Guidebook for Edinburgh
Restaurants and coffee shops
Some of our very favourite restaurants and cofee shops in the city.
Wonderful ambiance, service; food and drink to die for. One of our favourite restaurants-perfect for a special evening. Cool, laid back live jazz some nights. Not to be missed.
21 locals recommend
Divino Enoteca Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
5 Merchant StWonderful ambiance, service; food and drink to die for. One of our favourite restaurants-perfect for a special evening. Cool, laid back live jazz some nights. Not to be missed.
Located in a fabulous converted bank-buzzy and stylish atmosphere, great for a coffee or meal-great food.
23 locals recommend
Contini George Street
103 George StreetLocated in a fabulous converted bank-buzzy and stylish atmosphere, great for a coffee or meal-great food.
Atmospheric gothic style restaurant just down from the castle. If you want somewhere impossibly romantic book The Secret Garden instead-in the same lane. Breathtaking!
192 locals recommend
The Witchery by the Castle
352 CastlehillAtmospheric gothic style restaurant just down from the castle. If you want somewhere impossibly romantic book The Secret Garden instead-in the same lane. Breathtaking!
Fishers In The City
58 Thistle StreetExcellent seafood restaurant.
The best ice cream in town! Mary trained at the Gelato University in Bologna, Italy-for real! Wonderfully fresh, original flavours-love the chocolate shards! Not to be missed!
131 locals recommend
Mary's Milk Bar
19 GrassmarketThe best ice cream in town! Mary trained at the Gelato University in Bologna, Italy-for real! Wonderfully fresh, original flavours-love the chocolate shards! Not to be missed!
New, acclaimed restaurant & bar in George Street in a restored listed Georgian house. Looks gorgeous though have not as yet tried it. Offer a very special afternoon tea too which sounds delicious!
15 locals recommend
The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen
21-25 George StNew, acclaimed restaurant & bar in George Street in a restored listed Georgian house. Looks gorgeous though have not as yet tried it. Offer a very special afternoon tea too which sounds delicious!
Highly acclaimed Scottish restaurant housed in what used to be an old timber merchants.
184 locals recommend
TIMBERYARD
10 Lady Lawson StHighly acclaimed Scottish restaurant housed in what used to be an old timber merchants.
Cafe Andaluz
77B George StRelaxed, large and tasty tapas restaurant on George Street
Highly recommended Scottish restaurant on the Royal Mile. Booking advised.
128 locals recommend
Angels with Bagpipes
343 High StHighly recommended Scottish restaurant on the Royal Mile. Booking advised.
Fantastic, old-fashioned cheese shop selling wonderful British cheeses and more with the most photogenic shop-front! Just a minute or so from the apartment up picturesque Victoria Street.
35 locals recommend
I.J Mellis Cheesemonger
30 Victoria StFantastic, old-fashioned cheese shop selling wonderful British cheeses and more with the most photogenic shop-front! Just a minute or so from the apartment up picturesque Victoria Street.
Cool, little Italian street food and pizza restaurant. Just off the Royal Mile, Unpretentious, simple but such flavoursome honest Italian food.
53 locals recommend
Civerinos
49 Forrest RdCool, little Italian street food and pizza restaurant. Just off the Royal Mile, Unpretentious, simple but such flavoursome honest Italian food.
Cuckoo's Bakery
150 Dundas StCupcake heaven!
New, in the lovely, villagey Stockbridge area of New Town. Serves up amazing seafood and also offer a lobster & champagne special every Friday night. Half a lobster and glass of champagne for £16.
13 locals recommend
Kilted Lobster
112 St Stephen StNew, in the lovely, villagey Stockbridge area of New Town. Serves up amazing seafood and also offer a lobster & champagne special every Friday night. Half a lobster and glass of champagne for £16.
Just a couple of minutes walk away from the apartment. Nice and chilled ambiance for lunch, French and Scottish cuisine.
51 locals recommend
Maison Bleue
36-38 Victoria StJust a couple of minutes walk away from the apartment. Nice and chilled ambiance for lunch, French and Scottish cuisine.
Love this little place! It's fun, quirky with friendly service . Every item is hand made from scratch, the juices and smoothies are super delicious and as healthy as you like. They serve fresh, delicious breakfast/lunches like bagels with smoked salmon/avocado and wraps with Cajun chicken-both highly recommended with tasty, fresh, bursting with flavour salad on the side. Simple and delicious. Also great for kids-our youngest loves the nutella and banana smoothie. Perfect for a tasty, unpretentious breakfast. And on the doorstep!
