Guidebook for Edinburgh
Drinks & Nightlife
Good drinks, good cheap food, and the place is usually done up for the season e.g. a ski chalet thee in winter
17 abantu bendawo batusa
Candy Bar & Diner
113 - 115 George StGood drinks, good cheap food, and the place is usually done up for the season e.g. a ski chalet thee in winter
A Leith Walk institution, Jo Pearce (as it's locally known) is always busy and had a great atmosphere and reasonable prices. In summer you can sit outside and people watch - if you can grab a table that is!
256 abantu bendawo batusa
Joseph Pearce
23 Elm RowA Leith Walk institution, Jo Pearce (as it's locally known) is always busy and had a great atmosphere and reasonable prices. In summer you can sit outside and people watch - if you can grab a table that is!
A regular student haunt by Edinburgh University and the Meadows. It has great prices and a great beer garden (rare in Edinburgh).
66 abantu bendawo batusa
The Peartree
38 W Nicolson StA regular student haunt by Edinburgh University and the Meadows. It has great prices and a great beer garden (rare in Edinburgh).
This gem is tucked away just off of the harbour area. The inside is cozy and comfy, the drinks are reasonably priced and they usually have the game on. The best bit is the outside terrace right on the water.
203 abantu bendawo batusa
Teuchters Landing
1c Dock PlThis gem is tucked away just off of the harbour area. The inside is cozy and comfy, the drinks are reasonably priced and they usually have the game on. The best bit is the outside terrace right on the water.
This is my favourite club. V eclectic mix of music, laid back atmosphere and usually easy to get served. It's also the best gig venue in town so has a great sound system and acoustics.
18 abantu bendawo batusa
The Liquid Room
9C Victoria StThis is my favourite club. V eclectic mix of music, laid back atmosphere and usually easy to get served. It's also the best gig venue in town so has a great sound system and acoustics.
Supposed to be good, but have never been since it became Cabaret Voltaire. I know the venue itself is awesome because it was my cousin's before he sold it. They sand blasted old caverns under the street to make the venue when I was a kid.
49 abantu bendawo batusa
Cabaret Voltaire
36-38 Blair StSupposed to be good, but have never been since it became Cabaret Voltaire. I know the venue itself is awesome because it was my cousin's before he sold it. They sand blasted old caverns under the street to make the venue when I was a kid.
A Latin nightclub that used to be good fun but I haven't been in a while
19 abantu bendawo batusa
El Barrio Latino
47 Hanover StA Latin nightclub that used to be good fun but I haven't been in a while
The best gay club in town. Right next to the playhouse at the end of New Town where it meets Leith Walk.
46 abantu bendawo batusa
CC Blooms
23-24 Greenside PlThe best gay club in town. Right next to the playhouse at the end of New Town where it meets Leith Walk.
Great decor, service and drinks. Does food too - but I haven't eaten there before. Also does live music regularly. Round the corner from the Cafe Royal - looks like you're going up a dodgy side alley (either from Princes Street or St Andres Square), but actually it's full of high end bars etc. http://www.thevoodoorooms.com/home.php
104 abantu bendawo batusa
The Voodoo Rooms
19a W Register StGreat decor, service and drinks. Does food too - but I haven't eaten there before. Also does live music regularly. Round the corner from the Cafe Royal - looks like you're going up a dodgy side alley (either from Princes Street or St Andres Square), but actually it's full of high end bars etc. http://www.thevoodoorooms.com/home.php
Round the corner from the Voodoo Rooms and Cafe Royal, so again, looks a bit like you're going up a dodgy alley, but you're not. Great food, atmosphere and drinks. One of the most iconic Edinburgh pubs. Old enough that my dad drank here when he was young. And probably his dad too.
10 abantu bendawo batusa
The Guildford Arms
1 W Register StRound the corner from the Voodoo Rooms and Cafe Royal, so again, looks a bit like you're going up a dodgy alley, but you're not. Great food, atmosphere and drinks. One of the most iconic Edinburgh pubs. Old enough that my dad drank here when he was young. And probably his dad too.
The entrance looks like a barbers - you go downstairs and through a door hidden in the bookshelves. Great decor and drinks.
297 abantu bendawo batusa
Panda & Sons
79 Queen StThe entrance looks like a barbers - you go downstairs and through a door hidden in the bookshelves. Great decor and drinks.
On the second floor of the Indigo Hotel, the bar has great cocktails and spectacular view of the castle and princes street gardens. There is also a restaurant, but I've never eaten there.
14 abantu bendawo batusa
Twenty Princes
20 Princes StOn the second floor of the Indigo Hotel, the bar has great cocktails and spectacular view of the castle and princes street gardens. There is also a restaurant, but I've never eaten there.
Rose Street
Rose StreetThe iconic Edinburgh pub crawl street
Tonic
34A N Castle StGreat staff, usual and awesome cocktails and a cosy environment.
Light, modern floral/nature inspired decor. Comfy chairs, good snacks and drinks.
