
Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland has everything from world class tourist attractions to the annual International Festival of music, opera, ballet and drama.
The Old Town with its famous skyline running from the Castle to Holyrood House offers an amazing variety of historic buildings, art galleries and museums. Edinburgh's Old Town is rich in specialist shops and boutiques and you'll find a huge choice of restaurants, bistros, wine bars, pubs and cafes to suit all tastes.
Duck's at AberladyThe country cousin of Duck's at Le Marche Noir, this restaurant is housed in the extensively re-vamped Kilspindie Hotel, some 20 minutes' drive from Edinburgh city centre.
Kilspindie House Hotel, Aberlady, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Mezbaan South Indian RestaurantMezbaan means 'perfect host', which sounds like a good start when considering this hot new arrival on the Edinburgh scene.
14-14a Brougham Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: South Indian
AbstractFollowing the high-profile success of Abstract in Inverness, the same team is now wowing Edinburgh's foodie crowd with its brand of top-end modern French cuisine.
33-35 Castle Terrace, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern French
Apex International Hotel, Heights Rooftop RestaurantIncredible views of Edinburgh Castle's mighty drum tower are just one feature of this modern luxury hotel in the tourist heart of the city.
31-35 Grassmarket, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
AtriumAn old-stager among Edinburgh's new breed of trendy eating places, the Atrium sits in the heart of the city's financial district, cheek-by-jowl with the Traverse Theatre and the Lyceum.
10 Cambridge Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern European
BariojaHaving scored a hit with Iggs, proprietor Ignacio Campos decided to add an extra touch of Spanish sunshine to proceedings by opening Barioja next door.
19 Jeffrey Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Spanish/Tapas
Bellini Restaurant & Cookery SchoolA rather grand-looking Georgian building in the heart of the New Town is the setting for this well-liked Italian restaurant and cookery school.
8b Abercromby Place, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Italian
Black Bo's'Elegantly disheveled' is how the owners describe this near-legendary vegetarian hangout in the heart of Edinburgh's 'festival land'. A blue neon sign marks out the place, and the interior is a mix of cosy candlelight with bohemian overtones.
57-61 Blackfriar's Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Vegetarian
Blue Bar CaféBlue is all about urban chic. Situated above Atrium and the Traverse Theatre, it boldly shows off its minimalist colours and style with acres of plate glass, pale wood and stainless steel – not to mention transparent chairs.
10 Cambridge Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern British
Café Royal Oyster BarA revered and aristocratic Edinburgh institution on West Register Street, the Café Royal oozes Victorian opulence and the evocative Oyster Bar is one of its most enduring features.
17a West Register Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern British
CalistogaEdinburgh gets a shot of Californian fusion in the shape of Calistoga – an unpretentious, streetwise restaurant with a shop-front window, tightly packed tables, vanilla walls and Californian radio on air.
93 St Leonards Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Californian
CentotreVictor and Carina Contini started out as part of the family dynasty that put Valvona & Crolla top of the tree in Edinburgh, but decided to split and go their own way.
103 George Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Italian
ChanningsIn a quiet cobbled street, fives minutes' drive from Princes Street, Channings is the result of the discreet conversion of a row of attractive Edwardian townhouses.
South Learmonth Gardens, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Circus Wine Bar & GrillAn offshoot of Circus Direct food and wine shop, this contemporary restaurant and bar recently moved to new premises in North Castle Street.
58a North Castle Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern European
Coyaba'Coyaba' means 'heaven' or 'paradise' in the language of the Arawak Indians, who were Jamaica's first indigenous people. It's an apt for name for this vibrant, red-walled, reggae-loving restaurant - the first bona-fide venue of its kind in Scotland.
113 Buccleuch Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Caribbean
Creelers in EdinburghThe Edinburgh sibling of Tim and Fran James' enterprise on the Isle of Arran, Creelers occupies a fine stone-fronted building just off the Royal Mile.
3 Hunter Square, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Seafood
David BannGlobal vegetarian food in groovy surroundings is what you can expect at David Bann's crusading venue just off the Royal Mile.
