As the weather grows warmer, there’s nothing better than to sit outside at one of Edinburgh’s many fine restaurants and savour the view while enjoying a delicious meal.
Whether you’re looking for a stunning panorama of the city or a good location for people watching, there’s an outdoor eating area in Edinburgh to suit every taste.
The Garden Café at The Dome
Tucked cosily between George Street and Rose Street, this enclosed flagstone terrace is surprisingly peaceful – a little haven of relaxation and colour in the heart of Edinburgh’s busy shopping district. Drop by for coffee (served from 10am) or enjoy a tasty lunch amongst the flowers – food is served from noon onward. The café is accessed via Rose Street, and tables are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Open Monday to Saturday.
behind The Dome, 14 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, 0131 624 8624
www.thedomeedinburgh.com
Forth Floor Restaurant
This bright, airy restaurant makes the most of its central location with vast glass windows that show off its panoramic views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Its terrace shares the same breathtaking vista, and is a wonderful perch from which to contemplate the city after a bout of shopping – especially when sampling the restaurant’s selection of original, modern takes on Scottish cuisine.
Harvey Nichols, 30-34 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD, 0131 524 8350
www.harveynichols.com/restaurants/forth-floor-edinburgh
Maxie’s Bistro & Wine Bar
Maxie’s sunny terrace overlooks Victoria Street and the Grassmarket, making this popular bistro a prime place for contemplating both the rooftops of the Old Town and the passing tourist traffic. Its proximity to the Castle and the Royal Mile mean it gets very busy during the summer months, but with friendly service, a fresh, varied menu and good wine selection, it’s definitely worth a visit by locals as well.
5b Johnstone Terrace (or Victoria Terrace), Edinburgh EH1 2PW, 0131 226 7770
www.maxiesbistro.com
Monteiths
Monteiths’ stone-walled, wooden-floored outdoor seating area feels both rustic and chic – an intimate, romantic hideaway just off the Royal Mile. It’s the perfect spot to relax on a warm afternoon or balmy evening, all while indulging in the restaurant’s contemporary variations on traditional Scottish cuisine.
61 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1SR, 0131 557 0330
www.monteithsbar.co.uk
Oloroso
This stylish restaurant, bar and lounge is located just off Edinburgh’s swanky George Street and offers an airy rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and the city centre. The casually elegant setting and innovative contemporary menu make this a popular place for fine dining while contemplating the sparkling lights of the city.
33 Castle Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DN, 0131 226 7614
www.oloroso.co.uk
The Tower Restaurant
Perched in the imposing sandstone tower that rises above the National Museum of Scotland, The Tower is renowned for its spectacular views out over the Edinburgh skyline. The restaurant is a prime destination for fine dining in the city, with a carefully-chosen menu of unfussy, well-executed dishes prepared from fresh, Scottish produce. In nice weather, the spacious rooftop terrace offers an impressive vista to savour alongside your meal.
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, 0131 225 3003
www.tower-restaurant.com
Angels with Bagpipes
One of the newer restaurants on the Royal Mile, this classy, high-end establishment boasts a small seating area in front (a good place to watch action on the High Street) and a sheltered courtyard to the rear (a more peaceful place to relax and escape the crowds). With an interesting menu featuring local produce prepared with an Italian touch, it’s a marvellous location to indulge on a sunny day.
343 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1PW, 0131 220 1111
www.angelswithbagpipes.co.uk
Stockbridge Pizza Express
The Stockbridge branch of this national chain occupies a quirky location in a former bank, tucked snugly alongside the
Water of Leith. The lovely outdoor seating area hugs the river’s bank, offering a pleasant green place to relax and listen to the murmur of the water while tucking into a casual meal.
1 Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1LU, 0131 332 7229
www.pizzaexpress.com
Petit Paris
A quaint, cheerful restaurant with a distinctive blue front, the Petit Paris oozes continental charm and has a sizeable outdoor eating area from which to observe the bustle of the Grassmarket. Sit back and watch the goings-on as you tuck into a selection of hearty, good-value French cooking. Open from noon to 3pm, then 5:30pm until late.
38/40 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU, 0131 226 2442
www.petitparis-restaurant.co.uk
Photos (from 2 at top & bottom): webphotographeer on iStockphoto.com, asiseeit on iStockphoto.com, apomares on iStockphoto.com
