Edinburgh Recommendations

[DawsonJumping]

We (DH and teenage DC) are going to Edinburgh next week.

I’m after recommendations of key places to go, and restaurants to visit. The DC are adventurous eaters, so would prefer independent places rather than chains.

I really wanted to go to Tom Kitchin’s Scran and Scallie, but have probably left it too late.

Thanks!

Hopeful bump

I'd recommend going on a Cadies and Witcheries tour, Camera Obscura, the Real Mary King, the excellent Dynamic Earth attraction, Edinburgh Dungeon and the zoo (with a pair of giant pandas on loan from China).
Camera Obscura/World of Illusions and Real Mary King are both two hour activities and are very near each other. Could do them in the same afternoon, perhaps after having been to the Castle in the morning.
Edinburgh Dungeon and the zoo could be done together on a full day.
I'd allow two hours for Arthur's Seat. This could be combined with a trip to the excellent Dynamic Earth attraction, for which I'd allow another hour at least.
Cosmo is a good place to take kids for a treat. Its a all-you-can-eat buffet with a bit of style. It's got a bottomless ice cream bar and a chocolate fountain! Perfect for ravenous boys.
Badger and Co is a fun restaurant loosely on Wind in the Willows www.badgerandco.com
Definitely eat at Coro the chocolate cafe which has two locations in Edinburgh. It has an incredible (and endless) menu of both sweet and savoury crepes, pancakes and waffles. Or you can make your own from a massive list of toppings and sauces. They also do some epic chocolate fondues. The prices are excellent; it cost me less than £5 for a brie, spinach and tomato crepe with side salad.

For food/drink, St Andrews Square has loads of places: Tattu is opening this week, there's Hawksmoor, The Ivy, Dishoom (fab brunch).

Harvey's Nicks has great views. I think the Dome has been done up for Xmas. Cold Town house is Quirky - get to the rooftop if you can.

I like the hop on/off bus - it goes to Leith & Botanic gardens. Might be worth a trip to South Queensferry & see the 3 bridges - you can walk over the old one.

I totally recommend Meze Meze - this wee tiny amazing gem of a place just off of Princes street. Food as it says in the name and it’s gorgeous!

These suggestions all sound great, but I honestly wouldn't bother with the zoo. There are superior ones elsewhere.
The bus tour is fun and cheap, but wrap up warm! It's gorgeous but freezing here today.

Thanks so much for these suggestions - they sound really good.