Edinburgh Restaurants
Britannia Spice
Some of Edinburgh's top restaurants are to be found not in the city, but by
the sea, in the historic port of Leith just a short bus ride from the city
centre. Of the waterfront restaurants pride of place goes to a stylish hotspot,
winner of the 'Best Restaurant in Scotland' title in the British Curry Awards.
Britannia Spice serves up traditional cuisine from India, Bangladesh, Thailand
and Nepal in its large, immaculate, nautical-themed dining salon. Open Mondays
to Saturdays for lunch and dinner.
Address: 150 Commercial Street, Ocean Drive;
Tel: (0)131 555 2255; E-mail: info@britanniaspice.co.uk
Witchery by the Castle
Undoubtedly Edinburgh's most renowned restaurant, Witchery has
been operating in a historic 16th-century building at the gates of Edinburgh
Castle for so long that it has become part of the scenery. Numerous celebrities
as well as local fans dine in Gothic splendour on a delicious menu featuring
traditional Scots classics, including beef, lamb, game and seafood dishes.
Some of the most popular items on the menu are hot smoked salmon with
leeks, Angus steak tartare, and Scottish oysters. The atmospheric dining
rooms and 'secret garden' can be savoured just as much as the food. Witchery
offers lunch and dinner, with an à la carte menu. Even those on
a budget can enjoy lunching at the Witchery, which offers a set two-course
meal for £12.95.
Address: Castlehill, Royal Mile; Tel: (0)131 225
5613
La Bruschetta
Small and intimate, it is wise to book at La Bruschetta because
it is Edinburgh's most popular authentic Italian restaurant, particularly
at lunch time when its bistro menu is available for £7.50. The
owner, Giovanni Cariello, is also the chef and is a master of his craft.
Specialties usually involve Scottish fish. La Bruschetta is closed Mondays,
but open every other day from 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 10.30pm.
Address: 13
Clifton Terrace, Haymarket; Tel: (0)131 467 7464
Clam Shell Fish and Chip Shop
No visitor to the United Kingdom worth his or her salt can leave
the islands without indulging in a traditional fish and chip supper,
and in Edinburgh the Clam Shell on the Royal Mile is reputedly the best
'chippy' in town, and perhaps the whole of Scotland. A veritable emporium
of tasty delights, the Clam Shell doesn't stop at just battered fish
and crispy fries: there is a whole range of food cooked in batter, as
well as local specialties like haggis, black pudding and a range of tasty
sausages. The Clam Shell is open daily from 12pm to midnight.
Address: 148
High Street; Tel: (0)131 225 4338
Susie’s
Wholefood Diner
Amazing healthy food (make your selection from a wide range displayed
on the counter) and extremely reasonably prices make this lively spot a
popular place to chill out during a hectic day's sightseeing, or just to
come to soak up the 'alternative' bohemian atmosphere. Read a newspaper,
chat to fellow diners, or peruse the amateur artworks on display while
enjoying falafel and humus, delicious soup or a tasty stir-fry, on one
of the old wooden tables. The salads are particularly recommended. On Friday
and Saturday evenings the atmosphere is livened up with live Cajun and
jazz music. Susie's opens from 9am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and from
1pm to 8pm on Sunday.
Address: 51/53 West Nicholson Street; Tel: (0)131
667 9729
Tower Restaurant and Terrace
A museum restaurant may not sound particularly inspiring for
gourmets, but in Edinburgh the National Museum of Scotland sports a restaurant
not inside, but on top, offering spectacular views of the castle and
cityscape along with some of the city's finest cuisine. A high point
for dining in more ways than one, the Tower has a chic, glamorous interior,
excellent service and a vast menu, covering everything from oysters to
melt-in-the mouth steaks. Specialities are seafood, especially Scottish
lobsters. The Tower is also renowned for its huge award-winning wine
list of about 150 varieties. The outside terrace, which seats 70 diners,
is extremely popular in summer and arguably offers the best view of the
city to be had anywhere. For lunch and pre-theatre suppers there is a
set two-course menu, or choose from à la carte. The Tower is open
daily from 12pm to 11pm.
Address: National Museum of Scotland, Chambers
Street; Tel: (0)131 225 3003
Izzi
The minimalist stainless-steel and glass interior may not quite
suit the medieval image of Edinburgh, but excellent service and first-class
food make up for the lack of atmosphere at Izzi, which offers an extensive
menu of Japanese and Chinese dishes, including beautifully presented
sushi. You may need the staff to help explain the intimidating menu,
but this they are happy to do. Enjoy dishes like fried king prawns in
honey lemon sauce, sprinkled with minced dry fish, or indulge in Chinese
kung po beef. The restaurant is fronted entirely by glass, making it
a good spot for people-watching. Izzi is open daily from 12pm to 11.30pm.
Address:
119 Lothian Road; Tel: (0)131 466 9888