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 |
|
Pierre Victoire's Italian Cousin |
7 Victoria Street Edinburgh EH1 2HE United Kingdom +44 131 226 7267 |
This is the Italian version of the highly successful Pierre Victoire chain. The atmosphere here is always lively and friendly and the decor is slightly rustic. The moderately priced menu offers impressive fish and seafood options, as well as excellent veal. The winning combination of fresh, tradition-inspired dishes and moderate prices has once again captured the loyalty of Edinburgh's eating-outers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
An innovative institution |
57-61 Blackfriars Street Edinburgh EH1 1NB United Kingdom +44 131 557 6136 http://www.blackbos.co.uk |
This long-established restaurant is well known for vegetarian cuisine with an inventive flair. The relaxed candle-lit ambiance makes it the perfect place to chill out and treat your taste buds to an experience they will never forget. Head Chef Albert Smith transforms ordinary fruit and vegetables (albeit only the freshest, highest quality) into tasty, beautifully presented works of art. If the mention of tofu makes you grimace, then maybe it's time to visit Bo's to change your mind. There is a warm welcome for children here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dave Fitch  |
 Photo: stewart bremner |
|
Bridge it |
19 North Bridge Paramount Carlton Hotel Edinburgh EH1 1SD United Kingdom +44 (0)131 472 3000 (Hotel) http://www.paramount-hotels.co... |
Located within the Paramount Carlton Hotel, the Bridge Restaurant and Bar is your best choice to dine, drink and relax for a while before you head for a long and hectic touring day. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, Bridge is known for its innovative Scottish specialties and cosy ambiance. Try the carrot and coriander soup for some warming up, the baked salmon fillet for main course and sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce for dessert—it will leave you craving for more. And if you are in the mood for a drink or two before leaving, check out the wide varieties at Bridge's bar. Call for more details. Review © 2007, 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 |
|
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 |
 Former station house |
Princes Street Edinburgh EH1 2AB United Kingdom +44 131 222 8888/ +1 800 445 8667 (Toll free) http://www.hilton.com |
Scottish culture and tradition couldn't be more apparent in this elegant former station house that dominates the west end of Princes Street. Inside the immaculate red stone building, service is impeccable and the decor exquisite. The old-fashioned class and luxury attract a steady stream of celebrities. La Pompadour restaurant serves excellent Scottish cuisine, enjoy a traditional Sunday roast at Chisholms,or sample Scottish whiskey at The Caley Bar. The hotel is within easy reach of all the city's attractions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Franklin |
 Photo: Katherine Young |
 Photo: Debbie Grant |
 Photo: Steve Eggleston |
 Photo: Tracey Houlditch |
|
No-frills French food in a welcoming atmosphere |
1 Craig's Close 29 Cockburn Street Edinburgh EH1 1BP United Kingdom |
This is one of two branches of Chez Jules; the other one is at 29 Cockburn Street. They're both buzzing - often to the point of being just short of chaotic. This makes for lots of character and lots of fun. It's affordable too - there's a three-course lunch for just £6 available. The food is French, without the frills and the hushed air of some restaurants. Enjoy the tasty, straightforward fare in a chatty, welcoming and enjoyable setting. 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 |
|
A great fish supper in an Old Town chipper |
148 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1QS United Kingdom +44 131 225 4338 |
The great Scottish fish supper is a tradition not to be missed but Scots Chippers don't just sell fish - they sell anything and everything that is cooked in batter! Order a haggis, black pudding or sausage in this emporium of filling food. Don't forget, that when in Edinburgh, the traditional way to eat your chips is with salt an' sauce. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: alyciamdymond |
|
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 |
|
Modern Contemporary Dining |
58A North Castle Street Edinburgh EH2 3LU United Kingdom +44 131 226 6743 http://www.cosmo-restaurant.co... |
Cosmo, established over 30 years ago, is a French fine dining restaurant that prides itself on using only the most frech local produce. This, however, does not mean raised priced- for most entrees, the price hovers around $20- well worth-it at this hip new establishment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Bistro or formal fish |
3 Hunter Square Edinburgh EH1 1QW United Kingdom +44 131 220 4447 |
