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 Imaginatively cosmopolitan vegetarian |
5 Hunter Square Royal Mile Edinburgh EH1 1QW United Kingdom +44 131 226 1112 http://subscriber.scoot.co.uk/... |
This funkily refurbished restaurant is located just off the Royal Mile. Its cosmopolitan vegetarian cuisine attracts a mixed crowd. Both menu and decor are a revelation in color and taste. The interior is an inviting melange of dark red, cream and rich walnut furniture. Food-wise, expect a choice of beautifully executed classics, such as ratatouille or stir fry vegetables with an imaginative twist. They aim to use mainly organic and local produce in their wonderful starters, freshly made soups, salads, delicious desserts and tasty selection of snacks. It's never been such a pleasure to eat healthily. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Cheap and funky |
48-50 Constitution Street Leith Edinburgh EH6 6RS United Kingdom +44 131 467 7527 |
Popular since it first opened in the mid 1990s, this young and vibrant bar offers a particularly good range of beers. There is also a pleasant garden for the days when you want a little fresh air with your alcohol and the bar sometimes hosts live music nights from mainly local bands. It is small and bustling and has a great atmosphere, situated as it is near the attractive dockland area. Bar Java is a great place to be (or stay - Bed and Breakfast is available) especially during the Edinburgh International Festival and Hogmanay, when there's always an interesting crowd. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Heaving hip-hop vodka bar |
54 George IV Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1EJ United Kingdom +44 131 225 6936 |
Bar Kohl was established in 1993 and claims to have been the Isle's first vodka bar. There are about 250 varieties of vodka to sample, including no less than 54 Finlandias flavors, including Strawberries and Cream, Cherry Pie and Highland Toffee. For those wanting to mix their tipples, there is a wide range of nips and a good selection of bottled beers. The decor is a minimalist mixture of wooden floorboards, long tables, church pews, steel chandeliers and the ubiquitous star logo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alasdair Duncan |
 Beer by the Castle |
80 West Bow Edinburgh EH1 2HH United Kingdom +44 131 226 7667 |
The Bow Bar has everything you could possibly wish for from a traditional Scottish pub, including a superb location just below Edinburgh Castle. Inside there are over 140 malt whiskies and no pretensions. It is usually busy, and there are no games or music to fray the nerves, just a straightforward pub ambience. The friendly bar staff will welcome you and introduce you to their fantastic array of real ales, whiskeys, vodkas, gins and 24 different rums. So sit back and enjoy the earthy, gentle bustle of a really good pub. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Dalrymple |
 Photo: Bon-ee |
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Economical Food al Romano |
64 South Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1LS United Kingdom +44 131 557 3777 |
Ciao Roma is a large restaurant spans two floors and is very convenient for the Edinburgh Festival Theatre. The decor is all classical statues and pillars and the service is swift and efficient. These factors attract a mixed clientele, from students to families, all in search of great Italian food at excellent value for money. The two course set lunch with a complimentary glass of house wine will set you back a molto economico £6. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Buffy |
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Award-winning French aplomb |
13 Randolph Crescent (The French Institute) Edinburgh EH3 7TT United Kingdom +44 131 225 5685 |
This is only open during the early afternoon and is the perfect venue for lingering in sophisticated French aplomb. The menu is accomplished and changes daily - starters typically consist of a light pate` or home-made soup, the main course being fish or meat served with salad, and desserts can be French cheese or a much revered home-made pastry. The set-lunch will only cost you GBP6.65, although dishes can be bought separately - the minimum spend is GBP5. It is unlicensed, corkage fee is GBP1. The food is laced with an unpretentious, home-made touch and the location is satisfyingly appropriate; the restaurant lies downstairs from the Institut Francais D'Ecosse. This is altogether a splendid way to while away the day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cosy boozy retreat |
15 Market Street Edinburgh EH1 1DE United Kingdom +44 131 225 1084 |
This popular joint is behind Waverley Station and opposite the Fruitmarket Gallery. Whatever your preference, the varied Euro-British menu is sure to fuel your discourse whilst the wine helps it flow. The bar is tucked away upstairs - its cosy feel makes it a favourite retreat for contemplative intellectuals and the press. So, go ahead, discuss Proust or Picasso, disclose some star's sordid secrets or just relax and watch the mix of characters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christopher Welte |
 Photo: Ninian Reid |
 Opera, ballet, symphony and pop |
