If you’re looking to celebrate in style or wow a first-time visitor to the Burgher, the perfect scenario is: food that’s fabulous beyond belief, a shedload of champagne – obvs – and, of course, a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle.
Here are five of our favourite venues:
1. The Outsider, George IV Bridge
Having excited diners for the last fifteen years, we’re wondering why on earth it took us so long to make a reservation?? Well … the good news is: finally we did just that, and can now assure you the food is sublime.
Over a somewhat liquid lunch, we were utterly seduced by the Sausage & black pudding cassoulet, and the sesame & pink pepper crusted lamb rump. Wowsers!
But the highest praise must go to the pan-fried gnocchi with pear, walnut & cherry tomato. Every mouthful is sheer and unadulterated joy.
Naturally, the dessert menu and service are also top-notch, and best of all we enjoyed all of these delights while gazing at the world’s most famous castle. What more could you ask for? Well, apart from yet another bottle of wine …
15-16 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EE
www.theoutsiderrestaurant.com
Nearby Venue: Festival Theatre (7 minute walk)
2. Kyloe, Rutland Street
As far as we’re concerned, few things in life can top an enormous slice of beef, cooked medium rare, and served with Kyloe’s red wine & blue cheese sauce. The experience is almost sexual, so ummm … apologies to our fellow diners.
But ecstasy of the flesh aside, everything about this restaurant is a class act. Its atmosphere, service and heavenly food will make even a casual snack-ette into an extremely special occasion.
Our suggestion is to “surf & turf” by kicking off with the either the Tempura squid, Linisfarne oysters or the Edinburgh Gin soaked salmon. Then, of course, move on to one of the best steaks this city has to offer. Absolute bliss!
We’ve easily dined here a dozen or so times, and have NEVER been disappointed. From your entrée through to that last gorgeous bite of dessert, believe us, you’ll be extremely pleased you came.
1-3 Rutland Street, EH1 2AE
www.kyloerestaurant.com
Nearby Venue: Kings Theatre (12 minute walk)
3. Twenty Princes Street
Now this is a restaurant with drama. Marvellously high ceilings, a gorgeous décor with old school touches, and of course those perfectly framed views of Edinburgh Castle.
We also have a lot of love for its wine fridge. Not only does it assist in one’s inevitable inebriation, it’s work of art in itself.
So … atmosphere: tick, tick, and TICK! But that’s just the beginning …
Expect dishes that are dazzling, daring and delicious in equal measure. Maple glazed pork belly anyone? Or how about the Smoked Haddock and crab cannelloni with creamy Arran oak-smoked cheddar?
Just make sure to save some room for dessert, where the likes of White Chocolate & Mojito cheesecake and Flaming strawberries & cream Alaska will genuinely see you spoiled for choice.
Long story short: everything about this restaurant is freaking wonderful!
20 Princes Street, EH2 2AN
www.twentyprincesstreet.co.uk
Nearby Venue: Edinburgh Playhouse (10 minute walk)
4. Chaophraya, Castle Street
Not only does this rooftop restaurant offer sumptuous atmosphere and stunning views, the food is divine. It’s an experience made even more special if you’re dining in the “glass box,” which boasts Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop.
We suggest kicking off with at least one of Chaophraya’s impressive selection of cocktails. A Mr Black espresso martini is our tipple of choice, but everything from the mojito to their signature Mai Thai is guaranteed to take the edge off.
Come the less liquid aspects of dinner, any choice you make will be a good one. From the wonderful Chicken satay skewers, to the Lamb Teriyaki or Crispy Pork Belly with fresh chillies – it is all fabulous. Just promise us you’ll try the coconut rice, it’s must-eat.
And then, if you can find even the smallest amount of room, dive into the Chocolate Bombe with Thai Whisky ice cream, honey and toasted popcorn centre. It’s amazing!
Is it any wonder we love it here??
4th Floor, 33 Castle Street, EH2 3DN
www.chaophraya.co.uk
Nearby Venue: Rose Street Theatre (3 minute walk)
5. The Pompadour by Galvin
If like us you have an insatiable appetite, and an unquenchable thirst for champagne, dining here can cost a small fortune. But frankly, it’s worth every penny. The menu, as designed by Michelin-star chefs the Galvin Brothers, reads like poetry.
We very much enjoyed the Old spot pork cheek, crackling, choucroute & shitake dashi, and the signature dish Lasagne of North Berwick Crab. We also salivated wildly over the Herwick lamb, and agreed the Banana soufflé with slated caramel ice cream has much in common with an earth-shuddering orgasm.
Even better … our every mouthful (of which there were many) was also expertly matched with a glass of something cheeky, thanks to the sommelier. French and wonderfully flirty, he was just one of the many reasons a four-hour lunch at the Pompadour is the perfect, perfect indulgence.
The Caledonian, Princes Street, EH1 2AB
www.galvinedinburgh.com
Nearby Venue: Usher Hall (6 minute walk)