My husband and I will be staying near the Castle next weekend. Can anyone suggest a romantic restaurant where we can celebrate his birthday? We love all foods and enjoy wine and don't mind spending for something extra special.

Dubh Prais. Be sure to make a reservation the restaurant is small and can't accomodate too many patrons at the same time. The restaurant is on High St, so it is easy to get to from your hotel.

A classic in Edinburgh is The Witchery, near the castle.

almost next door to the Whichery is the Amber resturant which is part of the Scotch Whisky Experience.
Very nice indeed.

Second the Witchery. Also there's Rhubarb, which is excellent.

I have reservations about the Witchery, but I think it fits your bill. The wine list is superb, but it is NOT cheap.

The best restaurants and the current hot tickets are Martin Wishart and The Kitchin.

A good fallback would be La Garrigue. It's smaller and more intimate, and has a lovely South West France menu.

Wanna eat where the locals eat? Try:

http://tinyurl.com/ya48ahz

Would agree with Sheila regarding having reservations about the Witchery I tend to find that it is overpriced and over rated. For somewhere near the Castle have a look at Wedgewood in the Canongate (Part of the Royal Mile) www.wedgewoodtherestaurant.co.uk

Thank you for your replies. A colleague has just recommended The Grain Store - any thoughts?

Apart from the blatant ad for the burger joint, where not many of the locals eat, the Wedgewood is good, although no cheaper than the Witchery, which I have never found over-rated although a little pricey.

The Grain Store is good too, and about the same price as the Witchery.

For atmosphere, food et al, I do prefer the Witchery.

Thanks - I checked the Witchery but the first available seating is 11pm on Friday, Sat and Sun evenings (the only evenings we are there). That is too late for us to dine I think - I'll be in bed long before then!!

While the Witchery is fun there's no way I would consider it a romantic restaurant - IMHO definitey a tourist trap. the food's not bad but you're paying at least in part for the location and "decor".

Aw, get a life, Lifeman. Just having a little fun. You sound like a dour Scot.