72 abantu bendawo batusa
Copper Blossom
107 George StLight, modern floral/nature inspired decor. Comfy chairs, good snacks and drinks.
Amazing inside. It does food too and it's good but it's a bit overpriced. Worth eating there at Christmas because the surroundings are amazing enough to make up for it, but I wouldn't bother outside November/December - just pop in for a drink.
285 abantu bendawo batusa
The Dome
14 George StAmazing inside. It does food too and it's good but it's a bit overpriced. Worth eating there at Christmas because the surroundings are amazing enough to make up for it, but I wouldn't bother outside November/December - just pop in for a drink.
Down one of the little side alleys off the mile and well worth a visit (especially after a Mary King's Close tour). Great decor, atmosphere and drinks.
227 abantu bendawo batusa
The Devil's Advocate
9 Advocate's ClDown one of the little side alleys off the mile and well worth a visit (especially after a Mary King's Close tour). Great decor, atmosphere and drinks.
Comfy, freindly service, great burgers and drinks. They serve Koelsch Beer (among other things) which is practically impossible to get outside of Cologne.
69 abantu bendawo batusa
The Mad Hatter
8 Torphichen PlComfy, freindly service, great burgers and drinks. They serve Koelsch Beer (among other things) which is practically impossible to get outside of Cologne.
Great old school pub on a seriously Harry Potteresque street with good beers and a nice environment. Mid week can be very full of solicitors.
51 abantu bendawo batusa
Teuchters
26 William StGreat old school pub on a seriously Harry Potteresque street with good beers and a nice environment. Mid week can be very full of solicitors.
Well kept traditional pub opposite the Haymarket train station. So old my dad used to drink there as a teenager. Has great pub food.
132 abantu bendawo batusa
Haymarket
Well kept traditional pub opposite the Haymarket train station. So old my dad used to drink there as a teenager. Has great pub food.
One of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh. V traditional, next to the Haymarket Trainstation. Often does Live music.
57 abantu bendawo batusa
Ryrie’s Bar
1 Haymarket TerraceOne of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh. V traditional, next to the Haymarket Trainstation. Often does Live music.
Quirky, great cocktails, unusual food, great service, seriously comfy couches
106 abantu bendawo batusa
Hamiltons
16-18 Hamilton PlQuirky, great cocktails, unusual food, great service, seriously comfy couches
Roseleaf bar cafe
23-24 Sandport PlaceGood food, good drinks, cocktails in teapots.
Great traditional old pub with good drinks and an awesome breakfast.
143 abantu bendawo batusa
The King's Wark
36 ShoreGreat traditional old pub with good drinks and an awesome breakfast.
Really popular gin bar with a huge range of gins and selected accompaniments, as well as other options. In summer the windows open out into the street to give the feeling of sitting outside.
144 abantu bendawo batusa
The Jolly Botanist
256-260 Morrison StReally popular gin bar with a huge range of gins and selected accompaniments, as well as other options. In summer the windows open out into the street to give the feeling of sitting outside.
Sightseeing
So many people from Edinburgh have never been to the castle, don't make the same mistake. The history is fascinating and the views are totally worth it.
1961 abantu bendawo batusa
Ikhethelo lase-Edinburgh
CastlehillSo many people from Edinburgh have never been to the castle, don't make the same mistake. The history is fascinating and the views are totally worth it.
One of the most famous drinking areas in Edinburgh. I especially like the Beehive, which has a lovely beer garden.
317 abantu bendawo batusa
Grassmarket
10 GrassmarketOne of the most famous drinking areas in Edinburgh. I especially like the Beehive, which has a lovely beer garden.
It's like something out of Harry Potter. It also has it's own little Art Gallery.
Edinburgh Law School
South BridgeIt's like something out of Harry Potter. It also has it's own little Art Gallery.
This is the medical history museum. It's a bit gruesome for me to be honest, but my friends love it. It's also a really beautiful building. A friend of mine got married here and it was lovely (and thankfully in a part of the building nowhere near the museum displays!)
114 abantu bendawo batusa
Iziko Museums of South Africa
Nicolson StreetThis is the medical history museum. It's a bit gruesome for me to be honest, but my friends love it. It's also a really beautiful building. A friend of mine got married here and it was lovely (and thankfully in a part of the building nowhere near the museum displays!)
The views are seriously amazing here. And the buildings on Carlton Hill are astonishing.
1098 abantu bendawo batusa
I-Calton Hill
Calton HillThe views are seriously amazing here. And the buildings on Carlton Hill are astonishing.
Only 10/15 minutes on the train from Haymarket or 30 minutes by bus, this littile village sits right on the water between the Forth Road Bridge & the Forth Rail Bridge, making the views spectacular. A great place to enjoy them from in the Boathouse where great food is served in the bar area in front of floor to ceiling glass windows looking directly over the river and bridges. It also has direct access to the beach. There are lots of lovely little shops, cafes and restaurants & the Maid of the Forth tours leave from the harbour here.
