Michael & Paul's Guidebook for Edinburgh
Food Scene - Lunch or Dinner
Book in advance. A great hit with locals and guests alike. Fab food, staff and ambience. It is highly recommended.
Please book ahead if you plan to go for lunch/dinner.
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The Broughton
46-48a Broughton StBook in advance. A great hit with locals and guests alike. Fab food, staff and ambience. It is highly recommended.
Please book ahead if you plan to go for lunch/dinner.
Book in advance.
Our closest favourite restaurant. Don't come for the decor - come for the food. It is a very simple taverna style. Run by a greek family - they are all super friendly. Food is super fresh, tasty and comes out as it is ready not course by course. Order some meze dishes to start then follow with the lamb or chicken. Don't miss the patatas with oregano.
It just won an award for 'Hidden Gem' in Edinburgh so you need to book to be sure to get a table especially during August or at the weekend.
The Greek beer or the house wine in steel carafes are great. Cocktails are amazing too.
Please note: Not always open for lunch but always for dinner. So check first. Closed Monday and Tuesday
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Spitaki Greek Taverna
135 E Claremont StBook in advance.
Our closest favourite restaurant. Don't come for the decor - come for the food. It is a very simple taverna style. Run by a greek family - they are all super friendly. Food is super fresh, tasty and comes out as it is ready not course by course. Order some meze dishes to start then follow with the lamb or chicken. Don't miss the patatas with oregano.
It just won an award for 'Hidden Gem' in Edinburgh so you need to book to be sure to get a table especially during August or at the weekend.
The Greek beer or the house wine in steel carafes are great. Cocktails are amazing too.
Please note: Not always open for lunch but always for dinner. So check first. Closed Monday and Tuesday
Book in advance. Our favourite Thai restaurant in Edinburgh. With authentic chefs from Bangkok. Don't miss it. This is a very popular restaurant so do book in advance for lunch or dinner.
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Dusit
49A Thistle StBook in advance. Our favourite Thai restaurant in Edinburgh. With authentic chefs from Bangkok. Don't miss it. This is a very popular restaurant so do book in advance for lunch or dinner.
Book in advance. This decadent and beautiful, French-inspired restaurant, is managed by a French family who have made Scotland their home for over 20 years supported by friendly and attentive staff. The Crème brûlée is legendary.
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L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant
56 Broughton StBook in advance. This decadent and beautiful, French-inspired restaurant, is managed by a French family who have made Scotland their home for over 20 years supported by friendly and attentive staff. The Crème brûlée is legendary.
The OX
49-51 London StBook in advance. Great foody pub and friendly staff
Lovely Asian food on St Andrews Square - you can't book just turn up
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Dishoom Edinburgh
3a St Andrew SquareLovely Asian food on St Andrews Square - you can't book just turn up
Great stop for coffee after visiting the National Museum of Scotland or Talbot Rice Gallery
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Brew Lab Coffee
6-8 S College StGreat stop for coffee after visiting the National Museum of Scotland or Talbot Rice Gallery
Bertie's Proper Fish & Chips
9 Victoria StGreat new place for Fish & Chips
Great fresh pan Asian food and lovely staff/decor. Great for a quick lunch or dinner.
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Wagamama
1 Castle TerraceGreat fresh pan Asian food and lovely staff/decor. Great for a quick lunch or dinner.
The Olive Branch
91 Broughton StBook in advance. Informal, yummy dining
Book in advance. Excellent Seafood restaurant on the Shore in Leith
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The Shore Restaurant
1 ShoreBook in advance. Excellent Seafood restaurant on the Shore in Leith
Book in advance. The little brother of the original Fishers in Leith (see other entry) So it is probably the second-best fish and seafood restaurant in Edinburgh. You need to book. Not the cheapest but worth every penny!
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Fishers In The City
58 Thistle StreetBook in advance. The little brother of the original Fishers in Leith (see other entry) So it is probably the second-best fish and seafood restaurant in Edinburgh. You need to book. Not the cheapest but worth every penny!
Book in advance. Lovely Italian restaurant in an old bank building on George Street. Enjoy a drink at one of the many bars on George Street / St. Andrews Square before or after your meal.
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Contini George Street
103 George StreetBook in advance. Lovely Italian restaurant in an old bank building on George Street. Enjoy a drink at one of the many bars on George Street / St. Andrews Square before or after your meal.
