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MAC Edinburgh - Restaurants - Contemporary
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Arches


Busy bistro
66-67 South Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1LS
United Kingdom
+44 131 556 0200
This is an informal, busy, unpretentious little bistro. Set menus are available for lunch and dinner. They offer particularly excellent seafood and also an impressive range of vegetarian dishes.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Arches photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Atrium


Contemporary cuisine with a Scottish twist
10 Cambridge Street
Edinburgh EH1 2ED
United Kingdom
+44 131 228 8882
Renowned for excellence, The Atrium has certainly made its culinary mark on Edinburgh. The decor lands somewhere between African rusticity and minimalist chic. Rough-hewn tables and autumnal colours are presented with a simple elegance which works very well. The cuisine is inventive, drawing particularly on Mediterranean and Scottish influences, all wrapped up in contemporary sophistication. There is an emphasis on fish and vegetables, and a love of hybrid dishes - traditional Scottish foods are given a modern twist. Of particular note is the extensive and well-thought-out wine list, including many varieties which are available by the glass. There are also pages dedicated to sherries and ports. This is a great dining experience.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Atrium photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Blue Bar Cafe


Scottish parade
10 Cambridge Street
Edinburgh EH1 2ED
United Kingdom
+44 131 221 1222
http://www.bluebarcafe.com/
You are in for a wholesome Scottish meal when you are at the Blue Bar. Stylishly done up interiors and excellent service are some of this restaurant's strenghts. It was named for the 'independent restaurateur of the year', apart from bagging the 'spirit of Scotland' food award. 'Real food at real prices' is an oft repeated mantra, and rings true even today. In the food segment, Crayfish Noodles and Toasted Marinated Crottin are chosen time and again. But you could try the Pork, Apple and Sage sausages with pickled onions and mash. Different menus are available, such as the Blue menu, Blue Buffet Menu and even a Blue Christmas Menu! Choose your cocktails from the Blue Cocktails Menu. And then goblets up!

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Britannia Spice


Spice slice!
150 Commercial Street
Ocean Drive
Edinburgh EH6 6LB
United Kingdom
+44 131 555 2255
http://www.britanniaspice.co.uk/
Anybody interested in tingling up their taste buds with spice, spice, and more spice, Britannia does it for you in styles that remain unparalled this side of Edinburgh! Fusion cuisine from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, and Sri Lanka is rustled up in an informal atmosphere. The interiors are bohemian and look very much like the insides of a ship. Once you have docked and settled in, order the Tandoori Lamb Chops or the Macher Bhorta, which start the curry spice engine roaring! Then move on to the traditional Sri Lankan fare with Chicken Ceylon or the Dhaba Murgh, which is roasted in a charcoal oven to get the crispy crunchy texture! Vegetarians may revel in the several delicious Paneer (cottage cheese) dishes, Saag Paneer Malai being one of them. Keep the spice-o-meter going, or switch to the Asian sweets to tone down the zing!

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Cardoon Restaurant


Well-known restaurant
69 Bruntsfield Place
Best Western Bruntsfield Hotel
Edinburgh EH10 4HH
United Kingdom
+44 (0)131 229 1393
http://www.thebruntsfield.co.u...
Located within the Best Western Bruntsfield Hotel in Edinburgh, Cardoon is popular with hotel guests and visitors alike. With a stone and wood flooring and lots of lush colors, this restaurant is an AA Rosette winning establishment. Drop in for some modern Scottish delights and a nice glass of wine. Dishes like chicken and apricot terrine, pork fillet and the sweet pepper, mushroom and cashew nut Wellington feature on the varied menu.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Est Est Est


Fabulous, darling!
135a George Street
Edinburgh EH2 4JS
United Kingdom
+44 131 225 2555
http://www.estestestedinburgh....
Attentive service, delicious sauces and big glasses of wine, plus a refreshingly relaxed attitude to children make this a welcoming place. There is an extensive menu, including some great pasta dishes and pizzas cooked in a wood oven. The Edinburgh branch of this national chain is famous for turning away superstars. The story goes that after the big music festival, T in the Park, in Glasgow, the performers rushed through to this great Italian restaurant for their well earned grub. Mick Jagger (allegedly), on being told there were no tables, started on the "Don't you know who I am?" routine, to which the door staff replied that they were still full. So, learn from others' mistakes and book ahead!

