Edinburgh’s hotels have a mouthwatering selection of restaurants, perfect for residents, as well as visitors.
For most of us, hotels are commonly known as places for staying in when visiting a new city. Providing a comfortable home from home, they offer all the requirements for the seasoned traveller. But within their walls they have some excellent restaurants and bars, which are open to non-residents.
So, the next time you’re looking for somewhere to dine with family and friends, why not pay a visit to one of these fine hotels.
One Square Bar + Brasserie – The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
Their One Square Gin, made by local gin company, Pickering’s Gin.
Located across the road from the Usher Hall and Royal Lyceum, One Square Bar + Brasserie within The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is a great choice for a pre-theatre bite to eat.
Serving the best of Scotland’s natural larder, they offer a range of menu to suit all tastes. Brunch is served until 12pm and has all the morning favourites; the bar menu has sharing platters, small bites, sandwiches and salads, while if it’s afternoon tea you’re looking for, they offer both a traditional and vegan option. The 2 or 3-course market menu focuses on freshly caught seafood and locally sourced cuts of meat.
For the perfect way to end the weekend, don’t miss the 3-course carvery style Sunday lunch.
Grazing by Mark Greenaway – Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
A menu that focuses on provenance and produce.
Affectionately known by locals as “The Caley”, the 5-star Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian is the epitome of elegance and quality.
For diners it has a variety of stylish options. Afternoon tea can be enjoyed in Peacock Alley, while the best of locally sourced Scottish ingredients takes centre stage in the hotel’s two award-winning restaurants, Dean Banks at The Pompadour and Grazing by Mark Greenaway.
Located on the ground floor of the hotel, Grazing by Mark Greenaway invites diners to indulge in a carefully crafted menu which features locally sourced ingredients with unique concept dishes. The menu offerings include both a 5-course tasting menu and à la carte that are perfect for special occasions.
The Witchery by the Castle
Tapestry-hung walls, oak panelling and candle-lit interiors.
Hidden in a collection of 16th century buildings next to Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery by the Castle is one of the most opulent hotels in Scotland. With just 9 suites, this boutique hotel is bedecked with four-poster beds and roll-top baths that are perfect for a romantic getaway.
The dining space is equally impressive. Choose from either the candlelight Original Dining Room or the elegant Secret Garden Dining Room and enjoy an award-winning à la carte menu in sumptuous surroundings. A feast for all the senses, the menu has a strong ethos on local produce, featuring delights such as lobster and langoustines from East Lothian, Pacific oysters from Scotland’s west coast and the finest cuts of beef from the Scottish Borders.
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar – Fingal
Luxury dining with a nautical twist.
Launched in 1962, Fingal was originally a support vessel for the Northern Lighthouse Board. Today, it is now permanently moored in Leith and lovingly restored and converted into Scotland’s only luxury floating hotel.
With several awards to its name, it has all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance. The 22 luxury cabins are each named after Stevenson lighthouses, inspired by Fingal’s rich maritime heritage.
The ship’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar is open to non-residents for afternoon tea, dinner and cocktails. Relax into comfortable private dining booths and enjoy a unique fine dining experience while enjoying a waterfront view.
The Spence – Gleneagles Townhouse
A central bar which sits underneath a beautiful glass-domed ceiling.
Glass domed ceilings, ornate cornicing, stone columns and ornamental floor tiles decorate every corner of the 5-star Gleneagles Townhouse. This majestic building on St Andrew Square, which was once home to the British Linen Company and later the Bank of Scotland, is now a stunning 33 bedroom hotel.
Set in what was the old banking hall, The Spence is open for all-day dining. Choose from the beautifully presented breakfast, à la carte or afternoon tea menus. Or for the perfect weekend treat, the Brunch Club or Sunday lunch offer the perfect excuse to catch up with family and friends.
No.35 Restaurant – The Bonham Hotel
In a past life, the building was a medical practice and a university hall of residence.
Within walking distance of the west end of Princes Street, The Bonham Hotel is one of Edinburgh’s most stylish hotels, with a range of luxurious rooms and suites.
The hotel’s No.35 Restaurant blends modern furnishings with the building’s Georgian heritage to create an elegant atmosphere. The à la carte features European-inspired dishes with a distinctively Scottish twist, created using the best of seasonal and local produce.
For something a little less formal, but equally delicious, the hotel’s Bar & Lounge offers light bites from 12.30pm. It’s also here that the classic afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes and freshly baked scones is served. The Bar & Lounge is also a great choice for dog lovers, as this area of the hotel is dog-friendly.
Nor’ Loft – Market Street Hotel
Stunning views of the Edinburgh and beyond.
Conveniently located across the road from Waverley Train Station, Market Street Hotel is also just a short walk from the city’s main shopping hub.
Imbuing style and elegance, its rooms and suites combine natural materials with modern design classics, providing a place of luxury for guests. Take the lift to the seventh floor and it’s here that the hotel’s champagne lounge, Nor’ Loft is found. With floor to ceiling panoramic views of Edinburgh’s skyline it’s a lovely setting to enjoy whatever the time of year. Take your pick from the seasonal menu, which features only the best local produce, and let the friendly knowledgeable staff guide you on the perfect wine pairing.
Samphire Restaurant & Bar – Orocco Pier
Their outdoor terrace – perfect for sunny days. (It’s also dog-friendly).
A short train journey from Edinburgh will take you to the neighbouring coastal village of South Queensferry and the boutique hotel, Orocco Pier.
Overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge, the waterside views can be enjoyed in the stylish Samphire Restaurant & Bar. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu includes the finest selection of cuts of meat, fish and seafood. For smaller tummies there is a kid’s menu.
Open all day and with a slightly more casual atmosphere is Antico Café Bar, which offers an extensive menu and accompanying drinks list.
The Raeburn Hotel
Their popular Sunday roast.
Located in the pretty neighbourhood of Stockbridge, the 10-bedroomed Raeburn Hotel is as popular with locals as it is with visitors for its dining and drinks facilities.
Relax with a drink in the stylish bar area, dine in the Garden Room or Club Room, or, if the weather is kind, dine al fresco dining in one of their two beer gardens.
Drinks & Dining – Ten Hill Place Hotel
Their exclusive 1505 Gin, which honours the finding of the Incorporation of the Barber Surgeons in 1505.
Located in Edinburgh’s Southside district, Drinks & Dining at the 4-star Ten Hill Place Hotel is open from early to late, offering breakfast, day and evening menus, as well as a kid’s menu.
The day menu features light bites such as soup and sandwich of the day. As night descends, the evening menu has dishes such as venison loin and pumpkin and sage gnocchi to choose from. All of which can be enjoyed alongside their extensive drinks menu.
There is another reason for choosing to dine with them. As part of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the hotel’s profits go towards training surgeons worldwide.
From comfort food to fine dining, you’re never far from somewhere great to eat in Edinburgh.
