LCBoniti

We are finally, actually, really going to Scotland in May after planning and postponing for at least two years. I can hardly wait!

We will have a full two days in Edinburgh, staying in an apartment close to the Castle on the Royal Mile. I'm sure there are lots of great places to eat but I would love your suggestions. No parameters really - we may go upscale one night, but we also love pubs. And we won't mind if it's not in the exact area where we are staying. Will travel for food if it's worth it.

So, at what places in Edinburgh did you particularly enjoy the food and the atmosphere?

janisj

For upscale you probably cannot beat http://www.restaurantmartinwishart.co.uk or http://thekitchin.com/#_=_

A couple of the best restaurants in the country - but pricey.

spaarne

<i>Restaurant Suggestions - Edinburgh
Posted by: LCBoniti on Mar 30, 16 at 3:57pm</i>

For an experience you will long remember, http://www.thewitchery.com/.

LCBoniti

Oh, wow, Janis - both of those look amazing. I am particularly drawn to Kitchin only because there was a photo of a waiter in a kilt . . . Love that they are at the Port of Leith as well. Definitely an option.

spaame, I have heard about The Witchery - it looks to be very close to where we are staying and it definitely has the atmosphere. Thank you for that suggestion.

janisj

The Witchery is all about the atmosphere, Kitchin/Restaurant Martin Wishart are all about the food.

(Not 100% in either case but pretty much . . .)

You'd probably be happy with any of them - Martin Wishart is the tougher booking -- try ASAP.

nytraveler

The witchery is fun - and the food is OK - and it seems to be right near where you are staying. Sorry but the other places we ate were not memorable - since the weather was so bad we were going to whatever was close to the hotel the other 2 nights (45 degrees and raining sideways in July).

flpab

http://www.steakedinburgh.com/ we were wanting a steak and close to our apartment, very good.

I liked http://www.royalmcgregor.co.uk/


http://www.thehub-edinburgh.com/cafe/ very close to the Castle and we went in here for coffee but the food looked so good we ate. Not pricey at all.
You have to try Greyfriars Bobby's Bar, have a beer but check out the cemetery.

Gave you some cheaper options.

pavot

I don't know if this is what you'd like, but a favorite of mine is L'Escargot Bleu, on Broughton Street.

They describe themselves as serving French food made with the finest Scottish seasonal larder.

My family lived around the corner from here for 5 months, and we liked it best.

(But we never tried Kitchin or Wishart.)

pavot

Almost forgot -- we also liked The Dome in New Town, as has everyone we've recommended it to or taken there. Gorgeous setting and traditional food.

brookums71

Enjoy. Here is my trip report...

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...1-169037-2.cfm

laverendrye

We very much enjoyed Mark Greenaway in New Town. The cuisine is not at all traditional but the food was delicious and the presentation outstanding. The prices would likely put it in the splurge category.
http://www.markgreenaway.com

As you are staying near the Royal Mile, you might want to try The Witchery as other have recommended. Atmosphere is wonderful and the food is fine. Also a splurge.

Reservations are essential at either place.

carolyn

There is a Patisserie Valerie just off the Royal Mile if you feel the need of afternoon tea or just a yummy snack.

spaarne

I might add that I found the http://maisonbleuerestaurant.com/ while roaming around. It is a tiny place. I had venison medallions, beautiful and cooked perfectly.

For a pub I suggest the Deacon Brodie Tavern. There is an interesting mural on the wall with a brief history of the varmint deacon, who was hanged.

And if you have time take the bus out to http://www.rosslynchapel.com/. That is also a tiny place when compared to York Minster etc., but it is perhaps more fascinating.

LCBoniti

brookums71, I read your trip report. I have been reading all sorts of trip reports but somehow I missed yours. It was hilarious - and very informative.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions - I am checking them all and making notes of the ones that sound promising for us.

Rubicund

The Witchery is very good and a short stroll from your accommodation. The food is very good and it's an atmospheric place. An alternative could be "Rhubarb" at Prestonfields House:

http://www.prestonfield.com/Dining-FoodAndDrink.html

Great building, lovely food and service.

janisj

re the Maison Bleu . . . it is VERY popular but if you go early (like between 5 & 6 PM) they have a really inexpensive pre-theatre/early menu and can often walk right in.

VonVan

brookums71 , I read your linked TR with interest and liked how you quickly caught on to the "Scottish v. English breakfast."

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...1-169037-2.cfm

Just so you know, and it probably will come up again with your husband's birthday, the abbreviation (?) for St. Patrick's Day is "Paddy's," not "Patty's."

Paddy is masculine, Patty feminine. Hope you and Mr. Crusty have fun celebrating each March!

LCBoniti

Janis, I did see that pre-theatre menu at Maison Bleu - and what an amazing looking building! Thank you, spaarne, for that suggestion.

Carolyn, I have eaten at a Patisserie Valerie in England - so I will be looking for that one for an afternoon delight.

So many good suggestions - I'm drooling just checking out the menus.

LCBoniti

Ooooh! Just made a reservation at The Kitchin - and a good thing I did as they were already completely booked one of the nights.

janisj

Congratulations -- you'll love it.