Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Shiny and contemporary cafe-bar |
197 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1PE United Kingdom +44 131 220 5277 http://www.belhaven.co.uk/pubs... |
Situated on the corner of the High and Cockburn, this bar is perfectly positioned for both tourists and locals for a daytime break or a night out. Enter the shiny contemporary space, take a pew at one of the solid wooden tables and be welcomed by the charming staff. Choose from a bewildering list of beverages, which includes some quality home-brewed and foreign beers, a good wine list and some enticing non-alcoholic refreshments. The food is fine and filling - on cool days try the soup of the day served with chunky bread. Sit outside when the sun appears and watch the procession of characters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: chris nine |
 Photo: Tiffany |
 Photo: Louise |
 Photo: Sasha Hsuczyk |
|
Sublime spuds with veggie fillings |
56 Cockburn Street Edinburgh EH1 1PB United Kingdom +44 131 225 7572 |
This place is vegetarian and owned by the same person as Bann UK. It is a jacket potato takeaway with a difference: it has some exotic fillings such as veggie haggis. Vegan dishes include veggie Chilli on a Baked Tattie. Amongst the other tasty options are home-made yoghurt, freshly-squeezed fruit juices and inexpensive freshly prepared rolls. A word of warning—the seating is limited, smoking is banned completely, and credit cards are not accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hugh Look |
 Photo: Rachel Roderman |
|
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 |
|
Chill out in cool chic |
10 Cambridge Street Edinburgh EH1 2ED United Kingdom +44 131 221 1222 |
Sleek minimalist surroundings and tall windows provide the perfect backdrop for contemplating or chatting over coffee, whilst munching a crisp salad. Try simply divorcing yourself from your conscience while tucking into one of their totally wicked desserts. Blue has a moderately priced menu, including lots of classics as well as more innovative dishes, and makes ample provision for children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Antique village of treasures and tasty cafe |
9 Victoria Street Old Town Edinburgh EH1 2HE United Kingdom +44 131 220 2241 |
Wind your way down this steep, wee street into Edinburgh's Old Town where you'll find this fantastic venue, bursting with jewelery, unusual clothes, books, accessories and antiques. Inside, there are lots of individual stalls and spaces. Byzantium is full of temptation with two packed floors to explore. It is a great place to find a unique and special present, unearth a treasure or just browse for the fun of it. It is especially good for antique books and costume jewelery. Above the shopping area is a charming cafe—an oasis of calm after the frenzy of shoppers below. Tasty food, with plenty of vegetarian options is served buffet-style and is modestly priced to boot. To awaken your taste buds try the mango milkshake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alexandra Mitchell |
 Photo: Sofia Gkiousou  |
|
Family cafe and bistro-style restaurant |
184 Bruntsfield Place Edinburgh EH10 4DF United Kingdom +44 131 228 1188 |
You will find straightforward sandwiches, drinks and snacks with superb views of the Royal Mile at Cafe Grand. Order one of their wonderful coffees and relax by the window. Evenings see this establishment metamorphose into a casual and cozy bistro-style restaurant. An a la carte menu is available from 6pm and there is a good choice for vegetarians. This is also a great place to bring the kids, as they are well catered for and it's not expensive. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Laurel F |
|
International Festival cafe-bar |
Castlehill Royal Mile Edinburgh EH1 2NE United Kingdom +44 131 473 2067 |
Situated at the top of the Royal Mile where the road forks beneath the castle, this is a coffee stop with a difference. It is the International Festival headquarters, with a slice of arts and crafts commissions. The resulting modern makeover has arguably enhanced the beauty of the old gothic church building. The signature colours of red, yellow and blue make a vibrant impact. While you scoff your mussels with saffron, and pore over the wine menu, you can admire the contemporary glass and light works around you. Extra seating is available al fresco during the festival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Delicious food with a faux-French atmosphere |
43 Frederick Street Edinburgh EH2 1EP United Kingdom +44 131 225 4515 |
This is another successful branch of the welcoming French-style chain, where the food is always well-prepared and reasonably priced. It is brimming with mirrors and Gallic art, and the atmosphere is casual yet bustling, set as it is on busy Frederick Street. The breakfast menu is excellent value and sets you up for the whole day. The extensive lunch and dinner menu offers everything from goat's cheese to seafood. If the weather is clement, you can pose and people watch whilst you sip coffee at one of the tables outside. The service is swift and courteous as well. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
1950s retro chic |
19 Blair Street Edinburgh EH1 1QR United Kingdom +44 131 220 0125 |
This fashionable 1950s-esque bar is a popular pre-club hangout. During the day it is a great place to soak up some formica-filled retro decor, sip a beverage and watch the world go by. Later on, it is always heaving with Edinburgh's beautiful crowd, refreshingly, they are chatty and not pretentiously aloof. There's also a handy confectionery counter for those with a craving for sweets. In the evenings, the place pounds with some eclectic beats, from deep house to hip hop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Katy Yen |
