Dining and Drinking

Dining and drinking in Edinburgh are fun and tasty pursuits. All manner of eateries and watering holes lurk around every corner. From traditional haggis haunts to romantic Italian restaurants, whisky-stained pubs to trendy bars — there is something to suit most cravings.

The city center offers many tastes and tipples and the Old Town is a great place to sup and pub. For a European flavour try The Grain Store, just off the Royal Mile, whose rather unpromising name belies the tasty Scottish/French fare served. Ciao Roma is just one example of the decent regional Italian eateries the city has to offer. To sample the native delicacies, try the haggis and tatties at the Doric Wine Bar & Bistro. For a contemporary dining experience of the highest quality, take the transparent lift inside The Museum of Scotland to The Tower Restaurant and Terrace . Pub-lovers should prop up the Bow Bar, just below Edinburgh Castle, and vegetarians should check out Bann UK. Fed up with whisky? Try vodka of all flavours imaginable at Bar Kohl.

Cowgate and Grassmarket are very popular drinking haunts. Try Bannerman's for a traditional pub atmosphere or wander down Candlemaker Row and check out Greyfriars Bobby. Driving? Maison Hector is great for non-alcoholic beverages.

Towards Holyrood Park, there are some good eateries near the Edinburgh Festival Theatre. Those with the Mexican munchies should try Mother's, whilst Ayatthaya serves great Thai food. At the Canongate end, the Holyrood Tavern's cozy atmosphere will help you nurse your pint.

On the other side of Princes Street Gardens, New Town has many treats worth sampling. Dining à la française is particularly satisfying here; the Café St Honoré offers excellent brasserie fare, whilst Pompadour is perfect for expensive French cuisine. For a continental luncheon La Cuisine d'Odile has a very good menu. Not to be outdone, the Italians and Spaniards are also well represented in New Town. Try La Rusticana or the Patio Restaurant for a taste of pasta/pizza paradise, or Tapas Tree for some great Hispanic nibbles. Kids in tow? Check out old favorite the Hard Rock Cafe, then drop the smalls home and relax with a late-night cocktail at Po Na Na.

Further out of town is the dockland area of Leith, a must for seafood seekers. All along the quays, fish restaurants can be found offering menus that are fresh from the ocean. If you're going to try any of them, make sure it's the charming Fishers Bistro at number one. Set back from the water, the Raj Restaurant's curries will put fire in your belly, but if you prefer lighter delicacies, the French seafood dishes at The Vintner's Rooms are wonderful. For an aperitif or one-for-the-road, Bar Java is a great start or finish to any night.

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