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Fenwicks Restaurant


Contemporary Scottish cuisine
15 Salisbury Place
Edinburgh EH9 1SL
United Kingdom
+44 (0)131 667 4265
http://www.fenwicks-restaurant...
The South side neighborhood just can't seem to get enough of Fenwicks Restaurant. It is extremely popular with the locals for serving up contemporary Scottish meals with a French twist, in new and innovative ways. You don't have to worry about how much you carry in your pocket because here, you can order according to your budget—there's something for everyone! All the dishes use freshly-prepared ingredients and local produce—there isn't a doubt that the food tastes divine. So, bring your family and friends to enjoy a splendid night out in this cozy, friendly, end-of-the-century setting.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Grain Store


A revered Franco-Scots restaurant
30 Victoria Street
Edinburgh EH1 2JW
United Kingdom
+44 131 225 7635
http://www.grainstore-restaura...
Edinburgh has many Scottish-French hybrids, but this is definitely one of the more successful ones. Take one of the window tables in this romantic candle-lit restaurant and observe the bustling, cobbled Victoria Street below. Starters are typically seafood dishes or salads. For your main course expect a wide choice including game, beef, fish and veggie options. A visit to this revered eatery is a journey into a world of beautifully prepared and presented cuisine, with an alluring backdrop.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Grain Store photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Hadrian's


Sophisticated dining in sleek surroundings
Balmoral Hotel
1 Princes Street
Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
United Kingdom
+44 131 556 2414
If the sleek surroundings of the deluxe Balmoral Hotel and the stylish art-deco interior of this restaurant fail to impress, the menu undoubtedly will. The traditional yet contemporary French-inspired dishes make for a truly captivating and delicious meal. Be sure to sample the wonderful seafood, which includes fresh oysters, as well as the heavenly desserts. A visit to this sophisticated address is like dining in one of the new-generation of fashionable London eateries like Mezzo, minus the poseur-factor.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Haldane's


Georgian class
39a Albany Street
Edinburgh EH1 3QY
United Kingdom
+44 131 556 8407
Adjacent to the dining room at Haldane's there's a walled garden and patio, which offers a calming view and a fine place sit out in when it's warm. The food tends to be locally sourced, but the contemporary menu steps outside the boundaries of traditional fare. A two-course set lunch is quite reasonably priced, whilst dinner is exclusively a la carte. The wine list is extensive and reasonably priced. The dining room itself is light and airy - pleasingly uncomplicated - with an open fire. All in all, it's a very pleasant place to dine.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Haldane's photo by www.theedinburghblog
Photo: www.theedinburghblog
 

 
Henderson's


Busy bistro
94 Hanover Street
Edinburgh EH2 1 DR
United Kingdom
+44 (0)131 225 2605
http://www.hendersonsofedinbur...
Ever since it was established in the 1970s, Henderson's Bistro has been serving weary travelers fresh and hot food. With a menu that is as impressive as the bistro's serene interiors, this place is known for offering relaxation through food and ambiance. From snacks and lunches to fruit juices and beer, Henderson's cordial staff gets you all that you need. Also check out Henderson's Salad Table in the same premises. For more details, log on to the the website.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Henderson's photo by Philippa Willitts
Photo: Philippa Willitts
Henderson's photo by ishi.ihui
Photo: ishi.ihui
Henderson's photo by donna brookes
Photo: donna brookes
 

 
Keepers


Atmospheric cellar restaurant
13B Dundas Street
Edinburgh EH3 6QG
United Kingdom
+44 131 556 5707
http://www.keepers.sagehost.co...
The fusion of old and modern traditions is the running theme at Keepers. Descend into the vaulted underground setting, full of bare stone and dark wood furnishings, which present an atmospheric dining experience, albeit a little chilly in the winter months. Choose from a menu crammed full of old Scots favorites, spiced up with a twist of adventure: the main courses include venison, pheasant, haddock and some quality vegetarian options. If you are on a budget or do not fancy the offerings on the a la carte and table d'hote menus, try one of the great-value lunch options.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Keepers photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Kelly's


