Caroline or Sheila - Restaurant Recs in Edinburgh
Aug 14th, 2007, 01:42 AM
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Caroline or Sheila - Restaurant Recs in Edinburgh
Good morning,
as I read Caroline sending such a nice restaurant list on another thread ...
IŽll be in Edinburgh at the beginning of next week, prior to joining a tour to the Orkneys. I have gone mad, and done bookings at the Fringe and the Festival ( Eurobeat, Potted Potter and Impressing the Czar ), so in between trying to fit the National Gallery (I want to see the Naked Portrait exhibition), the Scottish Parliament (outside) and some walks, I doubt I will have time to have lunch.
So, my question. Any good and interesting pre-theatre dinners, maybe near the Edinburgh Festival Theatre on Monday?
Do you know if Atrium does pre-theatre (or post, I wouldnŽt mind), and how could I book there? It would be for next Monday.
And any rain will be more than welcome after the Madrid heat ...
Thanks a lot, and kind regards, Cova
as I read Caroline sending such a nice restaurant list on another thread ...
IŽll be in Edinburgh at the beginning of next week, prior to joining a tour to the Orkneys. I have gone mad, and done bookings at the Fringe and the Festival ( Eurobeat, Potted Potter and Impressing the Czar ), so in between trying to fit the National Gallery (I want to see the Naked Portrait exhibition), the Scottish Parliament (outside) and some walks, I doubt I will have time to have lunch.
So, my question. Any good and interesting pre-theatre dinners, maybe near the Edinburgh Festival Theatre on Monday?
Do you know if Atrium does pre-theatre (or post, I wouldnŽt mind), and how could I book there? It would be for next Monday.
And any rain will be more than welcome after the Madrid heat ...
Thanks a lot, and kind regards, Cova
Aug 14th, 2007, 03:47 AM
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Hi Cova. Do you mean you've already seen my usual list ?
The Atrium only opens at 6 so I'm not sure how feasible it would be before the EFT (is this for the same night ?). Website http://www.atriumrestaurant.co.uk/index.htm, phone +44-131-228-8882. Upstairs in the same building and owned by the same chef is blue, which is more of a smart casual cafe-bar : it is open all afternoon although some options are not available until 5.30. The food is good. Website http://bluescotland.co.uk/index.htm, phone +44-131-221 1222
Near the Festival Theatre, hm - for some reason I'm having difficulty here...
The Mosque & Palymyra, mentioned in my list, are fine as v. cheap eats but presumably you want somewhere nicer ?
There are a couple of Italians on the opposite side of the road but they are just so so.
Right opposite the theatre on Nicolson Street there's a Thai which I think is OK - Ayutthaya (I've been but not for 2 or 3 years) - and a Indian - Suruchi (ditto but even longer since I went). A few minutes' walk south is Kalpa, an Indian veggie restaurant - again a few years since I've been, but it used to do a good buffet supper on Mondays.
Just round the corner from the theatre is the Phenecia which does nice couscous and is quite a fun atmosphere.
About 5-10 minutes' walk away on George IV Bridge is L'Herbe bistro. I've not yet been (have you, Sheila ?) but it's run by the same people who used to have the Marque which was very good.
The nearest place I've been recently (a couple of times) is the Cafe Marlayne in Old Fishmarket Close, which runs between the High Street and the Cowgate. It's a French bistro and quite good. Still only about 10 minutes' walk.
'Impressing The Czar' does sound as though it will be vg. And 'Eurobeat' sounds great fun - I read a review of it the other day. The EFT and the Pleasance are only 5 minutes walk apart.
BTW the Naked Portrait is at the Portrait Gallery, not the National Gallery. Here's a link to the National Galleries of Scotland website - www.nationalgalleries.org. There's a free bus which runs between them all but the Portrait Gallery is central, on Queen Street.
Where are you staying ? Are you only here the one night ?
Just let me know if I can help any more.
The Atrium only opens at 6 so I'm not sure how feasible it would be before the EFT (is this for the same night ?). Website http://www.atriumrestaurant.co.uk/index.htm, phone +44-131-228-8882. Upstairs in the same building and owned by the same chef is blue, which is more of a smart casual cafe-bar : it is open all afternoon although some options are not available until 5.30. The food is good. Website http://bluescotland.co.uk/index.htm, phone +44-131-221 1222
Near the Festival Theatre, hm - for some reason I'm having difficulty here...
The Mosque & Palymyra, mentioned in my list, are fine as v. cheap eats but presumably you want somewhere nicer ?
There are a couple of Italians on the opposite side of the road but they are just so so.