36 locals recommend
Hula Juice Bar & Healthy Eatery
103-105 W BowLove this little place! It's fun, quirky with friendly service . Every item is hand made from scratch, the juices and smoothies are super delicious and as healthy as you like. They serve fresh, delicious breakfast/lunches like bagels with smoked salmon/avocado and wraps with Cajun chicken-both highly recommended with tasty, fresh, bursting with flavour salad on the side. Simple and delicious. Also great for kids-our youngest loves the nutella and banana smoothie. Perfect for a tasty, unpretentious breakfast. And on the doorstep!
Scottish restaurant, described as Edinburgh’s leading Gastopub with a great reputation, Set up by Michelin star chef Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack it’s a relaxed and very Scottish dining experience.
378 locals recommend
The Scran and Scallie
1 Comely Bank RdScottish restaurant, described as Edinburgh’s leading Gastopub with a great reputation, Set up by Michelin star chef Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack it’s a relaxed and very Scottish dining experience.
New to Edinburgh in 2017, the Ivy lives up to its reputation! Stunning fillet steak and do not miss the chocolate bombe!! To die for!!
49 locals recommend
The Ivy on the Square - Edinburgh
6 St Andrew SquareNew to Edinburgh in 2017, the Ivy lives up to its reputation! Stunning fillet steak and do not miss the chocolate bombe!! To die for!!
Located on a Georgian New Town corner Cairngorm is light and airy with large windows, stylish copper, wood and concrete detailing. Great coffee and a friendly welcome assured. One of our favourites!
66 locals recommend
Cairngorm Coffee
1 Melville PlLocated on a Georgian New Town corner Cairngorm is light and airy with large windows, stylish copper, wood and concrete detailing. Great coffee and a friendly welcome assured. One of our favourites!
Come here for a 'life feels good' coffee. Small but perfectly formed get here early to get a seat. Friendly service, great coffee and a truly great little independent. Fantastic, pared back signage and interior.One of our very favourites, don't miss it!
18 locals recommend
The Milkman
7 Cockburn StCome here for a 'life feels good' coffee. Small but perfectly formed get here early to get a seat. Friendly service, great coffee and a truly great little independent. Fantastic, pared back signage and interior.One of our very favourites, don't miss it!
One of our very favourites for a cinnamon bun and great coffee, this fabulous light and airy Swedish artisan bakery and cafe never disappoints, The pastries are gorgeous, try the cardamon buns and their savouries are also delicious. Don't miss it!
126 locals recommend
Söderberg The Meadows
27 Simpson LoanOne of our very favourites for a cinnamon bun and great coffee, this fabulous light and airy Swedish artisan bakery and cafe never disappoints, The pastries are gorgeous, try the cardamon buns and their savouries are also delicious. Don't miss it!
Love this place! The perfect chilled place to hang out for a coffee or try one of their delicious hot chocolates. Also delicious fresh food, don't miss the warm banana bread (or apple bread when its in season)
94 locals recommend
Leo's Beanery
23A Howe StLove this place! The perfect chilled place to hang out for a coffee or try one of their delicious hot chocolates. Also delicious fresh food, don't miss the warm banana bread (or apple bread when its in season)
Friendly with lovely fresh plenty vibe and delicious fresh food at lunch especially or just pop in for a coffee. In the lovely area of Stockbridge.
140 locals recommend
The Pantry
1 N W Circus PlFriendly with lovely fresh plenty vibe and delicious fresh food at lunch especially or just pop in for a coffee. In the lovely area of Stockbridge.
Great little coffee shop with a nice relaxed vibe and delicious almond croissants.
52 locals recommend
Artisan Roast Stockbridge
100A Raeburn PlGreat little coffee shop with a nice relaxed vibe and delicious almond croissants.
Drinks & Nightlife
Magnificent converted old bank on George Street. Stunning interior. Not to be missed at Christmas time. Or try it for afternoon tea.
285 locals recommend
The Dome
14 George StMagnificent converted old bank on George Street. Stunning interior. Not to be missed at Christmas time. Or try it for afternoon tea.
Traditional pub, the oldest in Edinburgh, with a nice beer garden for lazy summer days.
167 locals recommend
The Sheep Heid Inn
43-45 The CausewayTraditional pub, the oldest in Edinburgh, with a nice beer garden for lazy summer days.
Indigo Yard
7 Charlotte LnNice for brunch or a drink.
Le Monde Hotel
16 George StFabulous bar in George Street.
Tigerlilly
125 George StEver popular bar in George Street, glam decor.
A traditional hidden away little gem of a pub. Tucked away in a basement of one of the closes off The Royal Mile. Great for a Guinness or whisky by the open fire.