114 abantu bendawo batusa
Queensferry
Only 10/15 minutes on the train from Haymarket or 30 minutes by bus, this littile village sits right on the water between the Forth Road Bridge & the Forth Rail Bridge, making the views spectacular. A great place to enjoy them from in the Boathouse where great food is served in the bar area in front of floor to ceiling glass windows looking directly over the river and bridges. It also has direct access to the beach. There are lots of lovely little shops, cafes and restaurants & the Maid of the Forth tours leave from the harbour here.
It's the best way to get views of the coastline. There are various options on offer e.g. jazz dinner cruises and trips to Inchcohlm Island.
24 abantu bendawo batusa
Maid of the Forth
Newhalls RoadIt's the best way to get views of the coastline. There are various options on offer e.g. jazz dinner cruises and trips to Inchcohlm Island.
Just look up an image of the palace, that's the only incentive you'll need. Linlithgow is only 10/15 minutes from Haymarket by Train & has lots of lovely cafes and shops as well as a nice park with a duck pond.
85 abantu bendawo batusa
I-Linlithgow Palace
KirkgateJust look up an image of the palace, that's the only incentive you'll need. Linlithgow is only 10/15 minutes from Haymarket by Train & has lots of lovely cafes and shops as well as a nice park with a duck pond.
Another of those sights where you just need to look up a picture to want to go
329 abantu bendawo batusa
Palace of Holyrood
CanongateAnother of those sights where you just need to look up a picture to want to go
This is the old merchants area, filled with beautiful tall buildings with tiny and ridiculously expensive apartments. It's has become a bit hipsterish, but it's home to some great bars and restaurants (my favourite is Hamiltons), boutique shops, charity shops with some real gems, cafes and Inverkeith Park (lovely for a picnic on a nice day). There is also a great farmers market with various local products (including soaps etc) and lots of great food and coffee vendors.
350 abantu bendawo batusa
Stockbridge
This is the old merchants area, filled with beautiful tall buildings with tiny and ridiculously expensive apartments. It's has become a bit hipsterish, but it's home to some great bars and restaurants (my favourite is Hamiltons), boutique shops, charity shops with some real gems, cafes and Inverkeith Park (lovely for a picnic on a nice day). There is also a great farmers market with various local products (including soaps etc) and lots of great food and coffee vendors.
Super studenty with beautiful buildings and some nice views over The Meadows. This is my favourite place to brunch, especially at Montpelliers. It also has great restaurants, bars and boutiques and is a hop skip and a jump from the Dominion Cinema and Kings Theatre.
22 abantu bendawo batusa
Bruntsfield Place
Bruntsfield PlaceSuper studenty with beautiful buildings and some nice views over The Meadows. This is my favourite place to brunch, especially at Montpelliers. It also has great restaurants, bars and boutiques and is a hop skip and a jump from the Dominion Cinema and Kings Theatre.
Where the ladies who lunch like to lunch and the birthplace of Edinburgh's Maisie, this is a beautiful area with lots of great cafes and restaurants and the Dominion Cinema. The charity shops often have great bargains here.
41 abantu bendawo batusa
Morningside
Where the ladies who lunch like to lunch and the birthplace of Edinburgh's Maisie, this is a beautiful area with lots of great cafes and restaurants and the Dominion Cinema. The charity shops often have great bargains here.
Beautiful cathedral with semi-regular classical music concerts. Well worth a visit! Beautiful venue during the festival.
30 abantu bendawo batusa
IKathidrali yeSt. Mary's
Palmerston PlaceBeautiful cathedral with semi-regular classical music concerts. Well worth a visit! Beautiful venue during the festival.
Parks & Nature
Worth the hike not only for the views, but for the people watching. There's rock climbing, partys, picnic dates and students studying all over the place. Stop into the Sheeps Heid (the sheep's head in scots) if you can - the place is amazing. It's the oldest pub in Edinburgh (or thereabouts) with an amazing interior and atmosphere & fab food and drinks.
1859 abantu bendawo batusa
I-Arthur's Seat
Worth the hike not only for the views, but for the people watching. There's rock climbing, partys, picnic dates and students studying all over the place. Stop into the Sheeps Heid (the sheep's head in scots) if you can - the place is amazing. It's the oldest pub in Edinburgh (or thereabouts) with an amazing interior and atmosphere & fab food and drinks.
The botanic garden is a beautiful place to wander around or go for a picnic in summer. There are often events on, but my favourite is the lights show they put on in winter (this year from Friday 24 November to Saturday 30 December).
1227 abantu bendawo batusa
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceThe botanic garden is a beautiful place to wander around or go for a picnic in summer. There are often events on, but my favourite is the lights show they put on in winter (this year from Friday 24 November to Saturday 30 December).
