Dining in Edinburgh, Scotland

[Vera Bradley]

In the spring of 2006, I plan to stay five or six nights in the city of Edinburgh. I would be grateful for your dining recommendations. On this trip, I am prepared to splurge (calorically and financially).

I'm considering these restaurants for dinner, but this is only from web research.

Cosmo (Italian)
Rhubarb (at Prestonfield)
The Witchery
The Verandah Restaurant (Indian)
The Tower Restaurant and Terrace (I might do this one for lunch instead)

If you have first-hand knowledge of these (or others that I should consider), please inform me. Thank you!

[Mezzaluna]

Vera, I can't answer your question, but Slow Travel has a great deal of information on international travel. The link takes you to their message board, but the main site (SlowTravel.com) has plenty of reviews and information.

Having said that, I'm sure someone here can also help you!

Good luck, good eating and good travels.

Mezzaluna

[auntdot]

Hi Vera,

Have been in Edinburgh many times, just got back about a month ago.

Would strongly recommend Dubh Prais, 123b High Street (the Royal Mile). The food is Scottish, and the chef, Mr. McWilliams does a fine job. It is down the stairs, and there are very few tables, so you need to book. It is a relaxed place but well worth a try.

Price, fairly inexpensive compared to the Witchery, for example.

We like the Witchery, and usually go whenever we are there. We were a bit disappointed by the service recently, and feel the food is a bit on the high end for what you get. But the surroundings are quite nice and the price is less than our favorite there, Number One.

Number One is in the Balmoral Hotel, and it is a Michelin one star. Recently had the tasting menu, with the wines, and it was one of the best meals we have ever had. It is dear, the tasting menu was one hundred pounds per, but it was memorable.

There is another one Michelin star in the neighborhood, and it is in Leith, a reasonable, but not very short cab ride, from Edinburgh center.

It is the Michael Wishart Restaurant, and has great reviews but have not been there.

If you want something more casual, Stac Polly (there are two locations in Edinburgh) puts out a fine meal.

Hope you enjoy your time there, it is a very lovely city.

[Vera Bradley]

Thank you, Mezzaluna and AuntDot!

It seems I have some delightfully difficult choices ahead of me. I tried to book a table at Rhubarb last night, but online dinner reservations are taken no earlier than three months in advance. To me, the planning is at least half the fun of travel. I appreciate your help so much.

Any others with advice?

Have you any suggestions regarding specific dishes that these places do particularly well?

[Gogs]

Hello

You do know Prestonfield house, The Wicthery and the Tower are the same group. Not much variety for your choice in the Edinburgh area.

[Jock]

It's been a while since I was there but I do remeber a particularly delightful lunch at the Waverly Hotel. It is a grand old building on Princes Street in the shadow of the Edinburgh Castle and sits on top of the waverly train station. The food was fresh, carefully prepared and presented. I had the haggis which was one of the best I have eaten before or since. The service was excellent; attentive without being overbearing.

Jock