43 locals recommend
Jolly Judge
7 James CtA traditional hidden away little gem of a pub. Tucked away in a basement of one of the closes off The Royal Mile. Great for a Guinness or whisky by the open fire.
Tucked away down a gorgeous little close on the Royal Mile (or High Street as its also known) this intimate and cosy bar and restaurant has a very special ambiance. A little gem!
86 locals recommend
Monteiths
61 High StTucked away down a gorgeous little close on the Royal Mile (or High Street as its also known) this intimate and cosy bar and restaurant has a very special ambiance. A little gem!
Scottish bar hidden away in an old Victorian pump house down an atmospheric close on the Royal Mile. Dark and atmospheric. Over 200 whiskies. Seriously good drinks!
227 locals recommend
The Devil's Advocate
9 Advocate's ClScottish bar hidden away in an old Victorian pump house down an atmospheric close on the Royal Mile. Dark and atmospheric. Over 200 whiskies. Seriously good drinks!
Feel the need to immerse yourself in a very traditional decadence from a bygone era? Then head for the Balmoral Hotel's wonderfully grand Palm Court for a cocktail or afternoon tea!
6 locals recommend
Palm Court
1 Princes StFeel the need to immerse yourself in a very traditional decadence from a bygone era? Then head for the Balmoral Hotel's wonderfully grand Palm Court for a cocktail or afternoon tea!
Just across the road from the apartment you'll find the new bar and restaurant Cold Town House. It has quickly become famous for its roof terrace with castle views.
32 locals recommend
Cold Town House
4 GrassmarketJust across the road from the apartment you'll find the new bar and restaurant Cold Town House. It has quickly become famous for its roof terrace with castle views.
Sightseeing
Take the lovely walk from Stockbridge along the river to Dean Village-its so picturesque and like stepping back in time.
And breathe...fantastic outdoor space in the city. Walk along the Salisbury Crags and/or up Arthur's Seat if you're feeling energetic. Wonderful walk, great views.
1859 locals recommend
Arthur's Seat
And breathe...fantastic outdoor space in the city. Walk along the Salisbury Crags and/or up Arthur's Seat if you're feeling energetic. Wonderful walk, great views.
Lovely villagey feel-discover little bars, cafes, restaurants, with a great European food market on a Sunday.
350 locals recommend
Stockbridge
Lovely villagey feel-discover little bars, cafes, restaurants, with a great European food market on a Sunday.
Beautiful large space for a relaxed stroll when you need some greenery. The victorian glasshouse is absolutely beautiful and don't miss the Botanic Cottage. Take a picnic and enjoy!
1227 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceBeautiful large space for a relaxed stroll when you need some greenery. The victorian glasshouse is absolutely beautiful and don't miss the Botanic Cottage. Take a picnic and enjoy!
Impressive and well worth a visit, you must at least visit the castle esplanade.
1961 locals recommend
Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillImpressive and well worth a visit, you must at least visit the castle esplanade.
Royal Yacht Britannia
Ocean DriveRecommended tour of the Queen's yacht.
If you need a little peace, this is a secret garden in Edinburgh-not many people know it exists. With a backdrop of Arthur's Seat and Duddingston Loch, it's located behind the iron gates of the manse. A gorgeous little oasis of calm.
57 locals recommend
Dr Neil's Garden
5 Old Church LnIf you need a little peace, this is a secret garden in Edinburgh-not many people know it exists. With a backdrop of Arthur's Seat and Duddingston Loch, it's located behind the iron gates of the manse. A gorgeous little oasis of calm.
Lovely little village by Arthur's Seat. It also features the oldest pub in Edinburgh, the Sheep's Heid.
11 locals recommend
Duddingston
Lovely little village by Arthur's Seat. It also features the oldest pub in Edinburgh, the Sheep's Heid.
Wonderful art park and woodland masterpieces-unlike anywhere else and well worth visiting. Only open May til September-check before visiting.
107 locals recommend
Jupiter Artland
Wonderful art park and woodland masterpieces-unlike anywhere else and well worth visiting. Only open May til September-check before visiting.
Cramond
Charming riverside walk but you'll need a car to get here.
The beautiful and fascinating cathedral in the heart of Edinburgh. Free entry, pay £2 to take photos. I love the ceiling in here and look out for the beautiful angel sculpture!
152 locals recommend
St Giles' Cathedral
High StreetThe beautiful and fascinating cathedral in the heart of Edinburgh. Free entry, pay £2 to take photos. I love the ceiling in here and look out for the beautiful angel sculpture!
The palace that Mary, Queen of Scots lived in and is now used by The Queen, including the ruin of Holyrood Abbey.