Right opposite the theatre on Nicolson Street there's a Thai which I think is OK - Ayutthaya (I've been but not for 2 or 3 years) - and a Indian - Suruchi (ditto but even longer since I went). A few minutes' walk south is Kalpa, an Indian veggie restaurant - again a few years since I've been, but it used to do a good buffet supper on Mondays.
Just round the corner from the theatre is the Phenecia which does nice couscous and is quite a fun atmosphere.
About 5-10 minutes' walk away on George IV Bridge is L'Herbe bistro. I've not yet been (have you, Sheila ?) but it's run by the same people who used to have the Marque which was very good.
The nearest place I've been recently (a couple of times) is the Cafe Marlayne in Old Fishmarket Close, which runs between the High Street and the Cowgate. It's a French bistro and quite good. Still only about 10 minutes' walk.
'Impressing The Czar' does sound as though it will be vg. And 'Eurobeat' sounds great fun - I read a review of it the other day. The EFT and the Pleasance are only 5 minutes walk apart.
BTW the Naked Portrait is at the Portrait Gallery, not the National Gallery. Here's a link to the National Galleries of Scotland website - www.nationalgalleries.org. There's a free bus which runs between them all but the Portrait Gallery is central, on Queen Street.
Where are you staying ? Are you only here the one night ?
Just let me know if I can help any more.
Aug 14th, 2007, 03:50 AM
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For those in Edinburgh over the weekend of the 24th to 26th there is the Festival of Politics which includes
www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk/day3.htm
www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk/day3.htm
Aug 14th, 2007, 09:18 AM
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Hi Caroline,
I did read your list, and it is printed and attached to my travel notes
IŽll be arriving on Sunday, and leaving on Tuesday morning on a tour to the Orkneys ( with Wild in Scotland ). Then IŽll stay the following Saturday night, and leave early Sunday morning for London.
Everything was a bit rushed, because I didnŽt get my final holiday dates until mid July. So, of course, accomodation was incredibly difficult to be found. But as I donŽt really have problems with hostels, I have managed to find a couple of places that look nice. Probably noisy, but I donŽt mind at all.
I think that I will give Blue or Atrium a try on Sunday. I will have plenty of time with Eurobeat beginning late.
I had checked the bus between the different galleries, and I was planning on using it.
God, I am already tired ... and the London schedule is similar. I will need a week in the beach afterwards ...
Thanks a lot, Cova
I did read your list, and it is printed and attached to my travel notes
IŽll be arriving on Sunday, and leaving on Tuesday morning on a tour to the Orkneys ( with Wild in Scotland ). Then IŽll stay the following Saturday night, and leave early Sunday morning for London.
Everything was a bit rushed, because I didnŽt get my final holiday dates until mid July. So, of course, accomodation was incredibly difficult to be found. But as I donŽt really have problems with hostels, I have managed to find a couple of places that look nice. Probably noisy, but I donŽt mind at all.
I think that I will give Blue or Atrium a try on Sunday. I will have plenty of time with Eurobeat beginning late.
I had checked the bus between the different galleries, and I was planning on using it.
God, I am already tired ... and the London schedule is similar. I will need a week in the beach afterwards ...
Thanks a lot, Cova
Aug 15th, 2007, 12:40 PM
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Forgive me- I'm neither Caroline nor Sheila but this post caught my eye.The last time I was in Edinburgh I saw the menu outside the Dining Room at The Scottish Malt Whisky Society within a stone's throw of the castle. I'm always on the look out for somewhere to eat on the next occasion and the menu really appealled to me.
The Times recently ran a feature on top Edinburgh restaurants for the festival and this one was featured. It is open Mon- Sat 5-6p.m. Thursday noon -2.30 ,5-6 ,7-9.30.
The article also features these which are open early.
Bonsai 46 West Richmond St, open noon -10p.m.
Fishers Bistro, 1 The Shore Leith open Tues-Sat6-10.30
La Garrigue 31 Jeffrey St 6-10.30
Kushi's 9 Victoria St noon-11p.m.
Reform, 267 Cannongate, 6-10.30.
and from an old thread- yes Caroline I am Welsh!
The Times recently ran a feature on top Edinburgh restaurants for the festival and this one was featured. It is open Mon- Sat 5-6p.m. Thursday noon -2.30 ,5-6 ,7-9.30.
The article also features these which are open early.
Bonsai 46 West Richmond St, open noon -10p.m.
Fishers Bistro, 1 The Shore Leith open Tues-Sat6-10.30
La Garrigue 31 Jeffrey St 6-10.30
Kushi's 9 Victoria St noon-11p.m.
Reform, 267 Cannongate, 6-10.30.
and from an old thread- yes Caroline I am Welsh!
