine theme is French, and the Scottish Malt Whisky Society is based above it. Location: 87 Giles Street
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