462 locals recommend
Palace of Holyroodhouse
CanongateThe palace that Mary, Queen of Scots lived in and is now used by The Queen, including the ruin of Holyrood Abbey.
Great vantage point for wonderful views above the city. The Lookout restaurant here has breathtaking views but you'll need to book in advance.
1098 locals recommend
Calton Hill
Calton HillGreat vantage point for wonderful views above the city. The Lookout restaurant here has breathtaking views but you'll need to book in advance.
We have yet to try this but it comes recommended. Tours of this hidden-away little distillery & tastings of some supposedly unique and delicious flavoured gins. www.edinburghgindistillery.co.uk
62 locals recommend
Edinburgh Gin Distillery
1A Rutland StreetWe have yet to try this but it comes recommended. Tours of this hidden-away little distillery & tastings of some supposedly unique and delicious flavoured gins. www.edinburghgindistillery.co.uk
Take the lovely and picturesque walk from Stockbridge along the river to Dean Village and feel like you're stepping back in time!
268 locals recommend
Dean Village
Dean PathTake the lovely and picturesque walk from Stockbridge along the river to Dean Village and feel like you're stepping back in time!
You can walk up the (many!) steps inside the monument to fabulous views from the top. Just bear in mind it's not for you if you have a fear of heights or are claustrophobic as the stairwell is very narrow near the top!
302 locals recommend
Scott Monument
You can walk up the (many!) steps inside the monument to fabulous views from the top. Just bear in mind it's not for you if you have a fear of heights or are claustrophobic as the stairwell is very narrow near the top!
Visit the iconic bridges across the Forth by visiting the lovely South Queensferry with its many lovely shop, restaurants and cafes.
49 locals recommend
Forth Bridge
Visit the iconic bridges across the Forth by visiting the lovely South Queensferry with its many lovely shop, restaurants and cafes.
Circus Lane
Circus LaneOne of Edinburgh's prettiest and most photographed streets. Beautiful.
Wander around beautiful Georgian New Town with its sweeping curves, gorgeous symmetrical architecture and beautiful stone. As well as discovering lovely streets you'll find plenty of coffee shops and independent shops.
195 locals recommend
Edinburgh Old Town
Wander around beautiful Georgian New Town with its sweeping curves, gorgeous symmetrical architecture and beautiful stone. As well as discovering lovely streets you'll find plenty of coffee shops and independent shops.
The apartment is located in the very heart of Edinburgh's Old Town with all its history, stories, narrow winding lanes, vibrant atmosphere and wonderful independent restaurants, coffee shops, and shops to get lost in. A thriving part of Edinburgh, it sometimes can feel like you're in a film set but is very much frequented by locals as well as tourists. Amazing atmosphere and wonderful photo opportunities.
195 locals recommend
Edinburgh Old Town
The apartment is located in the very heart of Edinburgh's Old Town with all its history, stories, narrow winding lanes, vibrant atmosphere and wonderful independent restaurants, coffee shops, and shops to get lost in. A thriving part of Edinburgh, it sometimes can feel like you're in a film set but is very much frequented by locals as well as tourists. Amazing atmosphere and wonderful photo opportunities.
The picturesque Grassmarket where you'll find the apartment has been one of Edinburgh's most important market squares since the Middle Ages. It's now a pedestrian -riendly area full of independent shops, coffee shops and restaurants.
317 locals recommend
Grassmarket
10 GrassmarketThe picturesque Grassmarket where you'll find the apartment has been one of Edinburgh's most important market squares since the Middle Ages. It's now a pedestrian -riendly area full of independent shops, coffee shops and restaurants.
The street that links Edinburgh Castle at the top down to the Palace of Holyrood at the bottom. Lined with charming townhouses, a cathedral and historic landmarks as well as restaurants and shops. Make sure to explore some of the little lanes leading off from the Royal Mile where you'll find some teal hidden gems.
53 locals recommend
The Royal Mile Jewellery
The street that links Edinburgh Castle at the top down to the Palace of Holyrood at the bottom. Lined with charming townhouses, a cathedral and historic landmarks as well as restaurants and shops. Make sure to explore some of the little lanes leading off from the Royal Mile where you'll find some teal hidden gems.
Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden is the second oldest such garden in Britain. Don't miss its stunning glass palm house. A lovely place to get away from the crowds and recharge.
1227 locals recommend
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Arboretum PlaceEdinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden is the second oldest such garden in Britain. Don't miss its stunning glass palm house. A lovely place to get away from the crowds and recharge.
A combination of Edinburgh history, city views and an experience with optical illusions, the Camera Obscura appeals to all ages. You'll need to visit on a clear day though to get the most out of it.