Book in advance.
Favourite Edinburgh Vegetarian / Vegan restaurant
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David Bann Restaurant
56-58 St Mary's StBook in advance.
Favourite Edinburgh Vegetarian / Vegan restaurant
Vittoria on the Walk
113 Brunswick StGreat local Italian restaurant
Amazing new restaurant setting a very high bar for their delightful tasting menu. At time of writing £45 for five course celebration meal. Can also do wine pairing for £35. When we went recently enjoyed their signature negroni cocktail and lovely bottle of white wine rather than the pairing. The food is all locally sourced and the service attentive. Don’t miss this one for a special night. You will need to book in advance.
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Borough
50-54 Henderson StAmazing new restaurant setting a very high bar for their delightful tasting menu. At time of writing £45 for five course celebration meal. Can also do wine pairing for £35. When we went recently enjoyed their signature negroni cocktail and lovely bottle of white wine rather than the pairing. The food is all locally sourced and the service attentive. Don’t miss this one for a special night. You will need to book in advance.
Down in Leith is a fantastic tasting menu for that special lunch or dinner. Choose from two different choices per course. You can get an option for wine pairing.
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Aurora
187 Great Jct StDown in Leith is a fantastic tasting menu for that special lunch or dinner. Choose from two different choices per course. You can get an option for wine pairing.
Drinks & Nightlife
Traditional Scottish pub. Great atmospheric decor. Brilliant selection of lagers and ales. Friendly staff. A regular line up of live music sessions. Nice Scottish Bistro food too! Don’t miss the haggis bonbons.
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The Barony
81-85 Broughton StTraditional Scottish pub. Great atmospheric decor. Brilliant selection of lagers and ales. Friendly staff. A regular line up of live music sessions. Nice Scottish Bistro food too! Don’t miss the haggis bonbons.
Book in advance for food inside.
Great local, friendly bar with good bar food. Nice to visit after a walk around The Royal Botanic Gardens
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Orchard
Book in advance for food inside.
Great local, friendly bar with good bar food. Nice to visit after a walk around The Royal Botanic Gardens
Great bar with excellent Beers and Gin - lovely gastro pub food too. Book a table when it is busy. Grab a seat outside when the sun is shining. Does a lovely Sunday Roast!
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The Cumberland Bar
1-3 Cumberland StGreat bar with excellent Beers and Gin - lovely gastro pub food too. Book a table when it is busy. Grab a seat outside when the sun is shining. Does a lovely Sunday Roast!
Speakeasy / Cocktail bar that is part of the Edinburgh Grand on St. Andrews Sq - very reasonable prices and amazing drinks. Food is ace too
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Lady Libertine
25 W Register StSpeakeasy / Cocktail bar that is part of the Edinburgh Grand on St. Andrews Sq - very reasonable prices and amazing drinks. Food is ace too
Brand new romantic, intimate and cosy bar with a quirky addition of a plant shop that creates a lovely backdrop to your visit. The Keller Taproom also distils its own four gins with great Scottish names. Likewise is starting to brew German-style beers 🍺 . They also have a fine wine list and unique cocktails. Please book so you don’t miss out.
The Keller
Brand new romantic, intimate and cosy bar with a quirky addition of a plant shop that creates a lovely backdrop to your visit. The Keller Taproom also distils its own four gins with great Scottish names. Likewise is starting to brew German-style beers 🍺 . They also have a fine wine list and unique cocktails. Please book so you don’t miss out.
Great gin tour of our local distillery where you get to have a G&T, Make and drink a gimlet and fill your own wee take away bottle. Contact us to book this for you in advance. Available Thursday to Sunday.
Lind and Lime Gin Distillery
Great gin tour of our local distillery where you get to have a G&T, Make and drink a gimlet and fill your own wee take away bottle. Contact us to book this for you in advance. Available Thursday to Sunday.
Unique Whisky discovery tours at this seven-story whisky emporium. Also with bars, restaurants and their shop not to be missed.
Contact us for more info and to book a suitable tour for you.
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Johnnie Walker Princes Street
145 Princes StUnique Whisky discovery tours at this seven-story whisky emporium. Also with bars, restaurants and their shop not to be missed.
Contact us for more info and to book a suitable tour for you.
Sightseeing
Amazing walks and views of Edinburgh
Advisable to book timed entry tickets in advance as it sells out frequently in the summer.