13-29 Nicholson Street Edinburgh EH8 9FT United Kingdom +44 131 529 6000 / +44 131 662 1112 http://www.eft.co.uk/ |
Before the birth of the Festival Theatre, opera seemed to have no real home in the Scottish capital. Several plans for an Opera House were suggested, shelved and eventually rejected. Instead of constructing anew, the decision was finally taken to refurbish and revamp the old Empire Theatre, and in the summer of 1994 a new, glass-fronted Festival Theatre was opened. The large stages are now graced by a variety of performances, from ballet and opera to drama and cabaret. During the Edinburgh International Festival, the theatre hosts many prestigious concerts. The summer Proms season with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra is another annual highlight. Prices vary so call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Wendy |
 Photo: hettie mcfarlane |
 Photo: shannon mcclean  |
 Photo: Greig Christie |
 Photo: Woodstock Taylor |
 Photo: danielle zheng |
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Seafood by the shore in Leith |
1 The Shore Leith Edinburgh EH6 6QW United Kingdom +44 131 554 5666 |
There is something reassuring about a seafood restaurant with the address "Number One The Shore", and you will not be disappointed by Fisher Bistro's unpretentious enthusiasm about seafood. The decor is simple. Bare wooden tables are set with paper napkins, but you're not here to admire the fancy trappings. If you haven't got the idea from the address then the menu will leave you in no doubt about the ethos of the place: there is almost nothing but seafood on it. Even the wine list doesn't get in the way, being small but competent. Although last orders is around 10p, make sure you get there about 9p, any later and it will probably be full. For weekend dining, it's essential to book, they recommend calling two weeks in advance! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Lee |
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A popular and traditional pub near Greyfriars Kirk |
34A Candlemaker Row Edinburgh EH1 2QE United Kingdom +44 131 225 8328 |
This traditional pub is named after the loyal Skye Terrier Bobby, who famously stood vigil at his master's grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard behind the pub, for 14 years. A visit to the pub makes a fine break after exploring the nearby post-Reformation church and its wealth of monuments. Behind the attractive wooden exterior, the pub is decked out in a mock Victorian style. There's a good selection of drinks and a decent menu, featuring some pub standard meals. If you are drawn to the wacky and irreverent, you can buy a t-shirt in Bobby's honor, depicting the brave canine with shades on and a pint in his paw. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ian Edwards |
 Photo: Pieter and Vanessa |
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 Relaxed atmosphere and fine fare in trendy area |
47 Deanhaugh Street Edinburgh EH4 1LR United Kingdom +44 131 332 5328 |
Located in the trendy environs of bohemian Stockbridge, this eaterie serves quality fare in a contemporary setting. The new decor and sparse layout is brightly lit and welcoming. It's a great place to go for a vast selection of coffees, teas, fruit juices and milk shakes. Or, if you require a different kind of bolstering, there are lots of imported bottled beers and a clutch of cocktails. Food is served until 10pm - the varied menu includes a good old fry up, European dishes like Toulouse sausage and a healthy veggie haggis. Pick up one of the supplied newspapers and enjoy a Sunday Brunch. Between 4.30pm and 7pm on Sunday, there is live Jazz music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: tbab |
 Photo: Katherine |
 Photo: Mari Gordon |
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Traditional style pub and Fringe comedy venue |
9A Holyrood Road Edinburgh EH8 8AE United Kingdom +44 131 556 5044 |
The Holyrood Tavern boasts an excellent location, set right in the heart of Edinburgh's most historical area. It tends to be especially bustling at weekends and during the Festival period, when there is a full program of mainly comedy acts. They have six cask conditioned ales and cask cider, malt and blended whiskies, and serve decent, reasonably priced bar meals. Why not stretch out on the big, well-worn sofas with a pint of good traditional beer and discuss the plight of Mary, Queen of Scots and her turbulent association with nearby Holyroodhouse Palace. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A festival of Italian flair |
88-90 Hanover Street Edinburgh EH2 1EL United Kingdom +44 131 225 2227 |
This flamboyant restaurant is the perfect place for those looking for an animated ambience. It's buzzing and full of Italian flair, with pictures of Sophia Loren and the four tenors adding to the playful decorative pastiche. The menu is huge and reasonably priced, so there's something for everyone. Located in the city centre, it attracts a mixed crowd and is a popular place for business lunches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 National Museum of Scotland |
Chambers Street City of Edinburgh EH1 1JF United Kingdom +44 131 247 4422 http://www.nms.ac.uk/ |