437 locals recommend
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
549 CastlehillA combination of Edinburgh history, city views and an experience with optical illusions, the Camera Obscura appeals to all ages. You'll need to visit on a clear day though to get the most out of it.
Shopping
Edinburgh's oldest department store. Located on Princes Street and a treasure trove of gorgeous clothes, homewares etc.
80 locals recommend
House of Fraser
48 Princes StEdinburgh's oldest department store. Located on Princes Street and a treasure trove of gorgeous clothes, homewares etc.
Shop till you drop. Designer shopping heaven. And round it off with a drink with a view.
181 locals recommend
Harvey Nichols
Shop till you drop. Designer shopping heaven. And round it off with a drink with a view.
Designer accessories- lovely independent shop specialising in bags in charming New Town street.
8 locals recommend
COVET
20 Thistle StDesigner accessories- lovely independent shop specialising in bags in charming New Town street.
Lovely and stylish chocolatier, perfect for little gifts. It also houses a small café serving wonderful hot chocolate
Hotel Chocolat
7A Frederick StLovely and stylish chocolatier, perfect for little gifts. It also houses a small café serving wonderful hot chocolate
Waterstones
83 George StreetFabulous large bookshop.
Edinburgh's main shopping street with all the major retail stores along one side and Prices Street Gardens on the other side. Also don't miss the parallel street George Street which houses all the upmarket shops.
19 locals recommend
Princes Street
Princes StreetEdinburgh's main shopping street with all the major retail stores along one side and Prices Street Gardens on the other side. Also don't miss the parallel street George Street which houses all the upmarket shops.
Beautiful Georgian architecture and lined with upmarket shops and some special independent coffee shops and restaurants too.
309 locals recommend
George Street
George StreetBeautiful Georgian architecture and lined with upmarket shops and some special independent coffee shops and restaurants too.
A brand new addition to Edinburgh. You'll find lots of great shops here like Bershka, & Other Stories, The Kooples. Nordic Outdoor. Also the gorgeous H Beauty with its champagne bar; and Bonnie & Wild, the Scottish marketplace.
93 locals recommend
St James Shopping
St James CrescentA brand new addition to Edinburgh. You'll find lots of great shops here like Bershka, & Other Stories, The Kooples. Nordic Outdoor. Also the gorgeous H Beauty with its champagne bar; and Bonnie & Wild, the Scottish marketplace.
Essentials
Just a couple of minutes walk away from the apartment, this excellent little grocery shop sells everything from basics to luxuries. Open 7-11 Monday-Saturday and 8-11 Sundays.
457 locals recommend
Sainsbury's Local
45 Bernard StJust a couple of minutes walk away from the apartment, this excellent little grocery shop sells everything from basics to luxuries. Open 7-11 Monday-Saturday and 8-11 Sundays.
Everything Else
Absolutely brilliant wax bar for eyebrows, etc. Fantastically fast, pain-free and could not recommend more highly!
The Wax Bar
133b Rose StAbsolutely brilliant wax bar for eyebrows, etc. Fantastically fast, pain-free and could not recommend more highly!
Charlie Miller
39 Frederick StRecommended though rather pricey hairdresser.
Just a few minutes' walk from the apartment a not to be missed market where you can buy fresh locally produced and grown bread, fruit, cheese, meat and seafood direct from the growers and farmers.
88 locals recommend
Edinburgh Farmers' Market
Castle TerraceJust a few minutes' walk from the apartment a not to be missed market where you can buy fresh locally produced and grown bread, fruit, cheese, meat and seafood direct from the growers and farmers.
In need of some serious relaxation and pampering? Then head for the One Spa at the Sheraton Hotel with its now famous rooftop hydropool. Heaven.....
14 locals recommend
One Spa
8 Conference SquareIn need of some serious relaxation and pampering? Then head for the One Spa at the Sheraton Hotel with its now famous rooftop hydropool. Heaven.....
Arts & Culture
A wonderful place to spend a couple of hours with many masterpieces.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
75 Belford RdGreat gallery with lovely garden.
Just a few minutes walk from the apartment, this is a fantastic museum for kids and adults alike. With a lot of hands on exhibits, beautiful architecture and a stunning roof garden on the top floor. Not to mention a wonderful restaurant The Tower with fabulous castle views.
1378 locals recommend
National Museum of Scotland
Just a few minutes walk from the apartment, this is a fantastic museum for kids and adults alike. With a lot of hands on exhibits, beautiful architecture and a stunning roof garden on the top floor. Not to mention a wonderful restaurant The Tower with fabulous castle views.
National Galleries of Scotland
The Mound