Aug 15th, 2007, 11:25 PM
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Hi Frances. I think you may be getting 2 places mixed up. The food at the SMWS is supposed to be good; but it's not near the castle, it's on Queen Street. Are you thinking of the 'Scotch Whisky Experience' which is a tourist attraction near the castle ? La Garrigue is one of my favourites and is on my usual list of recommendations. Fisher's on the Shore used to be vg but the last time we went it was very disappointing; however Fisher's in the City on Thistle Street continues to get good reviews. Some like Kushi's but I don't. I haven't been to Bonsai or Reform. Where in Wales are you from/do you live ? DH originates from Swansea & the PILs now live in Pembroke.
Aug 16th, 2007, 12:01 PM
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Yes I've put two and two together and made five. I thought that the article I mentioned was giving the seal of approval to the place I saw which was just down from the Castle. Thank you so much for pointing that out.Does this mean that the place where I fancied the menu is not worth a try?
Out of the remainder the only one I've been to is Kushi's which was on our last trip. This was a nice enough Indian but not licensed so we had to carry our own beer.
Another place which would be open late is Roti which is probably my favourite so far.I think it is in Rose St and we ate there when we made our first visit last September. The traffic on the way was dreadful- I left Holyhead at 1.30 and we rolled into Edinburgh at 10.20 but Roti was open and really interesting food-again Indian but like no other Indian I've ever eaten in.
I'm from rural Carmarthenshire but living in south Anglesey.I used to work in Pembroke!
Out of the remainder the only one I've been to is Kushi's which was on our last trip. This was a nice enough Indian but not licensed so we had to carry our own beer.
Another place which would be open late is Roti which is probably my favourite so far.I think it is in Rose St and we ate there when we made our first visit last September. The traffic on the way was dreadful- I left Holyhead at 1.30 and we rolled into Edinburgh at 10.20 but Roti was open and really interesting food-again Indian but like no other Indian I've ever eaten in.
I'm from rural Carmarthenshire but living in south Anglesey.I used to work in Pembroke!
Aug 17th, 2007, 03:33 AM
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Hi Frances. I wouldn't *expect* the food at the place near the castle to be good (due to it being a tourist attraction and too handy for passing trade, if you know what I mean) - but you never know for sure without trying a place. Roti has now moved from its former premises (the late-lamented Martin's on one of the Rose Street Lanes) to Morrison Street, but I'm not sure exactly where - maybe where Rogue used to be ? Wow, 9 hours from Holyhead - nearly as bad as the journey between here and Pembroke ! That's funny that you used to work in Pembroke - you wouldn't know the PILs' house, though, as it's on a new development (sort of behind the rugby ground.) Am I right in thinking it was you who fancied staying at the Malmaison some time ? I had 2 girlfriends visiting a few weeks ago : with the idea of maybe being able to visit another time with their husbands and children, they arranged to go & see rooms at the Malmaison (which I live quite near to) and they said the rooms they saw were really nice, although they may have only seen some of the bigger ones.
Cova, are you still there and if so, will you have access to Fodors on Monday ? Sheila and I are going to Herbe (sorry, not L'Herbe) tonight ! So I could let you know what we thought, although not until Monday.
Cova, are you still there and if so, will you have access to Fodors on Monday ? Sheila and I are going to Herbe (sorry, not L'Herbe) tonight ! So I could let you know what we thought, although not until Monday.
Aug 17th, 2007, 06:41 AM
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Hi Caroline,
I am still at work (printing maps and thinking that I am forgetting something).
I will have access to Fodors, certainly. The hostel has free internet, and that will come handy (confirm reservations and update my blog), so I will have a look. Although Monday will be certainly stressful, might be able to try LŽHerbe before the ballet.
Thanks a lot for all the recommendations. If by any chance you come to Madrid or to Bilbao, let me know and I will reciprocate. I had a lovely dinner two weeks away at a tapas-cum-restaurant place in La Latina. Magnificent wines !
Bye, Cova
I am still at work (printing maps and thinking that I am forgetting something).
I will have access to Fodors, certainly. The hostel has free internet, and that will come handy (confirm reservations and update my blog), so I will have a look. Although Monday will be certainly stressful, might be able to try LŽHerbe before the ballet.
Thanks a lot for all the recommendations. If by any chance you come to Madrid or to Bilbao, let me know and I will reciprocate. I had a lovely dinner two weeks away at a tapas-cum-restaurant place in La Latina. Magnificent wines !
Bye, Cova
Aug 17th, 2007, 07:26 AM
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Hope you have a nice time here & in Orkney, Cova ! The Herbe website is http://www.herbebistro.co.uk/ in case you decide to go for it. BTW during the festivals it's always worth booking for dinner except at the most basic places - although I only booked this lunchtime for dinner tonight.