56-58 St Mary's Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Vegetarian
DionikaGalician-born Juan Dionisio Blanco brings a taste of Spain to Edinburgh with this exciting restaurant, deli and wine shop in the Cannonmills district of the city.
3-6 Cannonmills Bridge, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Spanish
Dubh Prais Restaurant'We have that Edinburgh rarity - a genuinely Scottish restaurant,' noted one reviewer after visiting this romantic cellar rendezvous midway between the Castle and Holyrood Palace.
123b High Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Scottish
Duck's at Le Marche NoirMalcolm Duck's charmingly intimate little restaurant is tucked away in a quiet leafy crescent in the heart of the city's historic New Town.
2-4 Eyre Place, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
DusitHidden away in the New Town area of the city, this intimate Thai restaurant is gaining a reputation for its personable atmosphere and genuine cooking.
49A Thistle Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Thai
Far Pavilions,A classy-looking Indian restaurant near the city's Comely Bank area, Far Pavilions puts on a stylish show with its etched glass screens and intimate eating areas.
10-12 Craigleith Road, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Indian
First Coast'The sort of neighbourhood restaurant we all need,' noted Joanna Blythman in the Sunday Herald. She was referring to the MacRae brothers' design-conscious venue in a fashionably cosmopolitan quarter of Edinburgh.
97 - 101 Dalry Road, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Eclectic
Fishers in the CityThe city sibling of Fishers in Leith occupies premises right at the heart of Edinburgh's social scene, and is run along similar lines to its elder brother.
58 Thistle Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Seafood
Forth FloorThe name isn't a misprint – it's simply a punning reminder that this is Edinburgh and that the restaurant (which really is on the fourth floor of the shop) has far-reaching views over the Firth of Forth.
Harvey Nichols, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern British
Grain Store RestaurantHead up the modern staircase to find this easy-going restaurant in a series of vaulted chambers that once served as a grain storeroom.
30 Victoria Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Grill Room at The DomeOriginally the site of Edinburgh's old Physician's Hall, designed and built by James Craig in 1775, the Dome later became home to the Commercial Bank of Scotland, before its present incarnation as social playground complete with a cocktail bar, garden café, conference suites and facilities for weddings.
14 George Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: International
Hadrian'sThis is the chic, stylish brasserie alternative to top-end dining in Rocco Forte's ultra-swish Balmoral Hotel. The décor has a distinct '30s Art Deco feel with walnut floors, lime walls and a splash of African violet – colours apparently inspired by the natural landscapes of Edinburgh, taking in the Salisbury Crags, sea and sky.
The Balmoral Hotel, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Global
HaldanesAfter a long spell in an elegant Georgian basement on Albany Street, George Kelso recently upped sticks and relocated Haldanes across the city in Dundas Street.
13B Dundas Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Hanam'sJamal Ahmed and his family are proud cultural ambassadors who have brought a taste of authentic Kurdish cuisine to the streets of Edinburgh.
13a Brougham Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Kurdish
Hewat's RestaurantEdinburgh's old guard may remember this address on Causewayside when it was The Marque. A great deal has changed since then – thanks to the efforts of chef/proprietor Richard Hewat, who had the modesty to name this re-born restaurant after himself.
19 - 21b Causewayside, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Scottish
IggsIgnacio Campos was determined to inject some Mediterranean warmth in this part of Auld Reekie when he opened Iggs in the Old Town.
15 Jeffrey Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Spanish
JacksonsJacksons occupies a prime spot on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, midway between Holyrood House and the Castle. Not surprisingly it's a highly sought-after destination, finding favour with locals, tourists, festival revellers and those looking for a celebratory bash.
209 High Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
KalpnaAjay Bhartdwaj's functional restaurant has been feeding the citizens of Edinburgh for more than two decades and it remains one of the most distinctive Indian vegetarian venues in the business.
2-3 St Patrick Square, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Indian
KweilinOpened in 1984, Derek Tang's restaurant is new one of the swishest Chinese eating places in the heart of Edinburgh 'new town'.