|
Veggie food and top service |
St John Church off Princes Street Edinburgh EH2 4BJ United Kingdom +44 131 229 0212 |
This is a vegetarian place with a relaxed atmosphere and modestly priced dishes. The Cornerstone cafe has won awards for child-friendliness and excellent service. The food on offer here is a delicious range of home-baked cakes, fresh salads, quiches and the like. Situated next to St John's church, it is literally just around the corner from Princes Street and is a buzzing place during the Festival. There is no smoking allowed and they don't accept credit cards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
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 |
|
Feeding time in a restful ambience |
21 George VI Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1EN United Kingdom +44 131 220 5355 |
Elephant House is a spacious cafe popular with professionals and students alike, and offers fine views of Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Kirk from its back room. There is wide range of coffees, teas, pastries and light meals to choose from whilst you bask in the restful ambience. Ask for one of the available boardgames and set it out on one of the large tables in front of the Georgian fireplace. Health conscious visitors will appreciate the non-smoking section of the cafe, whilst Feng Shui fans will love its balanced design. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Evelyn Weston |
 Photo: Tim Sargent |
 Photo: Gillian Graham |
 Photo: Sophia Huda |
 Photo: Bob Shand |
 Photo: ghlu |
 Photo: Bob Shand |
 Photo: Vladimirs Guculaks |
 Photo: Maria |
 Photo: Viviane Schwarz |
 Photo: diverstonefly |
 Photo: April Golden |
 Photo: Sara C. Bernier |
 Photo: Sergio |
 Photo: Kate Lippoldt |
 Photo: Katy Ryan |
 Photo: Jim Chan |
 Photo: Lola Olson |
 Photo: Amy Ransford |
 Photo: Erik Ratliff |
 Photo: Lailaspics |
 Photo: Leanne Gray |
 Photo: Stefan Sinclair |
 Photo: The Penniless Traveler |
 Photo: Kat Songer |
 Photo: Richard Penn |
 Photo: Trond Kjetil Bremnes |
 Photo: Juliano Yamakawa |
 Photo: Katyana Cracknell |
 Photo: Phill Feltham |
 Photo: Deanie Vallone |
 Photo: linda.ledesma |
|
Old Town filling station |
170 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1QS United Kingdom +44 131 220 0666 |
This is a comfy and cheery cafe serving generous portions of home-made food like filled rolls, soup, burgers, baked potatoes and pastries. It is a favourite with students and is always buzzing at lunchtime with workers from the surrounding shops and businesses. Aside from busy lunchtimes, it's a pretty peaceful little haven, and a popular place for a very well-respected cappuccino. It is a convenient place for tourists to rest their weary legs after tramping the length of the Royal Mile. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Vegetarian fare with fresh baking |
19 St Leonard's Lane Edinburgh EH8 9SD United Kingdom +44 131 662 0040 |
This is a very inexpensive vegetarian cafe located in the surprisingly light and spacious surroundings of a 19th century disused engine shed. The downstairs bakery provides the café with freshly prepared bread and tofu. Dishes include Black Bean Stew and a variety of wholesome soups. The cafe is unlicensed, non-smoking and has training facilities for community projects. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Hill |
 Photo: Laura Anderson |
 Photo: Laura Anderson |
|
Mini-bookshop & Cafe |
7 Grassmarket Edinburgh EH1 2HY United Kingdom +44 131 229 7884 |
This eclectic alternative shop has a cafe at the back and a mini-bookshop at the front with a wide range of vegetarian and vegan cookery titles. The shop also sells some imaginative jewellery and crafts which make for great, original gifts. Vegetarian and vegan food are served here, along with all kinds of herbal and fruit teas. Everything is full of taste and great value too. The place itself, a non-smoking establishment, is unassuming and friendly - you'll find it tucked away at the back of the shop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gary Thomson |
|
Wholesome and healthy |
94 Hanover Street Edinburgh EH2 1DR United Kingdom +44 131 225 2131 |
There is a great range of healthy meals in this friendly establishment. Take a pew at one of the pine tables and order a filling breakfast made up of fresh juices, yogurts and wholemeal pastries. Lunchtime options vary on a daily basis, and always include vegan hot dishes. There are various pasta dishes, sublime salads and a veggie take on haggis, neeps and tatties. There's a good choice of wines, ales, organic juices and hot beverages. In the evenings, there is often live jazz to accompany the culinary pleasures. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
A veritable veggie bargain feast |
Underneath Nature's Gate 83 Clerk Street Edinburgh EH8 9JG United Kingdom +44 131 662 4014 |
After picking up some wholesome shopping in the healthfood emporium Nature's Gate, dive down into the basement to this tiny eatery. This inexpensive cafe sells home-made whole food. Starters are available and can be anything from salad to burgers. Filling main courses and delicious desserts with a healthy twist are available for under a pound. Isabel's Cafe is unlicensed — cork age is free of charge. Credit cards not accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Excellent breakfasts in chequered surroundings |
146-148 Marchmont Road Edinburgh EH9 1AQ United Kingdom +44 131 446 9873 |