At Creelers you can go Bistro-style, or you can dine in more formal surroundings. The opulence and price are determined by your choice. The content of the menu also depends to a large extent on what the fishermen managed to outwit earlier in the day. This means that the fish are very fresh, as you would expect. Mind you, if you're dragging along someone who refuses to eat anything scaly then don't despair. There are a number of vegetarian and meat dishes, and they aren't mere token additions either—comfortably holding their own amongst the fishes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
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 |
|
An atmospheric hang-out |
80 Queen Street Edinburgh EH2 4NF United Kingdom +44 131 538 7102 |
At the Charlotte Square end of Queen Street, the Drum and Monkey is perfectly placed to serve up a wee snifter to the local office crowd on their way home from work, and does a roaring lunchtime trade as well. Lots of dark wood, low armchairs and a smoky atmosphere conspire to create a gentleman's club environment, and groups of well-healed students also use it as a base for a night out. Food is provided in the equally atmospheric City Bistro which serves Scottish fare with a contemporary twist. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Inventive Scots fare |
123b High Street Edinburgh EH1 1SG United Kingdom +44 131 557 5732 |
Dubh Prais is Gaelic for blackened cooking pot, reflecting the culinary ethos here, to make home-cooked Scots food using the freshest of ingredients. Enjoy the varied and imaginative menu of Scottish cuisine with a twist in this intimate Old Town basement. An example of the inventive starters is the West Coast Broth, a light fish stew flavoured with tabasco and cream. Favourite main courses include Lamb Cutlets, and Aubergine and goats cheese, which is "served as a gateau with a wild mushroom and parmesan crust". Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeremy Keith |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
Aladdin's fishery |
24A Stafford Street Edinburgh EH3 7BD United Kingdom +44 131 225 9575 |
Something of a newcomer amongst the strong crowd of Edinburgh seafood restaurants, Fingal's Cave is "mussel-ing" its way into position. It has a broad range of seafood dishes, from the obvious to the inventive, the classic to the contemporary. Check out the business lunch deal - it's only £6 for three courses. There are also non-fish dishes, including some fine vegetarian creations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Gooey gateaux and savoury sauces |
8 St Giles Street Edinburgh EH1 1PT United Kingdom +44 131 225 6267 |
Ignore your dentist's advice and indulge at this notable patisserie. Downstairs you can get coffee and cakes - the rich delights on offer are not for the calorie-counter. In fact there are enough pastries and cakes to keep even the most sweet-toothed content. If you want to have lunch or a light supper, venture upstairs for a baguette or a quiche. Like the cakes on offer, these savoury options are very tasty. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
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 |
 Photo: wcities |
|
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 |
|
Scottish cuisine in a 300 year-old building |
209 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1PZ United Kingdom +44 131 225 1793 http://www.jacksons-restaurant... |
The decor at Jacksons is dark and inspired by medieval imagery, which certainly makes for an unusual night out. Take a seat in this 300-year-old building amidst a scene of bare stone, dark wood and hanging tapestries. Traditional ingredients like Drambuie and a variety of meats, seafood and cheeses are used in the dishes. Savour the stylish Scots fare at affordable prices created from mainly home-grown produce. After your meal, enjoy a whiskey from the wide range on offer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Beans, beans glorious beans.. |
36 Victoria Street Edinburgh EH1 2JW United Kingdom +44 131 220 1150 |
The smell of coffee is pleasantly overwhelming on entering this cafe/shop - over forty varieties are available for sale and consumption. There is a also a wide range of refreshing teas served along with homemade food downstairs. The worn stone, wood and tartan decor gives it a feeling of elegantly fading Scots tradition. Take a pew, relax and watch Edinburgh go about its business whilst enjoying a brew and some of the fine cheeses available. Review © 2007, 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 |
|
Le Sept |
5 Hunter Square City of Edinburgh EH1 1RW United Kingdom +44 131 225 5428 |
