The capital of Scotland is also its culinary hub, with Edinburgh being home to some of the UK’s finest restaurants. We’ve asked restaurant expert Hernan Castro-Vidal, to pick a few of his favourites. If any of them take your fancy, or you’re looking for a particular style of cuisine, call a lifestyle manager and we’ll help you plan the perfect evening.
The Witchery by the Castle
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NF
‘Visiting The Witchery is a sumptuous, theatrical experience,’ says Hernan. The 16th-century building nestles by the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, on the Royal Mile, and while its lavish gothic rooms are popular for romantic breaks, the dining room is its heart. The foundation of the menu is Scottish produce, innovatively and enticingly prepared, with Angus beef, Scottish smoked salmon, rabbit, rock oysters and braised oxtail all regular features. ‘The sauces that accompany the food are also spectacular,’ says Hernan: ‘Think spinach soubise; truffle hollandaise; garlic broth.’ The Witchery's dramatic and lavish surroundings make it a place for a special occasion: a proposal, a romantic evening, a birthday or an anniversary.
Atrium
10 Cambridge Street, Edinburgh EH1 2ED
‘This restaurant is one of my favourites,’ says Hernan, ‘and its location in Edinburgh’s West End makes it the perfect place to dine before or after a night at the theatre.’ Atrium was established in 1993 and has since built up a reputation for serving hearty food with great character. Some of our favourites from the mains include the red deer with cabbage, and the breast of Gressingham duck with mashed potatoes.
Number One
The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
‘Everything they serve up in the warm basement room at Number One is stylish, delicious and delightful,’ says Hernan. Chef Jeff Bland will often mix unexpected ingredients (such as pungent Livarot cheese, grapes and truffles) with astonishing results, but he also sticks to the basics of fine, fresh and preferably local ingredients. Just reading the menu is enough to set your mouth watering: Dover sole with autumn truffle, Ayrshire veal, and Monkfish Bourguignon. While Scottish meat and fish may be a speciality, there's also good news for vegetarians: give enough notice and the kitchen can provide a meat and fish-free tasting menu that many have described as the best in Edinburgh.
Wannaburger
7/8 Queensferry Street, West End, Edinburgh EH2 4PA
This cheerful, easy-going diner in Edinburgh's historic centre serves, by consensus of critics and customers alike, the best burgers in the Scottish capital. Open kitchens let diners watch the flames sear the 100 per cent Aberdeen Angus beef patties into chargrilled perfection, which are accompanied with homemade relishes and tasty sides (try the onion rings). Child-friendly and welcoming, Wannaburger caters to connoisseurs without a hint of pretention.
21212
3 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5AB
Chef Paul Kitching closed his previous restaurant – the Michelin-starred Juniper in Cheshire – last year, upped sticks, and crossed the border to open 21212 in Edinburgh, which was then awarded its own star this year. The name refers to the number of options available for each course: two choices of starter, a soup course, two mains, a cheese course and two puddings. In the evening the dinner menu is the full five courses, while at lunchtime you are afforded the flexibility to choose as many rounds as you feel you can manage. The delights of the menu include baked sea bass with walnuts, artichokes and apricots in a lightly curried bisque, and a smoked best end of lamb with dried cherries, wild rice and parsnips.
The Kitchin
78 Commercial Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6LX
The Kitchin makes brilliant use of an old whisky warehouse upon the river Leith, with wide windows bringing air and light into the bar. The restaurant, however, is dark and has a serious, focused atmosphere. Here, the emphasis is on culinary excellence rather than grandiose pomp. The unfussy decor, with slate-grey walls and polished, chunky, square wooden tables and chairs, sets the tone for this Michelin-starred restaurant in Edinburgh's rising gourmet district.