Particularly interesting in summer and hot days during Edinburgh Uni term time where you'll see every man and his dog playing every imaginable sport, eating, drinking, studying, dating & generally having a good time. The building surrounding the park are beautiful & there's some great places to grab something to eat - my favourite being brunch at Victor Hugo - a french deli with great food, coffee, wine & outdoor tables (they also have the typically french Orangina etc).
615 abantu bendawo batusa
The Meadows
Melville DriveParticularly interesting in summer and hot days during Edinburgh Uni term time where you'll see every man and his dog playing every imaginable sport, eating, drinking, studying, dating & generally having a good time. The building surrounding the park are beautiful & there's some great places to grab something to eat - my favourite being brunch at Victor Hugo - a french deli with great food, coffee, wine & outdoor tables (they also have the typically french Orangina etc).
I just love portobello beach, even when it's fairly cold there's usually someone in swimming (admittedly often me) and it's a lovely walk along the beach. There's a great chippie on the water front and The Espy is one of my favourite all time bars (see description in Nightlife). There's also a few great shops and cafes in Portobello, my favourite art gallery The Velvet Door is just a few minutes walk from the beach.
447 abantu bendawo batusa
Portobello Beach Promenade
1 PromenadeI just love portobello beach, even when it's fairly cold there's usually someone in swimming (admittedly often me) and it's a lovely walk along the beach. There's a great chippie on the water front and The Espy is one of my favourite all time bars (see description in Nightlife). There's also a few great shops and cafes in Portobello, my favourite art gallery The Velvet Door is just a few minutes walk from the beach.
Entertainment & Activities
Edinburgh Zoo has plenty to keep the kids happy. The animals are well taken care of, & at the moment it's home to some giant pandas. There are also infrequent evening openings with dinner etc.
308 abantu bendawo batusa
Izoo yase-Edinburgh
134 Corstorphine RdEdinburgh Zoo has plenty to keep the kids happy. The animals are well taken care of, & at the moment it's home to some giant pandas. There are also infrequent evening openings with dinner etc.
Large movie theatre with 3D and Imax screens + bowling alley + nearby restaurants etc
130 abantu bendawo batusa
Iphakamisa Park
130 Dundee StLarge movie theatre with 3D and Imax screens + bowling alley + nearby restaurants etc
Food Scene
This pub is worth the detour for the food and drinks. It's probably the oldest pub in Edinburgh and the interior is amazing.
167 abantu bendawo batusa
The Sheep Heid Inn
43-45 The CausewayThis pub is worth the detour for the food and drinks. It's probably the oldest pub in Edinburgh and the interior is amazing.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Edinburgh. It's Michelin star so not cheap, but I think totally worth it for a special occasion. We often go for a romantic lunch, because their lunch deal is really great. It is the most luxurious friendly place I have ever been. The service is fantastic. It's also set on Carlton Hill, which is lovely and worth a walk up if it's a nice day.
Usually requires a reservation weeks in advance.
51 abantu bendawo batusa
21212
3 Royal TerraceHands down my favorite restaurant in Edinburgh. It's Michelin star so not cheap, but I think totally worth it for a special occasion. We often go for a romantic lunch, because their lunch deal is really great. It is the most luxurious friendly place I have ever been. The service is fantastic. It's also set on Carlton Hill, which is lovely and worth a walk up if it's a nice day.
Usually requires a reservation weeks in advance.
The restaurant is on the top floor of the Museum. You're shown to a lift which takes you to the restaurant where someone will greet you, take your jackets and show you to your seat. The views out over Edinburgh are fantastic. Especially on the terrace (which you should go out onto even if you're not seated there). The food is amazing and they always do a good reasonably priced set menu. The service is equally fantastic and it's a really beautiful restaurant. It specialises in Scottish and Seafood. Great wine list. We go for anniversaries etc quite a lot.
Requires a reservation. Ask for a table by the window.
45 abantu bendawo batusa
Tower Restaurant
Chambers StreetThe restaurant is on the top floor of the Museum. You're shown to a lift which takes you to the restaurant where someone will greet you, take your jackets and show you to your seat. The views out over Edinburgh are fantastic. Especially on the terrace (which you should go out onto even if you're not seated there). The food is amazing and they always do a good reasonably priced set menu. The service is equally fantastic and it's a really beautiful restaurant. It specialises in Scottish and Seafood. Great wine list. We go for anniversaries etc quite a lot.
Requires a reservation. Ask for a table by the window.
This is a little bit outside the city centre, but still well within the boundaries of the city. Once you turn into the driveway for the Prestonfield Hotel, it feels like you're in the countryside. It used to be a country manor and the grounds are fantastic, with views over Arthurs Seat. The inside of the house is neo-gothic and you sit beside 10ft windows watching peacocks run around the grounds. Very luxurious with fantastic food (Scottish with good meat dishes and usually some pasta/risotto options etc). Really good wine list. Also good for a romantic lunch, and they do a really good set menu. Requires a reservation. Ask for a table by the window.