This is a restaurant just off the Royal Mile which is not frighteningly pricey and which has a bustling, arty atmosphere about the place. They have a good reputation amongst fish lovers and also make delicious and filling crepes, both sweet and savoury. If you're looking for a bistro-style eatery serving generous portions, then this Scottish-French hybrid will suit you down to the ground. There's a separate room for non-smokers and if it's sunny you can sit on the pretty terrace outside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Lively Living |
113-115 George Street Edinburgh EH2 4JN United Kingdom +44 (0)870 442 2718 http://www.thelivingroom.co.uk... |
Opened in July 2003, The Living Room offers delicious and attractive Scottish and European fare using the best quality ingredients. Made up with dim lights, long tables, fresh plants and white curtains, the place exudes an elegant and sophisticated charm. With a capacity of 140 in the restaurant area and 250 in the bar, it never gets too crowded or congested. So if you want to spend some quality time with family or friends, hit the Living Room. Check the website for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martyn Trueman |
 Photo: Stewart Robertson |
|
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 |
 Cantonese specialities |
38 William Street Edinburgh EH3 7LJ United Kingdom +44 131 220 1688 |
Specializing in traditional Cantonese home-cooking, the Lune Town is one of the capital's oldest and best exponents of this type of cuisine. Subtle decoration and subdued lighting give it an intimate, relaxing ambience. It's very popular with the local business community, especially for their great value four-course lunch menu which is available for around £7. Please note that a minimum charge of £15 applies during busy dinnertimes - this is a good indication of how well liked this restaurant is. Make sure you try their dim sum - they're some of the best around, and their duck dishes are also worth a taste. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
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 |
 Photo: wcities |
|
The Best Place To Be |
16 George Street Le Monde Edinburgh EH2 2PF United Kingdom +44 131 270 3900 http://www.lemondehotel.co.uk/... |
Milan—located at Monde (Le) is a place to go at anytime of the day. Step in early morning and enjoy a breakfast meant for kings or drop by later for some snacks and more. Come evening and Milan transforms into the most popular night spot for tourist and locals alike. After a day of sight-seeing and shopping, the only place left to go is Milan. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
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 |
|
Royal Mile's fine eatery |
105 High Street The Royal Mile Edinburgh EH1 1SG United Kingdom +44 (0)131 558 1497 http://www.off-the-wall.co.uk |
Located in the Royal Mile region, owner and chef David Anderson opened Off The Wall restaurant in October 1997 with the intention to make available to tourists and locals of Edinburgh, authentic Scottish food in a casual setting. Anderson has carefully planned impressive lunch, dinner and party menus and the food is always cooked using the freshest and finest ingredients. So, if you are in or around Royal Mile, a visit to this chic eatery is worth a try. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Dining on the rooftop |
33 Castle Street Edinburgh EH2 3DN United Kingdom +44 131 226 7614 http://www.oloroso.co.uk/ |
Nestled on the top of an office building, this restaurant provides panoramic views of the city. The fancy bar serves innovative cocktails and snacks, such as Alsatian Tart and Highland Beef Burger. With an Indian chef, you'll also find dishes, such as the Lentil and Chorizo Soup with Sweetcorn Bhaji. You must try the innovative vegetarian dish called the Fried Blue Cheese and Onion Sandwich with Pickled Vegetable Salad, Asparagus and Red Chilli Hollandaise. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.theedinburghblog |
 Photo: Jo Bartlett |
|
Paris At George Street |
16 George Street Le Monde Edinburgh EH2 2PF United Kingdom +44 131 270 3900 http://www.lemondehotel.co.uk/... |
When the work is over and all you want to do is unwind, have a drink and enjoy yourself at Paris which is located at Monde (Le). Try the lobster or classic mojito while you sip on an artisan, fleur-de-lis or choose from a list of white wines. And satisfy your sweet tooth with some chocolate fondant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Scots food and intimate basement booths |
11a-13a William St Edinburgh EH3 7NG United Kingdom +44 131 226 3161 http://www.peterscellars.co.uk |
This is a well-established restaurant that serves simple, fresh Scottish food without any fuss. The basement location provides the perfect relaxed setting for a romantic meal, with its intimate booths and subtle lighting. Choose from regularly changing meat, fish and vegetarian options served with beautifully cooked vegetables and inventive sauces. Patrons may bring along their own bottle of wine to enjoy with the meal, for a corkage fee of £2. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
