City Of Edinburgh, Scottish Restaurant Guide

“Consistently fresh, bold, interesting food – forthright but beautifully balanced and absolutely delicious, and a decent wine list too” inspire nothing but high enthusiasm for this emerging star of Edinburgh’s dining scene – a ‘Restaurant & Bakery’ from Lloyd Morse and James Snowdon with traditional looks but a forward-looking menu of “simple seasonal food” delivering “outstanding” flavours. Top Menu Tip – “crispy lamb belly and sausage on mustard lentils”.

“Well deserving of its Michelin Star!” – the Radford family’s converted Victorian warehouse (originally built as a props and costume store) has built a strong culinary reputation since it opened 11 years ago and was finally recognised by the Tyre Men in their 2023 awards. A five-course menu for £115 per person is the entry-level option (although there is a more extensive tasting menu available for £145 per head).

“What a joy!” – Tom & Michaela Kitchin’s selfconsciously Scottish gastroboozer (‘Oor menu; Yer starters’) is a “buzzy” and “enjoyable experience” serving “upmarket and well done pub grub” as well as “wine by the useful 500ml carafe”. Top Menu Tips – the S&S fish or steak pies.

Dine amid the ghosts of Auld Reekie at Scotland’s most romantic hotel and restaurant, set in a collection of dramatic buildings dating back to 1595, and right at the gates of the castle. Lit by candlelight, the wood-panelled dining room is a swoonsome location to enjoy fittingly traditional dishes ranging from the Omelette Arnold Bennett to local haggis. Yes, it’s been some time now that the venue has been “resting on its (ancient) laurels”, with a growing army of critics that “just don’t get the hype” (especially since it’s “as expensive as ever!”), but for a special occasion for which expense be damned it takes some beating – as does the 600-bin-strong cellar, winner of many an accolade.

“You’d have to travel a long way to find another dining room as grand” as this sumptuous cupola-topped venue – the eye-catching old Bank of Scotland above Waverley station – which is now part of the first city hotel spin-off from the storied Perthshire hotel (replete with “beautiful” bedrooms, rooftop bar and members’ club). Some 98 years younger than that grand icon, which celebrated its centenary in 2024, the all-day restaurant, which turns out upscale brasserie fare from sharing dishes to a decadent dessert trolley, failed this year to elicit huge amounts of feedback: brunch, previously a highlight, is now once-monthly only, while the other victuals can seem “good but not exciting”, thus “not up to the elevated surroundings”.

“Such a fabulous experience” – chef Brian Grigor and sommelier Glen Montgomery man this tiny (12 covers) Stockbridge yearling which provides a single chef’s table experience each night; diners say it’s “great being able to engage with the sommelier and chef” in this manner. Feedback is not vast, but couldn’t rate the outstanding mix of food and wine any higher: a seven-course selection for £95 per person. It’s also had a string of adulatory press reviews: most recently from William Sitwell in The Telegraph, who in his January 2024 piece said it was “like the best experimental works of theatre” and “a bold and exciting glimpse of a delicious future”.

Aizle chef-patron Stuart Ralston’s third Edinburgh restaurant (he’s since launched fine-diner Lyla) is a bright and airy first-floor New Town spot with striking pale wood décor and “great Italian food” by absolutely all accounts. Conjuring up worrying visions, William Sitwell in The Telegraph’s January 2024 review praised the venue for “snacks I’d run naked through a howling gale for”, but their small plates also attract plenty of attention (and are rounded out by seriously good homemade pasta).