21 abantu bendawo batusa
Rhubarb
Priestfield RoadThis is a little bit outside the city centre, but still well within the boundaries of the city. Once you turn into the driveway for the Prestonfield Hotel, it feels like you're in the countryside. It used to be a country manor and the grounds are fantastic, with views over Arthurs Seat. The inside of the house is neo-gothic and you sit beside 10ft windows watching peacocks run around the grounds. Very luxurious with fantastic food (Scottish with good meat dishes and usually some pasta/risotto options etc). Really good wine list. Also good for a romantic lunch, and they do a really good set menu. Requires a reservation. Ask for a table by the window.
This is a lovely little restaurant tucked away in one of the side streets in New Town, right behind Queen Street. It only uses local ingredients and the dishes all have a Scottish twist. The menu changes on (at least) a weekly basis, so it's worth checking the menu in advance. The food is excellent and reasonably priced for the quality. As the name suggests, it has an excellent wine etc list. It has great service and a romantic and cosy atmosphere. I recently took a friend of mine who was a chef in top end restaurants in Melbourne and he raved about the food.
7 abantu bendawo batusa
Magnum Restaurant
1 Albany StreetThis is a lovely little restaurant tucked away in one of the side streets in New Town, right behind Queen Street. It only uses local ingredients and the dishes all have a Scottish twist. The menu changes on (at least) a weekly basis, so it's worth checking the menu in advance. The food is excellent and reasonably priced for the quality. As the name suggests, it has an excellent wine etc list. It has great service and a romantic and cosy atmosphere. I recently took a friend of mine who was a chef in top end restaurants in Melbourne and he raved about the food.
This is in a great restaurant/bar in the cellars of one of the New Town townhouses. It's mostly a seafood restaurant with reasonable prices for city centre Edinburgh. Unsurprisingly, has an excellent wine list. My favourite is their Chablis.
Warning - on a Friday night - it's full of lawyers and accountants who have just finished work, making it ridiculously noisy and frankly a bit pretentious. They also sometimes have live music - best check if that is on and if it's your thing before booking a dinner table.
39 abantu bendawo batusa
Whighams Wine Cellars
13 Hope StThis is in a great restaurant/bar in the cellars of one of the New Town townhouses. It's mostly a seafood restaurant with reasonable prices for city centre Edinburgh. Unsurprisingly, has an excellent wine list. My favourite is their Chablis.
Warning - on a Friday night - it's full of lawyers and accountants who have just finished work, making it ridiculously noisy and frankly a bit pretentious. They also sometimes have live music - best check if that is on and if it's your thing before booking a dinner table.
The restaurant is named after the Scottish loch famous for its oysters, and they are brought in fresh from there. The menu is mainly seafood, although there are meat and vegetarian options. The fish is famously good (there is actually a fishmongers deli counter in the bottom corner of the restaurant). For the quality, the food is reasonably priced. Great wine list & service. It's situated on Newhaven Harbour, with views over to Fife. Call up in advance to make sure there's a table and try to get a table outside or inside with a view if it's a nice day. After dinner or lunch, take advantage of the close proximity to Leith to explore it's shore area - full of great pubs and bars.
99 abantu bendawo batusa
Loch Fyne Restaurant & Bar
23A Pier Place The restaurant is named after the Scottish loch famous for its oysters, and they are brought in fresh from there. The menu is mainly seafood, although there are meat and vegetarian options. The fish is famously good (there is actually a fishmongers deli counter in the bottom corner of the restaurant). For the quality, the food is reasonably priced. Great wine list & service. It's situated on Newhaven Harbour, with views over to Fife. Call up in advance to make sure there's a table and try to get a table outside or inside with a view if it's a nice day. After dinner or lunch, take advantage of the close proximity to Leith to explore it's shore area - full of great pubs and bars.
Almost always has to be booked a few weeks in advance. Try to get a castle view table.
A little pricey for Thai food, but the food is great (as is the service) and they have a good drinks menu with a good range of wines, beers and cocktails. The view here is the main selling feature though, with views over the castle to the left and the river to the right (and the fact that its immediately in the heart of Edinburgh). The entrance is a little odd, it's in through an office block just before Castle Street meets George Street (from the Princes Street side) and then up a lift then up a short flight of stairs.
128 abantu bendawo batusa
Chaophraya Thai Restaurant
33 Castle StAlmost always has to be booked a few weeks in advance. Try to get a castle view table.
A little pricey for Thai food, but the food is great (as is the service) and they have a good drinks menu with a good range of wines, beers and cocktails. The view here is the main selling feature though, with views over the castle to the left and the river to the right (and the fact that its immediately in the heart of Edinburgh). The entrance is a little odd, it's in through an office block just before Castle Street meets George Street (from the Princes Street side) and then up a lift then up a short flight of stairs.
They're quite famous for their oysters. It's about £20 for a main, but good portion sizes and Great food - heavy on the seafood and meat. Good wine list etc. It's a bit of an Edinburgh institution with a fantastic interior - the pictures can't really do it justice. It's up what looks like a slightly dodgy side street just up the side of Register House on Princes Street, or just off the Princes Street corner of St Andrews Square, but it's actually home to some of the best pubs in Edinburgh (see also Voodoo Rooms and Guilford Arms).