19-21 Dundas Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Chinese
La GarrigueA taste of the Languedoc in Auld Reekie is what you can expect at this cool relaxed restaurant with its hyacinth walls, Tim Stead furniture and displays of original artwork.
31 Jeffrey Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: French
La Partenope'I promise you will feel better leaving than when you came in,' wrote Gillian Glover in The Scotsman. Her praise was heaped on a highly popular, enthusiastically supported Italian of the old school called La Partenope.
96 Dalry Road, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Italian
Le Café St HonoréA seductive slice of fine-de-siècle France hidden away down a funny little lane just off Thistle Street, Le Café plays its part as an enduring Parisian-style bistro in the heart of a Scottish city.
34 North West Thistle Street Lane, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Scottish
Loon FungFor more than 30 years, this Cantonese warhorse has been satisfying Edinburgh locals and a sizeable Chinese contingent. Lunchtime deals bring in crowds of office workers, dim sum are highly regarded and the full menu covers all the old favourites, from spare ribs to lemon chicken.
2 Warriston Place, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Chinese
Marriott Dalmahoy, Pentland RestaurantBuilt in 1724 and set in 1,000 acres of rolling parkland at the foot of the glorious Pentland Hills, this re-modelled baronial Georgian mansion now does duty as a high-class hotel and country club complete with two golf courses.
Kirknewton, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern European
Mussel InnA bustling, bistro-style venue devoted to the joys of mussels (and more besides), this pulsating venue is right in the heart of Edinburgh's main shopping district - and it pulls in the crowds.
61-65 Rose Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Seafood
No. 3 Royal TerrraceAn impressively restored Edinburgh town house a short stroll from the Playhouse Theatre is the setting for this stylishly informal venue, which is – naturally – a popular bolthole for show-goers.
3 Royal Terrace, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Scottish
North Bridge BrasserieDramatically located in the grand marble reception hall of the old Scotsman newspaper building (now one of the city's stylish hotels), the North Bridge Brasserie offers a casual and funky alternative to the food in the prestigious Vermilion restaurant.
The Scotsman, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Number OneOriginally The North British, one of Edinburgh's two great railway hotels, the seriously refurbished Balmoral is a massive, noble, leviathan of a place, presiding grandly over the eastern end of Princes Street, its clock tower rearing skywards as a marker for all to see.
The Balmoral Hotel, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Off the Wall RestaurantUp a flight of stairs off Edinburgh's Royal Mile, this understated, discreet bolthole plies its trade without fuss or flim-flam.
105 High Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Olive Branch Bistro'OB' stands on a bustling corner where Broughton Street meets Broughton Place and it's easily recognised by its olive-green frontage.
91 Broughton Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Mediterranean
OlorosoThere are stunning views of the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh Castle from the roof terrace of this top-floor bar/restaurant on the corner of bustling George Street.
33 Castle Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern European
Rhubarb at PrestonfieldPrestonfield (dubbed 'Edinburgh's most romantic hotel') is the result of a £2 million refurbishment of what was once the home of the city's Lord Provost, built in 1687.
Prestonfield House, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern European
Rick's'Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, Rick's is the one I'd want to stay at': so wrote a reviewer in the London Evening Standard.
55A Frederick Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Eclectic
RotiTony Singh (owner of Oloroso and once head chef on the Royal Yacht Britannia), recently moved Roti from its original home in Rose Street North Lane to grander city-centre premises just off Lothian Road.
73 Morrison Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Indian
SantiniSituated in the same building as the Sheraton Grand's impressive One Spa complex, Santini is an intimate, minimalist venue where you can sample genuine regional Italian food with a strong Venetian accent.
Sheraton Grand Hotel, One Spa, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Italian
Shaws Bistro & International Tapas BarPan-continental tapas is the order of the day at this smart venue on the ground floor of the award-winning Saltire building.
21 Old Fishmarket Close, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Eclectic
Siam ErawanOne of old brigade among Edinburgh's Thai restaurants, Siam Erawan has spawned three siblings in the city, although most reckon the Howe Street original is still the best.
