By Anita Draycott

“Edinburgh,”, said the writer Robert Louis Stevenson, “is what Paris ought to be.” Its magnificent architecture shifts from the lofty tenements and narrow closes of its medieval Old Town as they tumble down the spine of the Royal Mile, to the grace of the Georgian New Town. Above it all, in its towering splendour, stands the Castle. Where to dine? Read on…

  • The Fruitmarket Gallery Café

For lovely salads and homemade soups make for the ideal lunch stop – make sure you leave space for dessert as they have a fantastic selection of homemade cakes and goodies.

  • Elephant House

Stop by and view a collection of over 600 elephants in all shapes and sizes! Famed for its fabulous selection of coffees, this gourmet coffee and tea shop is an Edinburgh institution - not to mention renowned for its delicious desserts. Rumour has it that JK Rowling even stopped by here to write some of her first Harry Potter book.

  • Terrace Café at Royal Botanic Garden

A great place to come, after exploring the fantastic Royal Botanic Garden. When the sun is shining, enjoy an alfresco refreshment on the terrace and admire unrivalled views of the stunning city skyline, not to mention the friendly squirrels and birds! The emphasis is on seasonal produce, locally sourced, from freshly prepared sandwiches to soup and tartlets, everything is accompanied by portions of salad.

  • The Howard

Take afternoon tea at The Howard, a discreet, elegant, Georgian townhouse in the cobblestoned centre of the New Town. You'll feel like a guest in a chic private residence here.

  • 21212

Michelin-starred chef Paul Kitching’s restaurant 21212 opened its doors in May 2009. Based in a listed Georgian townhouse over four light, airy floors with a number of period features, the restaurant is a modern space with an emphasis on environmentally friendly practices.

  • Ondine

Award-winning chef, Roy Brett, opened his restaurant Ondine, in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, in September 2009. Ondine’s menus have been created to showcase Scotland’s finest fare and the team has scoured the country to source the freshest local Scottish produce ensuring that dishes are always seasonal and sustainable.

  • Amber

Amber is a Scottish restaurant in Edinburgh, offering the best in regional cuisine, boasting the finest Scottish food made from the best of ingredients, complimented by the widest selection of malt whiskies. Located within the Scotch Whisky Experience beside Edinburgh Castle.
 

  • The Dogs

The menu champions Scottish and British ingredients, in dishes that comfort and excite. Seafood is sourced from Fife and Caithness. Wines on the list are interesting and affordable, with some still and sparkling from English vineyards. So, 'the dogs' is to be a place for everyone who wishes to partake of great value food and wine, in a chilled environment with no frills or fuss, great kids to help, and a pretty eclectic soundtrack.

  • L’Escargot Bleu

Opened in early 2009, L’Escargot Bleu is a great addition to Broughton Street’s bar and restaurant offering. Co-owner Betty Jourjon has set out to create a French bistro that would look perfectly at home in France. The menu, name-checking Scottish producers in classical French dishes, charts some diverse territories, from an amuse bouche of calf’s heart consommé to a classic beef bourguignon

  • Skippers Bistro

Skippers of Leith is pleasantly situated in the Dock area of Leith and has an appealing rustic charm and ambience. The staff is attentive and professional. The food is predominantly fish as you would expect from such an establishment and the shellfish is highly recommended.
 

  • The Witchery

Located in a historic sixteenth-century building at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery aims to create memorable and magical dining experiences for locals, visitors and celebrities alike.

  • Restaurant Martin Wishart

Situated on the shore overlooking the Water of Leith, the eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant combines a calm and welcoming ambience with superb modern French cuisine, using the freshest ingredients sourced from throughout Scotland.