125 abantu bendawo batusa
Cafe Royal
19 W Register StThey're quite famous for their oysters. It's about £20 for a main, but good portion sizes and Great food - heavy on the seafood and meat. Good wine list etc. It's a bit of an Edinburgh institution with a fantastic interior - the pictures can't really do it justice. It's up what looks like a slightly dodgy side street just up the side of Register House on Princes Street, or just off the Princes Street corner of St Andrews Square, but it's actually home to some of the best pubs in Edinburgh (see also Voodoo Rooms and Guilford Arms).
Thistle Street
Thistle StreetBasically anywhere on this street is usually great
Usually requires a reservation - especially for brunch
Does a great breakfast/brunch. Good food all day (with a good range of options), good drinks, good service, good prices. Also the street it's on has lots of lovely cafes, shops etc and is just up from the Meadows, which is worth a visit on a nice day.
238 abantu bendawo batusa
Montpeliers
159-161 Bruntsfield PlUsually requires a reservation - especially for brunch
Does a great breakfast/brunch. Good food all day (with a good range of options), good drinks, good service, good prices. Also the street it's on has lots of lovely cafes, shops etc and is just up from the Meadows, which is worth a visit on a nice day.
This is a great little French restaurant at the end of the West End, just off of Princes Street. It does a fantastic pre-theatre menu, the staff are great, the restaurant is cosy, the wine list is really good and the food is good and reasonably priced. I've been going here for 15 years and have never had a bad experience.
173 abantu bendawo batusa
L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant
56 Broughton StThis is a great little French restaurant at the end of the West End, just off of Princes Street. It does a fantastic pre-theatre menu, the staff are great, the restaurant is cosy, the wine list is really good and the food is good and reasonably priced. I've been going here for 15 years and have never had a bad experience.
Another french restaurant just around the corner from L'Escargot Blanc. The restaurant is above a lovely little bar (although the clientele can be on the pretentious side) and the food, wine and service are all great. It's a bit more expensive that L'Escargot Blanc. There's a bigger choice of food and wine and then decor is a little better.
21 abantu bendawo batusa
La P'tite Folie
9 Randolph PlAnother french restaurant just around the corner from L'Escargot Blanc. The restaurant is above a lovely little bar (although the clientele can be on the pretentious side) and the food, wine and service are all great. It's a bit more expensive that L'Escargot Blanc. There's a bigger choice of food and wine and then decor is a little better.
This is our favourite Italian. Family run, great food, nice atmosphere and great prices. Dalry Road is the new up and coming place for good restaurants, so the quality is generally great with the prices being much cheaper than those just a few streets away, as it's classed as outside the city centre and is a bit rundown compared to New Town and the West End.
110 abantu bendawo batusa
Mia Italian Kitchen Dalry
96 Dalry RdThis is our favourite Italian. Family run, great food, nice atmosphere and great prices. Dalry Road is the new up and coming place for good restaurants, so the quality is generally great with the prices being much cheaper than those just a few streets away, as it's classed as outside the city centre and is a bit rundown compared to New Town and the West End.
Award winning Mediterranean/Scottish restaurant with a lovely interior, good service and great food. The prices are quite good as it is just outside of the inner city centre (about a 3/4 minute walk from the flat).
99 abantu bendawo batusa
First Coast Restaurant
97-101 Dalry RdAward winning Mediterranean/Scottish restaurant with a lovely interior, good service and great food. The prices are quite good as it is just outside of the inner city centre (about a 3/4 minute walk from the flat).
Italian food. Small number of tables, cosy atmosphere, booking ahead an absolute must, wins awards, constantly packed - but in a nice way.
10 abantu bendawo batusa
La Bruschetta
13 Clifton TerraceItalian food. Small number of tables, cosy atmosphere, booking ahead an absolute must, wins awards, constantly packed - but in a nice way.
This is our favourite indian restaurant in Edinburgh. It's on the corner of our street and opposite the Haymarket pub, which is a great pub (across the road from Haymarket train station and another Edinburgh institution), and round the corner from the Mad Hatter, which is fun and does a great burger and stocks Koelsch beer.
11 abantu bendawo batusa
Omar Khayyam
1 Grosvenor StThis is our favourite indian restaurant in Edinburgh. It's on the corner of our street and opposite the Haymarket pub, which is a great pub (across the road from Haymarket train station and another Edinburgh institution), and round the corner from the Mad Hatter, which is fun and does a great burger and stocks Koelsch beer.
Edinburgh's first and most famous restaurant, located just down the road from the Playhouse Theatre. Excellent food and service.
148 abantu bendawo batusa
Khushi's
10 Antigua StEdinburgh's first and most famous restaurant, located just down the road from the Playhouse Theatre. Excellent food and service.