48 Howe Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Thai
Stac PollyEstablished in 1990, the original Stac Polly comprises a labyrinth of authentic rough stone-walled cellars and passages, which help to generate a highly atmospheric mood for visitors at lunch and in the evening.
29-33 Dublin Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Stac PollySituated in the lee of Edinburgh Castle, within walking distance of the Royal Lyceum Theatre and Usher Hall, the younger brother of Stac Polly in Dublin Street has its own distinct style, with tartan chairs, mossy coloured carpets and eye-catching prints on its cream walls.
8 - 10 Grindlay Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
The BonhamRecently voted Scottish Boutique Hotel of the Year, the Bonham is a stylish Victorian townhouse conversion in Edinburgh's West End – just a stroll away from the city's shops and sights.
35 Drumsheugh Gardens, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern European
The Gallery Restaurant and BarThe magnificent neo-classical National Gallery of Scotland and The Royal Scottish Academy Building together make up one of the world's most prestigious arts complexes, and they now benefit from impressive catering - thanks to Searcys involvement in the project.
The National Gallery of Scotland, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern European
The Grill RoomNestling in the shadow of Edinburgh's historic and much-photographed castle, the Sheraton Hotel makes the perfect base for exploring the city's many attributes.
The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: International
The Howard HotelA five-star Georgian retreat in the centre of Edinburgh, the Howard is a privately owned boutique townhouse overlooking wide cobbled streets close to the city centre.
34 Great King Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
The Indian Cavalry ClubHaving wooed the crowds for more than 20 years with its distinctive brand of new-wave Indian food, the Indian Cavalry Club vacated Atholl Place and headed off to new premises in spring 2007.
22 Coates Crescent, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Indian
The Pompadour at Caledonian Hilton HotelKnown locally as 'The Cally', this grand hotel is an Edinburgh institution, a famous landmark standing in the shadow of the castle just a few blocks from the Convention Centre.
Princes Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: French
The Stockbridge RestaurantJason Gallagher's seductive little restaurant has been described as a 'decadent grotto', and it's easy to see why. Fairy lights and tendrils of ivy coil around the iron railings at the top of the stone steps, hanging baskets adorn the entrance and - once in the low-ceilinged basement dining room - the mood is infectiously intimate.
54 St. Stephen Street, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern European
Tower Restaurant'Uniquely for a museum, this has become the hottest table in Edinburgh', wrote AA Gill in The Sunday Times. Perched high above the 'sandstone Sphinx' that is The Museum of Scotland – with stunning views of the floodlit castle and St Giles Cathedral – this top-floor dining room plies its trade, serving up modern Scottish dishes to A-list celebs (Joanna Lumley, Catherine Zeta Jones, Sean Connery) as well as tourists and locals.
Museum of Scotland, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Usher's RestaurantOnce owned by John Usher of the famous Scottish brewing family, this grand Victorian mansion became a hotel in 1951.
Norton House, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern British
Valvona & Crolla Caffè Bar'From market stall to dot. com' since opening its doors in 1934, this is – quite simply – Edinburgh's finest delicatessen.
19 Elm Row, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Italian
Valvona & Crolla VinCaffèEdinburgh's glitzy shopping thoroughfare built around Harvey Nichols makes a suitably fashionable setting for the Contini family's new deli/caffè bar.
11 Multrees Walk, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Italian
Verandah RestaurantRock stars, Scottish rugby heroes and movie icons have all had their photos taken at this long running Indian restaurant within walking distance of Haymarket BR station.
17 Dalry Road, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Indian
VermilionOriginally the baronial offices of The Scotsman newspaper on Edinburgh's historic North Bridge, this landmark building is now one of the most stylish hotels in the city.
The Scotsman, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
VoujonSituated on Edinburgh's southside, close to the leafy expanses Holyrood Park, Voujon is the brainchild of seasoned local restaurateur Salim Miah.
