Special lunch spot in Edinburgh

[Oatflat24]

DH and I finally have a day off together without the kids next week! So we’re having a day date.

Going to Edinburgh for the day. Where can we go for a really, really nice but not fully tasting menu super chi chi fine dinning lunch?

I want somewhere v nice/excellent service but not too stuffy, that is not a chain and doesn’t use the bought in food lab food (i.e brakes etc.) that has a good wine and cocktail list but more somewhere we can have a good feed than tasting plates 😂🫣.

We’re massive foodies and there’s not much we don’t like - more about the quality of cooking and produce.

Haven’t explored Edinburgh at all due to pregnancy/Covid/small children whilst we’ve been living in Scotland.

We ate at Dishoom and on the Royal Yacht Brittania

The witchery?
I haven't been in about 15yrs though.
Our Scottish Restaurant Menus | The Witchery, Edinburgh

Recently had a couple of gorgeous meals at Herringbone in Abbeyhill. Lovely atmosphere. They have fab cocktails etc.

The Kitchen by Tom Kitchen is fabulous

My foodie friends seem to rate The Palmerston in the west end.

La Garrigue, David Bann or The Cellar Door are my gotos in Edinburgh

Either The Kitchin, Martin Wishart or Heron, all around the Shore in Leith. Heron is probably the least formal and the newest Michelin star. The Kitchin is not stuffy at all but a bit more luxe in feel. They do a tasting menu at lunch but also a la carte and a very nice set lunch menu. Martin Wishart is a more formal restaurant but the food is obviously delicious.
In town I really want to try The Lookout, it gets good reviews and the location is unbeatable. The Witcher’s is fun but a bit dark for lunch.
out of town in a different direction is Rhubarb at Prestonfield House, also good for afternoon tea.
Dishoom is always mentioned in these threads, I think it’s less appealing since it’s a chain, although it is nice. It’s not uniquely Edinburgh in any way.

I’d forgotten La Garrigue, always good. Also Cafe Saint Honore for totally reliable French classics.

I've not lived in Edinburgh for 20 years, so no help, but enjoy OP, sounds glorious!

I’ve heard good things about the Cannonball on the Royal Mile, same people as what used to be Centotre but is now something else (Contini?), itself an excellent Italian restaurant on George Street.

I was going to recommend the witchery in their garden room. I agree that whilst dishoom is nice, its a chain and not very special imo.

The Scran and Scallie (Tom Kitchin) is really nice and maybe fits your criteria.

If you like seafood, we had a great meal at Ondine last summer.

The Little Chartroom, The Walnut, Borough all good

I would recommend Timberyard if you can get in.

My friend introduced me to Teuchters in William Street recently as her student Dd lives nearby. Really enjoyed it.

Cafe Anduluz tapas in the old town.

Dishoom!

Howies or Baba, at the west end of George Street.

OP specifically doesn’t want a chain restaurant.

The Outhouse would be my first choice, but if it's fully booked then Rollo in Broughton St.

Definitely not Dishoom given the spec!!
timberyard only opens for lunch Fri-Sunday so that’s probably out.
La Garrigue is lovely but possibly not for cocktails - you could go somewhere else for cocktails first though.
or scran & scallie is the best portions I’ve had in a posher type place!

Ondine is lovely. Cafe Marlayne then cross the street for more drinks at bon vivant is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Following as we’re coming down to Edinburgh for Hamilton next month. Dishoom earmarked for breakfast already but looking for lunch options too.

Not the Outhouse, the Lookout. Still half asleep it would seem!