Based at the bottom of the Royal Mile, this is the closest you will ever get to eating in Hogsmeade in real life. They do amazing Scottish food (especially the goose fat chips) and have a great drinks selection (including hot buttered rum). The restaurant/bar manages to be very scottish without being tacky - v hard to do. Especially lovely on a cold night.
86 abantu bendawo batusa
Monteiths
61 High StBased at the bottom of the Royal Mile, this is the closest you will ever get to eating in Hogsmeade in real life. They do amazing Scottish food (especially the goose fat chips) and have a great drinks selection (including hot buttered rum). The restaurant/bar manages to be very scottish without being tacky - v hard to do. Especially lovely on a cold night.
Set on the ridiculously scenic half street above Victoria Terrace (which leads down to the Grassmarket and up to North Bridge), this restauant has a couple of outdoor tables with amazing views, but the atmosphere inside is also great. The food is fab and reasonably priced and the service is great too.
Maxies
5A Johnston TerraceSet on the ridiculously scenic half street above Victoria Terrace (which leads down to the Grassmarket and up to North Bridge), this restauant has a couple of outdoor tables with amazing views, but the atmosphere inside is also great. The food is fab and reasonably priced and the service is great too.
V cheap and cheerful, but some of the best curry in town - they used to do food literally at the back of the Mosque like a takeway with plastic seats and tables, not sure if they still do, but worth checking.
66 abantu bendawo batusa
The Mosque Kitchen
31-33 Nicolson SquareV cheap and cheerful, but some of the best curry in town - they used to do food literally at the back of the Mosque like a takeway with plastic seats and tables, not sure if they still do, but worth checking.
Great seafood and steaks for reasonable prices in the Grassmarket.
45 abantu bendawo batusa
The Mussel and Steak Bar
110 GrassmarketGreat seafood and steaks for reasonable prices in the Grassmarket.
Great beachfront bar/restaurant. Everything is home made - even the iced-tea for the cocktails. Great views of the beach, great food, great service, seriously cosy and has board games for wet and wild days. Owned by an australian couple who named it after my favourite music venue in Melbourne. Could not recommend more.
275 abantu bendawo batusa
The Shore Restaurant
1 ShoreGreat beachfront bar/restaurant. Everything is home made - even the iced-tea for the cocktails. Great views of the beach, great food, great service, seriously cosy and has board games for wet and wild days. Owned by an australian couple who named it after my favourite music venue in Melbourne. Could not recommend more.
Great french deli/bistro right on the meadows - one of my favourite places for brunch. Great coffee and french pastries etc.
75 abantu bendawo batusa
Victor Hugo Deli
26/27 Melville TerraceGreat french deli/bistro right on the meadows - one of my favourite places for brunch. Great coffee and french pastries etc.
Go through to the back for a seat - the view is unbelievable. This is where J K Rowling wrote Harry Potter. Great coffee, cakes, soup and sandwiches.
163 abantu bendawo batusa
The Elephant House
21 George IV BridgeGo through to the back for a seat - the view is unbelievable. This is where J K Rowling wrote Harry Potter. Great coffee, cakes, soup and sandwiches.
Black Medicine Coffee Co
2 Nicolson StGreat coffee, cakes and decor.
Very studenty as it is right next door to the law school (worth a visit into the court yard by the way). Excellent reasonably priced coffee and a nice atmosphere.
101 abantu bendawo batusa
Brew Lab Coffee
6-8 S College StVery studenty as it is right next door to the law school (worth a visit into the court yard by the way). Excellent reasonably priced coffee and a nice atmosphere.
This is my favourite coffee place. Even the soja lattes here are good. The cakes, croissants, sandwiches and platters are amazing. The staff are fab and know their stuff and the decor is great. Usually cool on a hot day too. Plenty of seating.
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Cafe Noir
1 Palmerston PlThis is my favourite coffee place. Even the soja lattes here are good. The cakes, croissants, sandwiches and platters are amazing. The staff are fab and know their stuff and the decor is great. Usually cool on a hot day too. Plenty of seating.
Artisan Roast Bruntsfield
138 Bruntsfield PlGreat coffee and a great atmosphere
Artisan Roast
57 Broughton StGreat coffee and a great atmosphere
The cafe upstairs in Waterstones Bookshop has amazing views of the castle, good coffee and great cakes (from the Cuckoo Bakery based in Edinburgh)
8 abantu bendawo batusa
Waterstones
Ocean DriveThe cafe upstairs in Waterstones Bookshop has amazing views of the castle, good coffee and great cakes (from the Cuckoo Bakery based in Edinburgh)
Great little Chinese restaurant with a nice interior, great food and a nice atmosphere. It has a great lunch deal on during the week.
Lune Town Restaurant
38 William StGreat little Chinese restaurant with a nice interior, great food and a nice atmosphere. It has a great lunch deal on during the week.
Fantastic food, great service and a lovely environment. Book ahead because it is almost always packed.
