Here lives a list of places that I like, or have enjoyed in Edinburgh. Note that as a Glaswegian my knowledge of the capital is limited, and some of these entries may be wildly out of date – such is the ever-evolving nature of cities. Much like other articles in my ‘digital garden‘, this is a constant work in progress.
Drinks
- Safari Lounge – Awesome, quirky wee pub that is about a 20 minute walk from Waverley. Dog friendly, decent pub food, and a good selection of drinks. Definitely not a tourist place. It reminds me of the way the 13th Note used to feel, once upon a time.
- Voodoo Rooms – Just up from Waverley, this place is a good cocktail bar with a beautiful interior. Sufficiently hidden to avoid the tourist throng. They apparently have a restaurant and a nightclub as well, but I’ve never quite made it there.
- Kay’s Bar – Victorian age pub that has tons of character. Feels unique and warm. Worth a visit.
- Spry Wines – Airy, fresh wine bar on the way to Leith that has a good selection of some of the funkier side of the grapes, with tasy small plates of cheese and things. We go here a lot.
- The Kenilworth – This apparently used to be one of the first and few ‘openly gay pubs’ on a main street Edinburgh. While that is no longer the case, and it is pretty much just a bog standard drinking hole now, the inside is nice, and worth a visit. Much nicer than pubs of a similar vintage.
- Lucky Liquor Co. – Another nice cocktail place. This time a bit more casual – set out like an American diner almost, with tiled floors. This is halfway between Princes Street and Stockbridge, and always has really interesting and unique drinks to try.
- Bramble – Maybe I should just do a full list on cocktails. This place is in the New Town, and is easy to miss. Also underground. Worth a visit.
- Salt Horse – A small, no frills craft beer bar that is just off of the Royal Mile. One of the best places to find that kind of thing in the centre.
- Last Word – Cosy cocktail bar in the trendy area of Stockbridge. Across from Skua (see below).
- The Jolly Judge – One of the few pubs off the Royal Mile that I would actually bother going to. Small, always busy, lots of character – and consistently has lots of good cider on tap.
- The Devil’s Advocate – Another good bar that is close to the Royal Mile (but not actually on it). Nice inside. Decent drink selection. Stylish but not snooty.
Eats
- Vessel – Decent bar and eat – Decent bar from Edinburgh’s own Pilot brewery. More of a modern gastro-bar, but if you want some nice beer and decent food in a casual atmosphere then this is a good shout.
- Skua – Nice, intimate wee restaurant in Stockbridge. Pricey, but pleasant. Their sister restaurant in Leith has a Michelin Star.
- Soto – Pleasant, ‘elevated’ Italian restaurant. The staff here were excellent.
- Noto – Fancy, stylish Asian-inspired restaurant.
- Mirin – A very small, Asian restaurant with elevated dishes. Not cheap, but very good.
- Little Capo – Modern, trendy Italian-ish restaurant. Great atmosphere. Nice staff.
Stuff to See
- Calton Hill – Everybody bangs on about Arthur’s Seat, but that is a mission to get up. About a ten minute walk from Waverley is Calton Hill, which provides amazing views over the city and the presence of unusual Greek like structures without having to break (much of) a sweat. One short, steep staircase gets you there. One of my favourite parts of Edinburgh – both during the day and at night.
- Edinburgh Castle – Aye aye. It has to be done, once. It is pretty impressive inside, and… large. Make sure you are there for the One O’Clock Gun. Otherwise there’s nae point.
- Bobby – Go read about Greyfriar’s Bobby and find the statue. Rub his nose for luck.
- Grassmarket – A windey, colourful street off the Royal Mile that is said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. Worth a wander up.