Affordable French bistro |
10 Victoria Street Edinburgh EH1 2HE United Kingdom +44 131 225 1721 |
A winning combination of affordable French fare, a lively atmosphere and slick service have ensured the success of this very popular chain of French bistros. The bright interior has a slightly rustic feel with white walls and colourful tablecloths. Lunchtimes and late afternoons are the best times to pick up the set meal bargains for around £5. From 7p a full-priced a la carte menu offers some hearty French dishes. This is also a great place to grab a coffee, relax and watch the world go by. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
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 |
|
Central shopping mecca |
Princes Street Waverley Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1BQ United Kingdom |
This is popularly known as Waverley Market and was formerly a fruit and vegetable market. Once passed the sunken and nondescript exterior, there is a bright, two floored treasure trove of shops, full of stylish clothes and gifts. Alongside the mostly well-known shops like The Body Shop, Warehouse and Morgan, there are outlets selling traditional Scottish goods and souvenirs. Take a break in one of the various cafes dotted around. During the Festival, there are often plenty of distractions from the shopping, in the form of wacky street performers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Hirby |
 Photo: Gary D |
 Photo: Anne McDonough |
|
Victorian style with good traditional food |
Carlton Highland Hotel North Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1SD United Kingdom +44 131 556 7277 |
This is an intimate and cosy restaurant set in the former library of the Carlton Highland Hotel. A wonderful atmosphere of hushed Victoriana prevails, mixing the fiercely traditional with just a touch of the exotic. The main courses include some mouth-watering creations with duck and venison. The 'Flavour of Scotland' menu is far-reaching and offers an enticing introduction to Scottish cuisine for any visitor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Exclusive dining |
11a-13a William Street Edinburgh EH3 7NG United Kingdom +44 (0)131 226 3161 http://www.scotchmist.co.uk/ |
For a taste of original Scotland, come to this premier restaurant. At first glance, this cubby-hole of a joint may not appeal to the aesthetic senses, but, on sampling the cuisine, any such predispositions are quickly dispelled. Traditional Scottish fare is given twist with French and continental tastes blended in. Try the Chicken Stuffed Haggis—a specialty with a difference. The wine list is well updated and incorporates local brews as well as international spirits. All in all, it is a good experience for those looking for a good meal within a reasonable budget and a quiet ambiance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Iced mocha after book browsing |
128 Princes Street Edinburgh EH2 4AD United Kingdom +44 131 226 3610 |
There are now ten branches of Starbucks in the city and this one is arguably the most attractive to visit. Sit back and digest the excellent view of Edinburgh Castle and its environs through the expansive windows. There is a wide selection of snacks and the huge Waterstones bookshop downstairs - this makes a good refueling point after leafing through the books. Whatever you think of the somewhat ridiculous American corporate jargon (e.g. iced-latte with wings) the coffee in every branch of Starbucks the world over is equally good. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Papworth |
 Photo: David Papworth |
|
Tasca's treat |
9 South Charlotte Street Edinburgh EH2 4AS United Kingdom +44 (0)131 220 0011 http://www.latasca.co.uk/lists... |
La Tasca greets its guests with all things Spanish—a fantastic tapas menu, a cosy ambiance and friendly staff. The restaurant offers over 30 tapas dishes and paella to its visitors. Moreover, patrons can also relax in the bar area as they sip a Spanish wine or beer. Online reservations are possible and La Tasca also takes bookings for private parties. For detailed information on the party menu and booking procedure, log on to the website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Tex Mex |
64 Thistle Street City of Edinburgh eh2 1en United Kingdom +44 131 260 9699 texmex2.com |
This is a popular and bustling restaurant which is great for special occasions and group nights out. It serves authentic Mexican food with a Texan slant. The Flaming Fajitas and Carnitas are justly famous. Its Frozen Margaritas are fresh and tart using only Tequila, Triple sec, Lime and Sugar. The interior is bright and funky with a great selection of music (not all Mexican) for your enjoyment. This place has a great atmosphere and is reasonably priced. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