Don't miss the views from the Castle across Edinburgh. You might hear the 1300 gun fired from Edinburgh Castle.
Best to book in advance as can be long queues for entrance tickets.
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Edinburgh Castle
CastlehillAdvisable to book timed entry tickets in advance as it sells out frequently in the summer.
Don't miss the views from the Castle across Edinburgh. You might hear the 1300 gun fired from Edinburgh Castle.
Best to book in advance as can be long queues for entrance tickets.
Great views of the whole City plus visit the new Collective galleries - see separate entry under Art Galleries.
Nice outdoor bar (in the summer), coffee shop and pricey restaurant 'The Lookout' - you need to book.
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Calton Hill
Calton HillGreat views of the whole City plus visit the new Collective galleries - see separate entry under Art Galleries.
Nice outdoor bar (in the summer), coffee shop and pricey restaurant 'The Lookout' - you need to book.
Amazing walks and views of Edinburgh. Great for a sunset walk.
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Arthur's Seat
Amazing walks and views of Edinburgh. Great for a sunset walk.
Use the audio guide around the Kings' official residence in Scotland. Highly recommend a visit while in Edinburgh. Nice Restaurant / Cafe, too, with lovely outside seating.
Best to book in advance to skip the ticket queue.
Top tip: Don't need to pay to visit Cafe / Shop!
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Palace of Holyroodhouse
CanongateUse the audio guide around the Kings' official residence in Scotland. Highly recommend a visit while in Edinburgh. Nice Restaurant / Cafe, too, with lovely outside seating.
Best to book in advance to skip the ticket queue.
Top tip: Don't need to pay to visit Cafe / Shop!
Great Zoo if you have time to visit. Take the 26 bus from York Place.
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Edinburgh Zoo
134 Corstorphine RdGreat Zoo if you have time to visit. Take the 26 bus from York Place.
Amazingly beautiful (volunteer-run) gardens are set on the other side of Holyrood Park in the picturesque village of Duddingston.
Top tip: Take a short Uber from Crescent House direct to the gardens through Holyrood Park and visit the new Holyrood Distillery.
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Dr Neil's Garden
5 Old Church LnAmazingly beautiful (volunteer-run) gardens are set on the other side of Holyrood Park in the picturesque village of Duddingston.
Top tip: Take a short Uber from Crescent House direct to the gardens through Holyrood Park and visit the new Holyrood Distillery.
Parks & Nature
Don't miss visiting our local (15-minute walk) world-famous Gardens!
You can see the glass hothouses (currently under redevelopment) from the window views outside the back of Crescent House.
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Royal Botanic Garden station
Don't miss visiting our local (15-minute walk) world-famous Gardens!
You can see the glass hothouses (currently under redevelopment) from the window views outside the back of Crescent House.
Portobello Beach Promenade
1 PromenadeGreat for a day out on a sunny day
Take a walk around our local park and then either walk on one of the old railway tracks to Leith, Newhaven, Trinity or even further afield
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St Marks Park
Warriston RoadTake a walk around our local park and then either walk on one of the old railway tracks to Leith, Newhaven, Trinity or even further afield
Take a walk up the Water of Leith towards the Modern Art Gallery (have a coffee / lunch here inside or out) at Belford Road or walk down towards the Port of Leith (nice bars and restaurants)
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Water of Leith
Take a walk up the Water of Leith towards the Modern Art Gallery (have a coffee / lunch here inside or out) at Belford Road or walk down towards the Port of Leith (nice bars and restaurants)
Shopping
As well as shopping at Harvey Nicks Edinburgh - say no more - have a meal on the top floor or drink in the rooftop bar. Highly recommended. Must book in advance
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Harvey Nichols
As well as shopping at Harvey Nicks Edinburgh - say no more - have a meal on the top floor or drink in the rooftop bar. Highly recommended. Must book in advance
Quirky clothing store - old tweed jackets, army off-casts and other scraps of clothing are stitched together and recycled into stylish and distinctive items for both men and women
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Joey D
54 Broughton StQuirky clothing store - old tweed jackets, army off-casts and other scraps of clothing are stitched together and recycled into stylish and distinctive items for both men and women
Nice discount outlet to pick up great Scottish gifts and jumper/jackets.
James Pringles Shopping Village
70-74 Bangor RdNice discount outlet to pick up great Scottish gifts and jumper/jackets.
