Weekend in Edinburgh recommendations

[PitlochryAdvice]

Hi all, I'm planning on booking a long weekend in Edinburgh for my husbands 40th next month and was wondering if anyone had recommendations for hotel, restaurants and bars since we'll need to book mostly in advance.

Thanks

I did similar for my own "special" birthday a few years ago and stayed at the Glasshouse. We ate one of the nights at Monteiths just off the Royal Mile can't remember what we did the other night but you are spoiled for choice really.

I stayed at the Glasshouse too. 3 nights for my 40th. A decade ago now, 🤯 but it was lovely.

I wasnt keen on the Glasshouse... too much glass! The Witchery accommodation is lovely. Tom Kitchin’s restaurant, The Kitchin is amazing!

Also the Witchery restaurant; if you can get a table in their 'secret garden' it's fab.

The Devil's Advocate does fabulous cocktails.

The food at the White Horse is amazing too.

Eat at the Lookout @ Gardener's Cottage. Or the Ox. Or L'Escargot Bleu.

Also, the Kitchin.

We stayed in an air b n b just off of St. Andrews square near Harvey Nichols.
The best night out was brewhemia. Check out which bands are playing. We had a fab night out. Lovely meal in the front restaurant and then to the back which had a beer Keller theme for the band, dancing and drinking.

Also a lovely meal at Amarone in St. Andrews square.
We had cocktails at Harvey Nichols and the Hard Rock Cafe.

There is The Ivy for brunch. Also at Andrews square.

We had breakfast at the Georgian tearoom at the dome which was nice but would have preferred to have eaten in the dome rooms with the spectacular stained glass dome.

On the same street as the dome are quite a lot of bars and restaurants.

For an interesting tour the Real Mary Kings Close was fascinating. Ghost tours are a bit of fun as well.

Also in the old part of town there is a row of coloured shops and houses I think victoria street and at the bottom of that is another square with cafes and restaurants. We caught an open topped bus from there and that took us around all of the sights. We got off by the train station to do a little bit of shopping. We couldn’t do much as flew up and had hand luggage only.

Chez Jules is an Edinburgh institution for cheap but proper French food.

Modern One of the National Galleries has a lovely cafe. Bit out of the centre.

I’ve booked the House of Gods hotel for next trip for me and DP and am very excited - it looks amazing!

I love Paradise Palms on Teviot place for a cool brunch or a fun evening meal with live entertainment.

the Witchery all the way. You can stay there as well - although when we stayed there for DHs 40th we both got really pissed and then he fell off the massive high 4 poster bed while holding a glass of water, and cut his hand really badly.....so don't do that!

Fhior on Broughton Street is outstanding, although it’s one of those ‘one menu, you eat what you’re given’ places which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. They do adjust to dietary restrictions if you tell them when you book.

Tattu — fancy Chinese — some people find it a bit style over substance but I really like it. The space is just beautiful. Karen’s Unicorn is a good back-up option for Chinese if you can’t get into Tattu.

Peacock Alley at the Caledonian is a lovely bar, although the service can be a bit slow.

Hotels — I’m old-school (and I live in Edinburgh now so have less need of them) so I err towards either the Balmoral or the Caledonian. The Scotsman is meant to be nice since the refurb but I haven’t been.

Oh — Urban Angel for breakfast, and Soderberg for coffee/tea and cake. They also do a good soup lunch.

Hey, thanks for the recommendations. I’ve booked The Secret Garden at The Witchery for his birthday dinner and also going to the Harryhausen exhibition and a tour of the Pickerings Gin distillery. Still need to book a brunch type place near the museum /Dean Village and somewhere after dinner as it’s quite early. I’ve seen a few places with views over the castle but not sure if they’re actually worth it or not.

Was coming on to say The Witchery, so glad you have it booked, it is amazing.

My SiL recently posted with a lovely picture of the castle from her table - she was at Chaophraya. It’s a Thai restaurant in Castle St. She thought it was really good. Her and my DB eat out quite a lot (well they do in non covid times) I'd rate her opinion but I'm not a thai food fan myself.

Brunch near Dean Village (which is nowhere near the museum!): Huxley, Vesta, Ryan's Bar, The Red Squirrel.
The Outsider on George IV Bridge has some tables with a view of the castle and the food is a bit different (in a nice way!).