75 abantu bendawo batusa
Vietnam House Restaurant
1-3 Grove StFantastic food, great service and a lovely environment. Book ahead because it is almost always packed.
Arts & Culture
Even the setting for this gallery is amazing - right int he heart of Princes Street Gardens. The building is beautiful and you get a great view of it if you're walking down The Mound. Best of all, it's free and always has a great collection of paintings which look perfect in it's beautiful old world interior.
1010 abantu bendawo batusa
Igaleriya yeScottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdEven the setting for this gallery is amazing - right int he heart of Princes Street Gardens. The building is beautiful and you get a great view of it if you're walking down The Mound. Best of all, it's free and always has a great collection of paintings which look perfect in it's beautiful old world interior.
It's fee, with lots of buttons to push and interactive displays. My friends kids (and my fiance) always love the dinosaur exhibit, but the Scottish exhibit is always great too. Lots and lots of things to do and so, with a nice cafe and one of my very favourite restaurants on the top floor (high end and one of Edinburgh's iconic restaurants) with a terrace and amazing views over the city. For more information, look under food scene.
1378 abantu bendawo batusa
National Museum of Scotland
It's fee, with lots of buttons to push and interactive displays. My friends kids (and my fiance) always love the dinosaur exhibit, but the Scottish exhibit is always great too. Lots and lots of things to do and so, with a nice cafe and one of my very favourite restaurants on the top floor (high end and one of Edinburgh's iconic restaurants) with a terrace and amazing views over the city. For more information, look under food scene.
As a self admitted geek with a love of books, this is my favourite museum. It's really interesting and for those of you interested in famous Scottish writers such as Robert Louis Stevenson, it's definitely worth a look.
37 abantu bendawo batusa
Iziko Lokubhala
Lady Stair's CloseAs a self admitted geek with a love of books, this is my favourite museum. It's really interesting and for those of you interested in famous Scottish writers such as Robert Louis Stevenson, it's definitely worth a look.
I loved this place when I was younger, and to be honest still do. It's hard to describe without giving too much away, but it's like an interactive environment museum with a real live iceberg. It's based at the foot of Arthur Seat and the bottom of the royal mile, so there's plenty round about to do afterwards. I wouldn't bother going to see the parliament building - it may be the ugliest thing I've ever seen.
303 abantu bendawo batusa
Dynamic Earth
Holyrood RoadI loved this place when I was younger, and to be honest still do. It's hard to describe without giving too much away, but it's like an interactive environment museum with a real live iceberg. It's based at the foot of Arthur Seat and the bottom of the royal mile, so there's plenty round about to do afterwards. I wouldn't bother going to see the parliament building - it may be the ugliest thing I've ever seen.
Essentials
Reasonably sized city centre supermarket. Stocks various lactose/gluten free options etc. Good range of food and alcohol.
194 abantu bendawo batusa
Sainsbury's Local
32-36 Shandwick PlReasonably sized city centre supermarket. Stocks various lactose/gluten free options etc. Good range of food and alcohol.
Reasonably sized city centre supermarket. Stocks various lactose/gluten free options etc. Good range of food and alcohol.
10 abantu bendawo batusa
Co-op Food - Edinburgh - Shandwick
49 Shandwick PlReasonably sized city centre supermarket. Stocks various lactose/gluten free options etc. Good range of food and alcohol.
Much bigger grocery store than the others nearby. Has a free car pack at the back.
122 abantu bendawo batusa
Co-op Food
114 Dalry RdMuch bigger grocery store than the others nearby. Has a free car pack at the back.
Not a great selection of food - mostly snacks. But decent range of alcohol etc.
490 abantu bendawo batusa
Tesco Express
4-6 Leith WalkNot a great selection of food - mostly snacks. But decent range of alcohol etc.
Great service for a great price with a very quick turn around. Everything comes out beautifully ironed too.
City Laundry & Ironing Services
32 Dalry RdGreat service for a great price with a very quick turn around. Everything comes out beautifully ironed too.
Post Office
56 Easter RdCarries a range of public forms and can be used for sending mail
Costcutter
70 Raeburn PlMostly alcohol, sweets, juice, newspapers etc
Boots Pharmacy
32 W Maitland StLocal pharmacy
West End Medical Practice
36 Manor PlLocal doctors surgery
Western General Hospital station
Specialises in the treatment of children up to the age of around 12. Has an A&E for kids emergencies.
36 abantu bendawo batusa
National Library of Scotland
George IV BridgeSpecialises in the treatment of children up to the age of around 12. Has an A&E for kids emergencies.
Little France (Stop IF) station
Beautiful spa with relaxation room (without pool). Uses Guinot, Aromatherapy Associates etc. Would recommend the Guinot Hydradermie facial and the AA massages (all of them).
Chamomile Sanctuary
4 Alva StBeautiful spa with relaxation room (without pool). Uses Guinot, Aromatherapy Associates etc. Would recommend the Guinot Hydradermie facial and the AA massages (all of them).