Theatre stop
46 West Richmond Street
Edinburgh EH8 9DZ
United Kingdom
+44 131 668 3847
This city centre restaurant is located close to the Queens Hall and the Edinburgh Festival Theatre - look out for some good early evening and lunch time offers. Diners on Mondays and Tuesdays can be accommodated by prior arrangement. Pre and post-theatre dinners must be booked in advance. The cuisine itself is as varied as it is excellent. This is a friendly restaurant with an air of sophistication, soothing decor and attentive service.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Martins


Local organic delights
70 Rose Street North Lane
Edinburgh EH2 3DX
United Kingdom
+44 131 225 3106
The exterior of this restaurant belies its spacious elegance. Once inside, you will also find a warm welcome from owners Martin and Gay Irons. Their obvious enthusiasm for the food is particularly endearing. The cuisine is inventively contemporary and is full of bold flavours. Every effort is made to use the finest of ingredients, including organic produce wherever possible - just one of the reasons that Martins is highly recommended in many good food guides. Wine is of a similar standard, drawing on many diverse regions in order to provide a comprehensive list.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Martins photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Number One


Sophisticated excellence
1 Princes Street
Balmoral Hotel
Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
United Kingdom
+44 131 556 2414
http://www.thebalmoralhotel.co...
Formal finery with a fifties feel, not to mention elegance, exudes from this sumptuous restaurant. The resident chef has struck upon a cunningly brilliant game-plan, take the finest possible ingredients and cook them to perfection. The result of this simple formula is cuisine of delicious finesse. Even the simple dishes take on a sophisticated grandeur, due to their meticulous presentation. It's expensive, and has no pretentions to be otherwise - some things are worth the money.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Rhubarb


Rendezvous at Rhubarb
Priestfield Road
Prestonfield House
Edinburgh EH16 5UT
United Kingdom
+44 131 225 1333
http://www.prestonfield.com/lb...
Rhubarb is cozily ensconced in Prestonfield House Hotel - a magnificent 17th century edifice with reams of lush parkland surrounding it. The interiors of the restaurant are done up in dramatic colors of red and black, with gilded tassel chandeliers suspended from the domed ceiling. Your dining experience will be elevated to levels hitherto unknown to your taste-buds! Try the Lindisfarne Oysters or the Skye Scallops fresh from the Atlantic; the carte du jour is Brit-Scot, and very upbeat. Even the Orkney's Black Gold Beef with its traditional Scottish leanings can be termed imaginative. Puddings are available but of course, so scoop up the special Rhubarb Crème Brûlée, and let the magic linger...

Review © 2007, Wcities
Rhubarb photo by Jase Mueller
Photo: Jase Mueller
Rhubarb photo by Hilpirella
Photo: Hilpirella
 

 
Sweet Melinda's


Fresh seafood and a welcome for kids
11 Roseneath Street
Marchmont
Edinburgh EH9 1JH
United Kingdom
+44 131 229 7953
With a menu that changes on a daily basis and influences from around the globe, this wee single-room restaurant does not fail to impress. There are lots of beautifully executed fresh seafood dishes to choose from, and a few vegetarian and game options to keep everyone happy. The Thai fishcakes with sweet chili sauce are a particular favorite with regulars. A large box of toys are left on hand for kids, making this one of the most child-friendly and intimate restaurants in Edinburgh.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Terrace Restaurant


Informal dining with buffet
1 Festival Square
(Sheraton Hotel)
Edinburgh EH3 9SR
United Kingdom
+44 131 221 6422
http://www.theterrace.5pm.co.u...
Expect large portions of quality food in this lofty restaurant at the Sheraton Hotel. At lunchtime, the buffet table offers a wide selection of salads, dips and other culinary delights. The chefs will prepare stir-fry ingredients before your very eyes according to your wishes, all this is included in the price of the set-lunch. There are also superb views of Edinburgh Castle from the expansive windows and relaxing live music on Sundays. A children's menu is available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Tower Restaurant and Terrace


