The Bow Bar
80 West Bow
Hip joints will come and go, but this spot will impress a date by proving your Edinburgh credentials. Here, you’ll find nothing trend-led; just a well-kept cellar, huge whisky list and a pie or two (at  lunchtime) in a gorgeous traditional bar on one of Edinburgh’s prettiest streets. 

Fishers Leith 
1 The Shore
Set in an old watchtower on The Shore, Fishers balances special occasion surroundings with laid-back service and excellent cooking. Whether you’re planning a pre-ordered hot shellfish platter blow-out or just a bowl of mussels and fries at the bar, this is a restaurant for all seasons.

The Lookout By Gardener’s Cottage 
Calton Hill
Pared-back tasting menus showcase the best of Scottish produce here, but really it’s the views that pull them in. A modern glass box perched atop Calton Hill, you can have the whole of the city twinkling below you as you feast. Go for lunch and explore the neighbouring Collective Gallery. 

Timberyard
10 Lady Lawson Street
Timberyard screams sophistication. Set inside a former prop store, it’s a masterclass in using the Scottish larder; from soup to nuts, everything has been carefully considered. High ceilings, chunky furniture and minimal dressing make for a special, food-focused night out. 

The Tollhouse
50 Brandon Terrace
This former public loo has transformed into a hot new dining spot. Set so close to the Water Of Leith that you could canoe home, its terrace gives tantalising peeks of local wildlife while the food shows a deft hand with seasonal produce.

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