Does anyone have any favorite restaurants in Edinburgh, or any dining suggestions in Glenfinnan, Portree, Dunkeld, or the surrounding areas we'll be driving through on this loop? We're interested in a range of price levels, though nothing where we have to be more dressed up than nice black pants -- it's going to be hard enough to pack light considering the weather, without having to include dressy shoes. Our first meal will be lunch in Edinburgh while jet lagged but excited to be there -- any suggestions for a comfortable lunch spot? We're staying near the Haymarket station, if that helps. Should we be making dinner reservations ahead of time in Edinburgh? We leave this week. Thanks in advance for your ideas.

tt

My favourite restaurant in Edinburgh is the Grain Store on Victoria Street. It's great for lunch or dinner (has good value set menus for both), the location is good and the atmosphere is really pleasant and friendly. Focus is on Scottish cuisine and ingredients.
http://www.grainstore-restaurant.co.uk

Another excellent value lunch spot is La Garrigue on Jeffrey Street (near Waverley Station and the Royal Mile). French country cooking, with an excellent value £15 3-course lunch menu.
www.lagarrigue.co.uk

Another idea is Centrotre, a big, lively Italian restaurant on George street (street running parallel to Princes St). Really good cooking and a good atmosphere - great for lunch.

I'd probably book at all these places (particularly for dinner) a day or so in advance, but you may well be able to walk in and get a table.

Oh, in case it's not clear, the menu at la Garrigue is neither 153 courses nor does it cost 153 pounds! It's a three-course menu costing approx 15 GBP.

ttt for Doriana

Thanks so much hanl. Those look great. Has anyone been to Oloroso in Edinburgh? One of my guidebooks recommends it as a great place for an afternoon snack and drink on the terrace (though it also mentions "soaking up the sun," which might be overly optimistic given the forecast).

Hi there-

Here are some links to previous threads that have info about restaurants in Edinburgh:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34958959

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34893165

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34867466

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34819765

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34778019

Have fun!!

For sandwiches Two Thin Laddies in the Grassmarket.

There are good medium price restaurants on Rose St. in the New Town. My personal favorite is the Bad Ass Cafe. Be sure to order the banoffe pie for dessert.

I was going to put in my list but I see it's already included via one of the links provided by noe847.

La Partenope is a very short walk from Haymarket.

Oloroso is pretentious, food nothing special and IMO very poor value. It's one of the places where all the designer-dressy young rich (or wannabees) hang out for cocktails - if that's you, fine ! I once spent an instructive hour sitting opposite the concierge desk at the Balmoral Hotel (I mistook the time I was to meet friends) & they sent everyone there - obviously on a kickback.

BTW there's nowhere in Edinburgh you need to be more dressy than nice black pants - assuming you mean pants in the US sense rather than the British one

Check out www.5pm.co.uk for prices and menu's for dining across the uk. Can often get discount if booking through the website.

Regards
Tom

Thank you all so much, including noe847 for digging up all those links, and caroline edinburgh for cracking me up. (Note to self: be cautious about use of word "pants" while in UK.)

No problem, Doriana. I had emailed them to myself, so not too hard to find (assuming I label the posts well enough in the subject lines when I send the emails, and file them appropriately when I receive the emails).