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The best places to eat and drink in Edinburgh
These culinary wonders in the Scottish capital prove there's more to Scottish fare than haggis, whisky and cranachan
With the news that Hawksmoor is due to open its newest outpost in Edinburgh in July – in the grand Art Deco former banking hall of a Grade A-listed building in St Andrew Square – the culinary offerings of this unique Scottish city have been thrust into the conscious minds of foodies up and down the country. In a city steeped in history, where Michelin-starred restaurants rub shoulders with cool independent eateries, we've rounded up the best, from the unique to the traditional.
Norn
Using ingredients from sustainable and ethical suppliers, the menu at this modern Scottish restaurant from chef owner Scott Smith is constantly evolving. Choose from a four- or seven-course dinner with drink matching and enjoy fine innovative dishes such as lamb rump with zucchini puree; cabbage, mushroom and wild watercress, and rhubarb milk Alexander with buttermilk. The concise wine list is updated regularly to complement the menu and is made up of smaller scale producers who use minimal sulphites in the production process. The interior is pared back and minimalist, allowing the food to do the talking.
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Founded by Ed Murray and Dale Mailley, this unique restaurant sits at the foot of Calton Hill and is housed in a stone cottage built by Scottish engineer William Playfair in 1836. On approach, guests are flanked by the restaurant's herb and vegetable gardens, a welcome advertisement for the seasonal fare to come. Once inside, diners sit at long, communal tables and can choose from weekend brunch, a la carte menus or the seven-course tasting menu, which changes daily depending on the available produce, and includes dishes such as Shetland cod, sea purslane and wild leek or lamb with heritage potatoes.
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Kin
With one of the most vibrant cocktail scenes in the country, Edinburgh is not short of decent bars, but this recently opened hidden gem is definitely worth a visit. Tucked away in a basement on the corner of Barony Street below Seasons restaurant, Kin is the first project from award-winning bartenders Jody Buchan and Sam Baxendale (affectionately known as Buch + Bax). Known for their excellent service and passion for cocktails, the pair will mix up popular classics, as well as a selection of innovative concoctions alongside craft beers and a generous wine selection.
1 Barony Street, Edinburgh EH1 3SB
(Image credit: Paul Winch-Furness Photographer)
The Ivy on the Square
It's no wonder The Ivy selected St Andrew Square for its Edinburgh site. The prestigious and historic area of the city is the ideal spot for the Art Deco-inspired interiors and exquisite menu of the all-day brasserie. Whether it's brunch on the tranquil Parisian outdoor terrace or a dinner ordered from the generous a la carte menu (the oak smoked salmon starter, followed by the slow roasted lamb shoulder with creamed potato and a flourless cappuccino cake is a must), there's something for everyone.
One of the most ethereal and atmospheric dining destinations in Edinburgh, James Thomson's baroque restaurant is situated within the rich and historic buildings of Edinburgh Castle. With banquettes in buttery merlot leather, tall candelabras and ancient dark wood panelling hung with tapestries, it's hard not to imagine what life was like for the people who frequented the castle hundreds of years ago. With dishes such as Scottish langoustines and lamb wellington stuffed with a wild mushroom and chicken mousse to satisfy the palate, with a comprehensive and award-winning wine list consisting of more than 500 wines, as well as a generous selection of whiskys, armagnacs and liqueurs.
