City Of Edinburgh, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“Beautiful views”, including of Edinburgh Castle from some lucky tables, add further to the distinction of this famous chamber, named for the year of its construction and King Louis XV’s favourite mistress. Overseen nowadays by prominent chef, Dean Banks, our best reports this year relate to special events co-hosted by Dean and other famous chefs on the site. For the most part here, though, the fixed menu format has been dropped and the menu is now of individually priced dishes with luxurious ingredients (Smoked Lobster, Beef Fillet Rossini with Foie Gras and Truffle, Champagne-baked Market Fish). Feedback on this latest format has scaled peaks and troughs – from “not too pretentious but perfect for that special occasion” to “overpriced” and “poor all round”.

2022 Review: “In the Caledonian Hotel (Waldorf Astoria)” for the past couple of years, in a space previously occupied by the Galvin brothers, Mark Greenaway's hyped modern English and Scottish venture may be a little ill-named (it's less about sharing plates than heftier options) but receives feedback that’s notably sound, including for the “fab” puds and “well-presented” Sunday lunch.

“Beautiful, austere candle-lit decor” makes the Radford family’s brick-walled warehouse (originally built as a props and costume store) in the city-centre an atmospheric choice as well as a culinarily accomplished one. It is rated on limited feedback in this year’s annual diners’ poll, continuing the high marks of last year, and ongoing reports of “exceptional” meals match its reputation as one of Michelin’s few starred restaurants in the city. The evening five-course tasting menu is £130 per person.

2022 Review: “Good all round” – this popular and well-priced Marchmont venue keeps a local crowd happy with the French-accented dishes sent out by its owner-chefs, a Sicilian/Canadian couple who live nearby. A proper two-course lunch costs under £20, which adds to the appeal.

“Small and unassuming” it might be, but Paul Gunning’s “top-end” Stockbridge basement has built up quite a reputation for its “relaxed” fine dining approach; whether you go for the two- or three-course set lunch, or the five- or seven-course evening tasting menu, it’s all “very, very good” and “prices have remained reasonable” to boot. The team also runs Dùtchas, in Leith, which focuses on seasonal tasting menus.

“Interesting sharing dishes” – inspired by the Japanese cuisine encountered by founder Stuart Ralston while training in New York – make up the concise menu at this chic New Town address. “The room is quite stark: it’s all about the food here” – a sentiment echoed by Daily Mail critic Tom Parker Bowles, who rated it “a gem” in his February 2025 review.

All Corinthian columns, marble and palm trees – the Graeco-Roman former HQ of the Commercial Bank of Scotland is unquestionably a “beautiful and opulent” space (and “particularly special at Christmas with a maximalist tree and decorations”). There are a range of dining areas in which to enjoy the surroundings, from a classy afternoon tea in The Georgian Tea Room, to The Grill Room, which offers à la carte and a table d’hôte; while most feedback was on the setting, there’s “good, solid bistro-style food” to go with it (with a “special mention to the Cullen Skink, up there with the best”).