Romantic Edinburgh Restaurants

Rhubarb Restaurant @ Prestonfield House

Situated a stone’s throw from The Scott and The Scholar hotels is the luxurious and opulent Rhubarb Restaurant at Prestonfield House.

The dining rooms are set in a grand baroque home, built in 1687 as the home of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost.  The rich and dramatically decorated interior of Prestonfield House will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time, the perfect setting for a romantic meal.

The food on offer features some of the finest Scottish ingredients and produce as well as an eclectic wine list from around the globe.  If you fancy an afternoon treat, booking an afternoon tea on the lawn, surrounded by the resident peacocks for a truly memorable experience.

The Witchery

On the approach to the famous Edinburgh Castle sits one of the most spectacular and atmospheric restaurants in the city: The Witchery.  The award-winning menu is packed with Scottish produce including Scottish lobster, game, Angus beef and haggis.

The Secret Garden dining room, once an old school yard, is lit almost entirely by candles.  As you enter the reception and descend the stone steps, you will be captivated by the hand-painted ceiling and French windows opening onto the secluded terrace - perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail.

Alternatively, choose to dine in the exceptional 16^th century oak-panelled, candlelit main dining room.

Dining in either room feels like you are stepping back in time and is a great way to immerse yourself in the captivating history of Edinburgh.

Six by Nico

Located on Hanover Street, in the city centre, Six by Nico is a fantastically fun restaurant.  The concept is based on a six-course tasting menu which changes every six weeks, each one themed upon a different place or memory from chef Nico Simeone.

Past menu examples include ‘Once Upon a Time’ with dishes inspired by children’s stories, ‘Willy Wonka’, ‘New York’ and ‘The Chippie’.  Six courses does sound like a lot to get through, however the portions are light enough that you will leave feeling satisfied rather than overly full.  It is also brilliant value for money with the six courses costing £37 (add matching wines for £30).

You will need to make sure you book well in advance as this is an incredibly popular place, and for good reason!

The Gardner's Cottage

Nestled in greenery at the side of London Road sits a chocolate box cottage that is made for romantic dinners.  Built in 1836, the cottage was once where the gardener lived who tended to the grounds you now see today.

The team at The Gardener’s Cottage pride themselves on using the very best local and seasonal produce, growing their own veg in their own garden (some of it growing alongside the path that winds up to the front door).

The menu is set based on the season and produce they can grow which gives this restaurant an edge on any larger chains.  This is an incredibly popular Edinburgh institution that works on a bookings only policy so make sure to book well in advance of your visit.  You won’t regret it.

Maison Bleue

On any list of romantic restaurants there must be at least one French restaurant, after all, Paris is the city of love.

Situated on Victoria Street, just off the Grassmarket, this quaint gem of a restaurant is the perfect place to treat that special someone.  With a unique interior featuring original stone arches, brick work and a wooden staircase, as well as the light level being set to ‘romantic’, Maison Bleue know a thing or two about romance.

Serving French, North African and traditional Scottish cuisine prepared by chefs native to each region, you can be sure to enjoy a magical meal in the most charming of surroundings.

After your meal, why not visit the rooftop bar at Cold Town House on the Grassmarket.  Share some bubbles while drinking in the stunning view of Edinburgh Castle.

Ting Thai Caravan

For something less formal and far more trendy, Ting Thai Caravan serve THE BEST authentic Thai street food.  Originally starting out as a street food van, they became so popular that they secured a restaurant on Teviot Place (a 10-minute walk from KM Hotel and Apartments).  As demand grew, they now have a second restaurant on Lothian Road.

Ting Thai are family run restaurants with Thai chefs, the dishes are authentic and ridiculously tasty.  They operate on a walk-ins only policy so make sure you get there before the queue gets too long!