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
 

 
Traverse Bar Cafe


Theatre cafe-bar in a relaxed basement
Traverse Theatre
10 Cambridge Street
Edinburgh EH1 2ED
United Kingdom
+44 131 228 5383
The Traverse cafe/bar is a relaxed basement venue boasting original Spanish designer-seating under an industrially cool ceiling. It's an excellent place to meet in the center of town, especially for a long brunch with the papers. The menu looks small, but everything on it is good, making it difficult to choose from but easy to peruse. Examples are the focaccia with grilled chicken and herbs, and stuffed mushrooms. There are also daily specials such as spicy Thai meatballs. Main courses cost around £4, and the bar always has interesting drinks promotions to tempt you into a civilized snifter.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Winter Glen


Stylishly Scottish
3 Dundas Street
Edinburgh EH3 6QG
United Kingdom
+44 131 477 7060
At Winter Glen, traditional Scottish fare is given a modern make-over, so don't expect any stodgy stereotypes. Amidst a comforting contrast of elegant furnishings and rough stone walls, you can enjoy a menu boasting the freshest of locally sourced ingredients whipped up into contemporary dishes such as "chicken breast marinated in chilli and lime, presented on spiced purée of butter beans and sauced with a coriander jus". Some vegetarian dishes are always available. Incidentally, the name comes from an amalgamation of the owners' surnames, so don't expect to find the restaurant in a woodland clearing covered with a blanket of snow!

Review © 2007, Wcities
Winter Glen photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Witchery


Fine dining in an evocative gothic setting
Castlehill
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh EH1 2NF
United Kingdom
+44 131 225 5613 / +44 131 225 0976
http://www.thewitchery.com/
This restaurant serves modern Scottish cuisine at its finest. The spooky gothic-looking decor in the evocative medieval building makes for a theatrical occasion. This is an Edinburgh institution set in one of the best locations in town, a short distance from the looming Edinburgh Castle. Summer allows for idyllic al fresco dining in the downstairs Secret Garden. The food has won many coveted awards and deservingly so. To enjoy the Witchery experience for a knock-down price, ask for the light lunch or theatre supper menu.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Witchery photo by Lost in Scotland
Photo: Lost in Scotland
Witchery photo by Donal Doherty
Photo: Donal Doherty
Witchery photo by Rowland Williams
Photo: Rowland Williams
Witchery photo by Andrew Short
Photo: Andrew Short
Witchery photo by Laura Kho
Photo: Laura Kho
Witchery photo by grannele
Photo: grannele
Witchery photo by martin_john_green
Photo: martin_john_green
Witchery photo by Anna Liza Villavelez
Photo: Anna Liza Villavelez
Witchery photo by Tommie Travers
Photo: Tommie Travers
 

 
Zest


Zest for food!
15 North Saint Andrew Street
Edinburgh EH2 1HJ
United Kingdom
+44 (0)131 556 5028
A cool, vibrant and hip eatery that is giving all the other Indian restaurants a run for their money is Zest. True to its name, this place is sprightly and energetic. Located in the city centre with a capacity to seat 50 people, the joint serves up a classic Indian fare. The word "zest"spills over to the décor—which is informal and modern—as well as the service; the wait staff makes sure they handle everyone with kid-gloves. What you need to try at this appetizing restaurant is the tandoori trout, salmon tikka, Jaipuri chicken and prawn palak—enough to make you want to come back for some more! Superb wines and drinks that compliment the food are available and the desserts are a must-have after the meals. Come by with friends and family as this modest venue can accommodate large groups. A great place to experience new and inventive flavors, this one!

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Zinc Bar and Grill - Edinburgh


Stylish grill
Ocean Terminal, Ocean Drive
Leith
Edinburgh EH6 7DZ
United Kingdom
+44 131 553 8070
http://www.conran-restaurants....
You can't keep The Zinc Bar and Grill out of your list when you are in Edinburgh. The local diners love to be seen and heard here, so why not you? Spacious wooden floored interiors and high ceilings are a few of the unique selling points of Zinc. You can also hang out at one of the longest bars to order your cocktails and pick your date; you'll have plenty of choice! The menu keeps altering, though the influences remain Asian as ever. Try the Thai chicken or the Chilly Shellfish Linguine - both mouthwatering and lingering in taste. Finish off with the tangy Classic Lemon Tart or the Aubergine Tart.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
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