107 Newington Road, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Indian
Witchery by the CastleLocated at the gates of Edinburgh's tourist-trap castle, this restaurant's name immediately evokes a sense of Gothic theatricality - and it doesn't disappoint.
Castlehill, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Zucca Café & RestaurantA new show has come to town in the shape of this contemporary Italian restaurant on the mezzanine floor of the famous Royal Lyceum Theatre.
The Royal Lyceum Theatre, City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Italian
Melville Castle HotelDining in a dungeon is the intriguing prospect for visitors to this lordly edifice some 20 minutes' drive from the centre of Edinburgh.
Melville Gate, Lasswade, Edinburgh - Cuisine: European
Britannia SpiceThe name refers to the fact that this award-winning Indian sits on Ocean Drive in Leith overlooking the Royal Yacht Britannia.
150 Commercial Street, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Indian
Cruz Bar & RestaurantThe clue is in the name: Cruz is actually a 400-tonne ship moored against the harbour wall by Leith's trendy shoreline.
14 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: French
Daniel'sLook for the yellow sign and the chalkboard outside to find Daniel's – a long-serving contemporary bistro facing the majestic Scottish Executive Building and close to the Ocean Terminal.
88 Commercial Street, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: French
Fishers BistroA one-time pub on the Leith waterfront at the base of the old signal tower, Fishers comprises a dark bustling bar and a lighter, more subdued restaurant overlooking the shore.
1 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Seafood
King's WarkOne of Edinburgh's oldest and most atmospheric pubs, the King's Wark was a famous old smuggler's haunt, served as a plague hospital and - in earlier times - was even the private armoury belonging to James I for a while.
36 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Gastro pub
MalmaisonThe original branch of the Malmaison hotel group occupies a one-time sailor's mission in now-fashionable Leith. Built in 1833, it has an impressive baronial façade overlooking the rejuvenated shore area.
1 Tower Place, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern European
Palace ChinePart of the up-and-coming Ocean Terminal in fashionably reborn Leith, Palace Chine lays claim to being Britain's first Chinese 'herbal restaurant', with many dishes lauded for their healthy virtues and ability to 'aid and restore the humours'.
Third Floor, Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Chinese
Plumed Horse RestaurantHaving wowed the punters and gained a Michelin star in Crossmichael, Tony Borthwick decided to saddle up and gallop across to the fashionable environs of Leith on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
50-54 Henderson Street, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern European
Restaurant Martin WishartMartin Wishart – owner of Edinburgh's first Michelin-starred restaurant – recently re-opened his premises overlooking the Waters of Leith after a major interior makeover and modernisation by designer Ian Smith.
54 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern French
Skippers BistroFor more than 25 years, this unassuming bistro has been making a name for itself on Leith waterfront. The building was once a pub, but - as you might guess from the nautical name – the business of the day is now fish cookery.
1A Dock Place, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Seafood
SuruchiTurban meets tam-o'-shanter in this remarkable Indian restaurant, where giant wooden elephants and flickering lights set the mood and the menus are translated into broad Edinburgh dialect.
121 Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Indian
The Kitchin'From Nature to Plate' is the mantra behind Tom Kitchin's appropriately named restaurant in a former whisky distillery on Leith waterfront.
78 Commercial Quay, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Modern Scottish
Vintners RoomsChandeliers and cherubs are just part of the dazzling atmospheric fittings at this monument to the wine trade. The restaurant occupies the eighteenth-century auction rooms of the vaults warehouse and it oozes romantic intimacy.
The Vaults, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: French
VittoriaBorn in 1936, Vittoria has been part of Leith Walk social life for almost 70 years and shows no signs of giving up the ghost.
113 Brunswick Street, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Italian
Waterfront Wine Bar & GrillOriginally a waiting room for steamship passengers en route between Leith and Aberdeen, the Waterfront Wine Bar recently teamed up with the nearby Skippers Bistro: both are now run along similar lines and offer similar food.
1c Dock Place, Leith, Edinburgh - Cuisine: Seafood