Edinburgh’s renowned beauty and charm make it a wonderfully romantic city, and with its wealth of excellent restaurants, there are many lovely places to take that special someone for an intimate meal à deux. Whether your idea of romance is a cosy fireside nook or extravagantly elegant grandeur, there’s an establishment to suit. Here are some of our favourite romantic restaurants in Edinburgh…
Angels with Bagpipes
343 High Street, Royal Mile EH1 1PW; 0131 220 1111; www.angelswithbagpipes.co.uk
For a touch of modern, classy romance, Angels with Bagpipes sets the tone with muted neutral colours and contemporary furnishings. Its subtly sparkling décor is set off nicely by the quirky historic building it occupies midway along the atmospheric Royal Mile, and the restaurant has already established a reputation for imaginative, Italian-influenced Scottish dishes presented with artistic flair. The private Halo Room overhanging Roxburgh’s Close is a particularly good setting for a touch of stylish romance.
Café Grande
184 Bruntsfield Place EH10 4DF; 0131 228 1188; www.cafegrande.co.uk
With its rich red walls, local artwork and warm atmosphere, this Bruntsfield favourite has the air of a charming continental bistro. Specialising in fresh, local produce, the frequently changing menu offers a delicious selection of expertly prepared, hearty dishes. Its laid-back, cosy appeal makes it the perfect hideaway for a comfortable date, especially on Sunday evenings, when they host live jazz music to further set the scene.
Cafe St Honoré
34 North West Thistle Street Lane EH2 1EA; 0131 226 2211; www.cafesthonore.com
Tucked away on a quiet cobbled lane in the heart of Edinburgh’s graceful New Town, this elegant French establishment offers relaxed fine dining that’s sure to impress. With mirrored walls, white tablecloths and simple, bistro-style furniture, the setting is equal parts cosy and chic. This feeling is echoed in the menu, which changes daily and features high-quality local ingredients combined with unmistakable French flair.
The Grain Store
30 Victoria Street (1st Floor) EH1 2JW; 0131 225 7635; www.grainstore-restaurant.co.uk
These former storerooms overlooking one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque streets have been reinvented as a highly atmospheric restaurant. The bare wood floors, rough stone walls, vaulted rooms and archways create a charmingly rustic backdrop, with plenty of nooks and alcoves that are the perfect setting for an intimate candlelit dinner. The Grain Store also boasts a strong reputation for its skilled renditions of Scottish cuisine, employing high-quality local ingredients in well-executed dishes prepared freshly to order.
Pompadour Restaurant
Caledonian Hilton Edinburgh Hotel, Princes Street EH1 2AB; 0131 222 8858; website
Named after the renowned 18th-century courtesan, this elegant dining room within the historic Caledonian Hilton Hotel echoes the splendour of Versailles on a smaller scale. Decorated in a delicate rococo style, with marvellous views of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street, the restaurant also has a solid reputation for Scottish cuisine with a French twist.
Stac Polly
38 Dublin Street EH3 6NL; 0131 556 2231; www.stacpolly.com
Stac Polly set the standard for modern Scottish cuisine, featuring stylish renditions of local favourites within its three tastefully decorated locations in the city centre. The Dublin Street location in particular has a romantic appeal, with a warren of rough stone passages softened by flickering candlelight and cosy textiles – the perfect atmosphere for a cosy evening rendezvous.
The Vintners Rooms
The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ; 0131 554 6767; www.vintnersrooms.com
Set within the historic Vaults warehouse near the bustling Shore in Leith, the Vintners Rooms occupy a space which was once a merchant’s auction room. The premises are still imbued with the haunting aura of times past, a fascinating atmosphere accented by the dark woodwork, twinkling candlelight and open fireplaces within the 18th-century structure. The setting alone renders the establishment supremely romantic, but its fine cuisine and extensive selection of wines and whiskies also make for a delightful evening.
Wildfire
192 Rose Street EH2 4AZ; 0131 225 3636; www.wildfirerestaurant.co.uk
This tiny gem nestled on Rose Street is a snug escape from the bustle of the city. Both rustic and chic, the rugged stone and pale blue of its walls are warmed by pale wood and the warmth of firelight, capturing the romance of the Scottish landscape in a cosy nook of the capital. With a menu of stylish, substantial dishes built around prime local ingredients, it’s a charming place to settle in with your loved one for a tender evening.