This stylishly situated and spacious cafe affords plenty of room for relaxed conversation. The decor has a political theme and combines famous quotations and photos with huge black and white checks. Linger for a while and enjoy their large selection of specialty teas and coffees in an atmosphere of intellectual calm. It's one of the best places to eat breakfast in the city as the menu includes bacon and eggs, Belgian waffles, French toast and delicious porridge (without any lumpy bits!). The breakfast menu is available all day at the weekend and until noon during the week - there's no better way to start a busy day. They also serve fresh salads, tasty pasta dishes and sandwiches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Hearty food with a home-cooked feel |
17a Hanover Street Edinburgh EH1 1DJ United Kingdom +44 131 225 1552 |
Egon Ronay's recommendation is just one of many reasons to check out this diminutive cafe/bistro. The rustic-look decor and open fire gives it a comfortable ambience. Mornings start in this cheerful basement with coffee and porridge, or homemade scones. The lunchtime menu provides the weary with light meals, inventively executed. Try the quality baking - for the sweet of tooth there is the lure of the fudge cake and other similar delights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Simple cafe and French-style bistro |
248 Dalry Road Edinburgh EH11 2JQ United Kingdom +44 131 467 7847 |
This is a simple cafe by day that transforms itself into an unpretentious French bistro-style eaterie by night. There is a cosy atmosphere and attentive service in this homely establishment throughout the day. There is a good range of basic meals and refreshments to wash down the generous portions. Le Menu is a friendly place for an affordable early evening meal and a relaxing haven in which to grab a snack and unwind. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Heavenly tea and wholesome snacks |
High Kirk of St Giles High Street Edinburgh EH1 1RE United Kingdom +44 131 225 5147 |
This inexpensive self-service restaurant is situated in the peaceful surroundings of the crypt of St Giles' Cathedral. Light basic snacks on offer include salads, quiches and filled rolls. There is a small range of beverages including a good drop of coffee and a lovely cup of tea. You will probably catch a glimpse of the odd lawyer from the courts nearby as well as passing tourists on a budget. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
West End's formal brasserie |
90 Haymarket Terrace Apex European Hotel Edinburgh EH12 5LQ United Kingdom +44 (0)131 474 3456 (Hotel) / +44 (0)845 365 0002 (Restaurant Hotline) http://www.apexhotels.co.uk/ej... |
The Apex European Hotel in West End houses the popular Metro West End Brasserie & Café Bar. Elegantly done up with fine cutlery, red and white linen, and huge wall paintings, this place is apt for having small lunches as well as full meals. Moreover, it also offers special menus like the Valentine Gourmet and the Christmas Dining at cheap rates. The atmosphere is quite formal, so noisy diners can think of other options. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Art deco heaven |
33 Newington Road Edinburgh EH9 1QR United Kingdom +44 131 668 4999 |
This is a great find for anyone who wants either a quick take away sandwich or snack, or somewhere to rest and enjoy a slower paced coffee and delicious pastry. The art deco-inspired decor in this former bank provides a stylish setting in which to devour a wide choice of dishes. The bagels, soups and salads are always very good. It's a friendly, relaxed place and offers good-sized portions and excellent value for money. Smokers beware - it's a completely non-smoking zone. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Light minimalist bar in contemporary hotel |
34 Bread Street Edinburgh EH3 9AF United Kingdom +44 131 221 5555 |
This bar/grill is part of the Point Hotel, and as such oozes contemporary class. Moreover, it is the place to be seen and to spot celebrities. Huge plate glass windows look on to the street and allow light to stream into the minimalist chrome-filled space. Monboddo was apparently a fun-loving judge who entertained the likes of Darwin, Boswell and Burns at his wild 18th century soirees. The bar offers exclusive wines, an extensive range of draught and bottled beers, lots of cocktails and house champagne. Taste some cut-price opulence during the 5p-8p Happy Hour, with all drinks. The Light Lunch menu is served from 11a onwards, changes daily and includes fresh ingredients in imaginative fusion dishes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Out of Africa |
57 Home Street Edinburgh EH3 9JP United Kingdom +44 131 221 1141 http://www.ndebele.co.uk/ |
Sip on coffee from Africa and munch on a sandwich - nothing unusual for a day in the life of Edinburgh's cafe society. Ndebele, however, with its bright and colourful decor, stands somewhat apart from the usual mill of faceless cafes. There's lots of African delicacies to try, as well as a wide selection of fruit juices and fresh salads. Be bold and try one of their famed sandwiches with exotic fillings, such as Moi Moi (Nigerian black eyed bean pate), Cape Malay (pickled fish) and ostrich shavings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nonky |
|
Pig-out in a relaxing place |
11 West Nicolson Street Edinburgh EH8 9DB United Kingdom +44 131 667 6676 |
This is an intimate, inexpensive bistro serving generous portions of globally inspired food. Revel in the relaxed atmosphere, be warmed by the site of an open fire and intrigued by the changing art exhibited on the walls. There is a great selection of meals and delicious desserts - check the blackboard for the specials. For the carnivorous, there are juicy steaks and beautifully cooked swordfish to devour. Vegetarians have a good selection of dishes to chew on and there are always treats like profiteroles with hot sauce to indulge in. Pigs Bistro is unlicensed, so bring your own booze and they will chill it for you. Corkage costs £1 and you can consume beer for 25p extra. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
