You'll never be short of places to eat and drink in Edinburgh - it has the largest number of restaurants per head of population of anywhere in the UK. Take your pick from top class Scottish dining, stylish restaurants, cosy cafés, gastro-bars or simple snacks. Sample local ales in a traditional Scottish pub in the Old Town or create your own Edinburgh cocktail trail around the stylish bars and hotels of the New Town or you can even try a bit of both in Leith!
New Town
The New Town of Edinburgh has a superb range of bars, restaurants and clubs. There's a fantastic range of bars and clubs on George Street, including The Dome, Tempus, Tigerlily, Le Monde and Opal Lounge. All of these also have great options for food before the dancing begins.
For some real winter warmers, head to Thistle Street, where the nostalgic Monster Mash serves great British classics such as bangers and mash, pies and crumbles. Venture down Broughton Street for the hustle and bustle of the street's mix of restaurants. There's a world of choice here, from Thai to Mexican. The Basement, The Olive Branch and Siam Thani are all worth a look.
At Elm Row just off Leith Walk, Valvona and Crolla has been an Edinburgh institution since the 1930s. Walk through the superb delicatessen to get to their café at the rear. They also have Vin Caffè on Multrees Walk, a stylish Italian café/restaurant and handy for the designer outlets it sits alongside.
Old Town
At the top of the Royal Mile beside the Castle gates, The Witchery is one of Edinburgh's culinary institutions, serving fine Scottish produce in an atmospheric sixteenth century building. Just along the street, Amber, located within the Scotch Whisky Experience, has beautifully prepared contemporary Scottish food, accompanied by the widest selection of Scotch whiskies. Wannaburger, located a little further down the High Street, is a diner-style restaurant offering superb Aberdeen Angus Steak burgers along with fries and milkshakes.
Around the corner on Market Street, there is The Doric, with a traditional pub, wine bar and bistro serving great Scottish food. David Bann, on St Mary's Street, is heaven for vegetarians and a consistent award winner for its superb food. Or you could stroll on to Chambers Street and discover the landmark restaurant, The Tower. It was Edinburgh's first rooftop restaurant and is arguably its finest, enjoying enviable views across the city from the Museum of Scotland.
The Old Town also offers pubs, nightclubs and music bars for more ‘active' visitors. Towards the top of the Royal Mile, pop in for a pint at Deacon Brodie's, named after the man who inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'. There's also Whistlebinkies on South Bridge fills its cavernous space nightly with the best in live music or there's the stylish Dragonfly bar on West Port, where you can enjoy a fantastic range of cocktails.
Leith
Down in the increasingly trendy yet charming port of Leith you'll discover traditional pubs like the King's Wark or contemporary bars like the Granary or Compass. Alternatively, you could head for a curry at The Raj or enjoy superb seafood at Fishers Bistro and Skippers. Last but by no means least, Edinburgh's only Michelin-starred restaurants are to be found here; Martin Wishart on The Shore and The Kitchin on Commercial Quay.
Here's a few offering some geat deals over the festive period:
Amber Restaurant
Estate bred beef and lamb, prime game, wild salmon and the freshest local vegetables - all hand sourced and combined with 300 whiskies to create a unique Scottish culinary experience in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town. Vast range of Scotch whiskies, liquers and cocktails to suit every taste.
Telephone: 0131 477 8477
Oloroso
Since its opening in 2001, Oloroso has gained a reputation of being a restuarant that provides customers with a fresh approach to dining, using only the finest ingredients. Award-winning head chef Tony Singh serves up the best of Scottish game, root vegetables and succulent Scottish beef, to ensure that, this December, Oloroso is the Christmas oasis.
Telephone: 0131 226 7614
Santini
Santini is an altogether contemporary take on the best authentic Italian cooking, taking inspiration from across the regions. From stunningly simple pasta to the freshest pesce e carne, Santini has a passion for food, for life.
Santini, 8 Conference Square, Edinburgh, EH3 8AN
Telephone: 0131 221 7788
The Doric
The Doric offers a traditional quality redolent of past times in a historic listed premises.Ecectic dishes using fresh local produce, with competitively priced beverages and wine list.
Telephone: 0131 225 1084
Roti Bar and Restaurant
The epitome of elegance and refinement, Tony Singh's Roti has, in the past two years, built up a solid reputation for setting precedence in Indian-Scottish cuisine. Serving the best Scottish meat, game and fish produce, freshly prepared using innovative Indian recipes and contemporary presentation, Roti sets itself apart from any other Indian offering in the city. This is Indian food as it is meant to be.
Tel 0131 221 9998