I certainly hope to revisit Madrid and Bilbao some time ! We had an all-too-short weekend in Madrid in March last year & I visited Bilbao just after the Guggenheim opened, but DH hasn't been yet.
I certainly hope to revisit Madrid and Bilbao some time ! We had an all-too-short weekend in Madrid in March last year & I visited Bilbao just after the Guggenheim opened, but DH hasn't been yet.
Aug 20th, 2007, 01:54 PM
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Hi Caroline,
I'm just back from "Impressing the Czar", and well and truly knackered. I don't think I could resist a whole week in August in Edinburgh, so many things to see, such a short time ...
Anyway, restaurants. I went to Blue yesterday. I passed along (well, not really, I headed there) and booked a table (good idea). Great meal, smoked salmon and pork loin. I could have done Atrium, but I was in my jeans and boots, and I didn't feel properly dressed
Today I haven't had time. I have grabbed a bowl of soup at "Always Sundays", and that's it. You have to walk around given the not-raining weather ...
BTW, I have loved all the gigs. Potted Potter was a surprise, a true riot. But the best thing was "Njinsky's last dance". A last minute decision ... and if you can, go and see it. Absolutely amazing, ages since I have seen something so moving. And I also managed to fit "Naked Portrait", pretty good too.
Thanks a lot for everything,
Cova
I'm just back from "Impressing the Czar", and well and truly knackered. I don't think I could resist a whole week in August in Edinburgh, so many things to see, such a short time ...
Anyway, restaurants. I went to Blue yesterday. I passed along (well, not really, I headed there) and booked a table (good idea). Great meal, smoked salmon and pork loin. I could have done Atrium, but I was in my jeans and boots, and I didn't feel properly dressed
Today I haven't had time. I have grabbed a bowl of soup at "Always Sundays", and that's it. You have to walk around given the not-raining weather ...
BTW, I have loved all the gigs. Potted Potter was a surprise, a true riot. But the best thing was "Njinsky's last dance". A last minute decision ... and if you can, go and see it. Absolutely amazing, ages since I have seen something so moving. And I also managed to fit "Naked Portrait", pretty good too.
Thanks a lot for everything,
Cova
Aug 21st, 2007, 02:35 AM
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Hi Cova. Been feeling verey guilty as I let you down re update yesterday (Monday), as I needed to take the day off work. Sounds like it didn't matter, anyway.
Re Herbe - Sheila said hers was nice but I was disappointed with what I had, so I'm very glad you didn't go there on my recommendation ! I was walking around that area over the weekend and a few other recommendations came to me, in case you (or anyone else) wants something in the area in future - on Hunter Square there's Creller's (seafood) & Le Sept (vaguely French, majoring on crepes); and on the North Bridge, in the Scotsman Hotel, there's the North Bridge Brasserie.
Anyway, I'm glad you had a good time here despite the weather. Do you have anything booked for Saturday/Sunday, or won't you be here long enough ?
Re Herbe - Sheila said hers was nice but I was disappointed with what I had, so I'm very glad you didn't go there on my recommendation ! I was walking around that area over the weekend and a few other recommendations came to me, in case you (or anyone else) wants something in the area in future - on Hunter Square there's Creller's (seafood) & Le Sept (vaguely French, majoring on crepes); and on the North Bridge, in the Scotsman Hotel, there's the North Bridge Brasserie.
Anyway, I'm glad you had a good time here despite the weather. Do you have anything booked for Saturday/Sunday, or won't you be here long enough ?
Aug 25th, 2007, 01:28 PM
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Well, girls, I'm back from my tour to the Orkneys and tomorrow I am heading back to London for 4 days of total and complete rest.
I had a great time all around, plenty of pics and we tried to find ghost in Carbisdale (didn't work, sorry).
We have arrived today at around 18:00, so I only had time to go to the hostel, leave things and meet one of the girls of the tour for some dinner. We ate at the "World's End" pub, and I liked their haggis. Then walk to another pub, and I had to celebrate with a Lagavulin.
I really think I should get back another year for a whole week at the Festival ... I have really loved this city and its energy ...
Love, Cova
I had a great time all around, plenty of pics and we tried to find ghost in Carbisdale (didn't work, sorry).
We have arrived today at around 18:00, so I only had time to go to the hostel, leave things and meet one of the girls of the tour for some dinner. We ate at the "World's End" pub, and I liked their haggis. Then walk to another pub, and I had to celebrate with a Lagavulin.
I really think I should get back another year for a whole week at the Festival ... I have really loved this city and its energy ...
Love, Cova