Next door to the Royal Museum, the stunning new Museum of Scotland (opened 1998) details the history of the Scottish people. From the beginning of time through present day, the history of Scotland is explained through galleries and displays in a wonderful, informative exhibition. Wander through the halls and wonder at the fossils, the ancient jewelery and artifacts. Travel back in time to the industrial revolution and the Scottish position in the British Empire. Marvel at the technological advances that have taken Scotland to modernity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Chiou |
 Photo: Ruuy Lestrade |
 Photo: Heather Kennedy |
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 Photo: itsjustkate |
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Pitchers and pogoing |
43B Frederick Street Edinburgh EH2 1EP United Kingdom +44 131 226 2224 http://216.221.181.6/ponana/si... |
Located below Cafe Rouge, Po Na Na shamelessly changes its character as the evening progresses. It begins as an after-work debrief, wind-down and drink-up joint, and progresses into an ever sweatier dance venue. The transformation begins mid-evening with the introduction of a DJ, and is completed at 11, when an entry charge is enforced. The music varies from funky house on Saturdays to 80s, 90s and dance on Mondays. Grab a pitcher and a bunch of friends, and watch the night unfold. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pomp and splendour |
4 Princes Street (Caledonian Hotel) Edinburgh EH1 2AB United Kingdom +44 131 200 9912 |
Atop the Caledonian sits this epicurean epicentre which has delivered sumptuous a la carte cuisine in these opulent surroundings since 1925. In this evocative space, the walls are adorned with the original, delicate Chinese paintings and the large tables give the diners copious amounts of room to enjoy the occasion. This glamorous scene is watched over by a tinkling pianist and is enjoyed by a mixture of business people, the wealthy and couples. The cuisine is essentially French, although a successful foray is often launched into local territory. It is expensive, yes, but just the place in which to waltz around pretending that you're unreasonably rich. If you are unreasonably rich, it's just the place to lunch whilst admiring the views of Edinburgh Castle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 A walk in the park |
Princes Street Edinburgh EH2 2YJ United Kingdom |
The grounds of Princes Street Gardens stretch to the foot of Castle Rock, to the West End of the city and eastwards to Waverley Station. Dissected by the Mound, which houses the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery of Scotland, they make a wonderful green spot in the valley between the Old and New Town. Permanently saved from commercial development by an Act of Parliament in 1816, the park was completed in 1830 after the Nor' Loch was drained. Today it is a favorite area for a stroll and a verdant short-cut to the Castle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: M Grant |
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Bargain meals in a Raj-style setting |
89-91a Henderson Street Edinburgh EH6 6ED United Kingdom +44 131 553 6968 |
With a breathtaking waterside view of the Leith shore, an unusual and atmospheric setting and high quality, authentic North Indian cuisine, the Raj Restaurant has found the key to keeping customers loyal. Housed in a former cinema, this restaurant's spacious interior evokes the days of the Raj with its decorative touches and the playing of silent movies. At worst the prices can be described as affordable, eating here can be nothing short of a bargain. For special occasions, there is a large function room available upstairs. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.theedinburghblog |
 Photo: www.theedinburghblog |
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Tremendous tapas |
1 Forth Street Edinburgh EH1 3JX United Kingdom +44 131 556 7118 http://www.tapastree.co.uk/ |
There is a great variety of tapas at this buzzing restaurant - from meat, to fish to vegetarian. The menu is as lively as the place itself - it is full of vibrant, pungent tastes. Happily it is not super expensive either. For a further twist of atmosphere, there is classical Spanish guitar on Wednesdays and Flamenco dancing on Thursdays. Be warned - this is a popular place, so book ahead. Alternatively, just turn up, hang out at the bar and order a Spanish beer or bottle of wine while you wait for a table. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A modern and opulent culinary occasion |
The Museum of Scotland Chamber street Edinburgh EH1 1JF United Kingdom +44 131 225 3003 http://www.tower-restaurant.com/ |
Dining at the Tower is quite an event. To access this sleek, modern and stylish restaurant is by way of the imposing Museum of Scotland tower entrance and a great glass elevator. First timers might take time adjusting to the opulent aura. High-standards abound, from the heavyweight cutlery to the level of service. Beyond the big-cheeses on the terrace side there are great views of Edinburgh Castle. On the opposite side, square port holes offer glimpses into the museum exhibits below. The menu offers British modern cuisine at its finest. Review © 2007, Wcities |