A great local street in a vibrant area with vintage shops, fashion and lifestyle. Fab place for a mooch around. On Sundays you can visit the Stockbridge Sunday Market. Don’t miss the 🥘 Paella. Curently at the Inverleith Park end you will find the outdoor Neighbourhood Market in the new Edinburgh Academicals rugby ground.
Raeburn Place
Raeburn PlaceA great local street in a vibrant area with vintage shops, fashion and lifestyle. Fab place for a mooch around. On Sundays you can visit the Stockbridge Sunday Market. Don’t miss the 🥘 Paella. Curently at the Inverleith Park end you will find the outdoor Neighbourhood Market in the new Edinburgh Academicals rugby ground.
Art Galleries
Art Gallery's we recommend
Beautiful gallery on the Mound. Good stop on a rainy day or on way to the Old Town from the New Town.
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Nasjonalgalleriene i Skottland
The MoundBeautiful gallery on the Mound. Good stop on a rainy day or on way to the Old Town from the New Town.
Original Modern Art Gallery next to Dean Gallery (Modern One). Take a stroll through Stockbridge and then the Dean Village on your way to the Modern Art Galleries on Belford Road.
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Skottlands nasjonale galleri for moderne kunst
75 Belford RdOriginal Modern Art Gallery next to Dean Gallery (Modern One). Take a stroll through Stockbridge and then the Dean Village on your way to the Modern Art Galleries on Belford Road.
Beautiful sumptuous portrait art history of Scotland. Great food and fantastic coffee at the cafe/restaurant on the ground floor.
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Skotsk nasjonal portrettgalleri
1 Queen StBeautiful sumptuous portrait art history of Scotland. Great food and fantastic coffee at the cafe/restaurant on the ground floor.
Outdoor grounds, viewing terrace, City Dome, coffee Kiosk, and pop-up shop are now open.
Art galleries in the old Edinburgh City Observatory, an outdoor bar (in the summer), a great coffee shop, a pricey restaurant called The Lookout (you need to book) and amazing 360 views of the City - don't miss it.
Top tip: after checking in at Crescent House, pop up to Calton Hill for panoramic view of the city—a great way to get your bearings.
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Collective
38 Calton HillOutdoor grounds, viewing terrace, City Dome, coffee Kiosk, and pop-up shop are now open.
Art galleries in the old Edinburgh City Observatory, an outdoor bar (in the summer), a great coffee shop, a pricey restaurant called The Lookout (you need to book) and amazing 360 views of the City - don't miss it.
Top tip: after checking in at Crescent House, pop up to Calton Hill for panoramic view of the city—a great way to get your bearings.
Do pop in to see the Old College, Edinburgh University Quadrangle. The Talbot Rice Gallery has some unique and unusual exhibitions. Check opening times before visiting.
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Talbot Rice Gallery
South BridgeDo pop in to see the Old College, Edinburgh University Quadrangle. The Talbot Rice Gallery has some unique and unusual exhibitions. Check opening times before visiting.
Entertainment & Activities
Currently need to book free tie entry tickets here: https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/book-tickets/
Amazing museum to visit with lovely Restaurants and Cafes. Make sure you go on the roof for fantastic views of the Edinburgh skyline.
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National Museum of Scotland
Currently need to book free tie entry tickets here: https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/book-tickets/
Amazing museum to visit with lovely Restaurants and Cafes. Make sure you go on the roof for fantastic views of the Edinburgh skyline.
Great Fringe venue in August, but art shows all year round. Can also do Pickerings Gin tasting here.
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Summerhall
Great Fringe venue in August, but art shows all year round. Can also do Pickerings Gin tasting here.
Vue Cinemas
61/11 Leith StMainstream cinema showing all the major movies
Great local swim centre (with a lovely Sauna & Steam Room) where Paul learnt to swim 40 years ago! (also small gym). You may need to book in advance.
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Glenogle Swim Centre
Glenogle RoadGreat local swim centre (with a lovely Sauna & Steam Room) where Paul learnt to swim 40 years ago! (also small gym). You may need to book in advance.
Large gym & newly refurbished (2020) traditional Victorian Swimming Pool. You may need to book in advance.
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Leith Victoria Swim Centre
Junction PlaceLarge gym & newly refurbished (2020) traditional Victorian Swimming Pool. You may need to book in advance.