Bars and Restaurants
This is by no means intended to be a comprehensive list, but is a sample of places that deserve mention - and indeed a visit - for one reason or another. If you cannot decide which of the hundreds of bars and restaurents listed in the guides to visit, just stick to these and you will get a varied tour of the best spots in Edinburgh.
If anyone has any particular favourite place that we have not mentioned that you think our readers would enjoy, please use our feedback form and give the name, address and a brief description of the place and we will add it to our list.
Restaurants and Cafes
Blonde - 75 St Leonard St (0131 668 2917)
Stylish restaurent with excellent food and select but well-chosen wine list. The choice of the enthusiast.
blue - Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge St
Modern British and European food served in an attractive modern setting. Definitely a place to visit during your stay. See also Bars. Booking recommended.
The Tower - Museum of Scotland, Chambers St
One of the best restaurents in Edinburgh, if not for the food, at least for the style. On the top floor of the Museum of Scotland with views over the skyline to the castle. Not cheap, but if you can afford it or if you need to impress, there is no better place to go. Mind the bigwigs with their exepnse accounts. Booking required.
The fish and chip shop on the High Street
A fringe institution. No visit is complete without the requisite large cod and chips with sal'n'sauce late at night after a night on the town. Very busy, but worth the wait.
Bars and Pubs
Bar Kohl
Stylish bar on George IV Bridge above the Smirnoff Underbelly. Specialities are American West Coast hip hop sounds and vodka - lots of vodka - more than 250 different types to be precise. Also many cocktails served by the pitcher for those larger groups (or thirstier individuals). Recently visited by Coolio and entourage when they visited Edinburgh.
blue - Traverse Theatre, 10 Cambridge St
Modern styling and favourite hang out of the Channel 4 staff attending the Fim Festival. Good range of cocktails and whiskys. The cool place to see and be seen in Edinburgh. See also restaurants opposite. Booking recommended.
The Bongo Club - 14 New St (off Royal Mile)
The hippest music in Edinburgh with a wide range of offerings during the Festival. You can't help but love the place.
City Cafe - 19 Blair St
Innocuous-looking place that belies its popularity. Long-time favourite of the pre-club crowd, it is decked out in faux-American Diner style with booth seating. The booths make it a great place to go as a group (assuming you can get one). Just round the corner from The Smirnoff Underbelly and a favourite of The Smirnoff Underbelly staff.
The Jolly Judge - 7 James Court, Lawnmarket
Old-fashioned pub with low ceilings just off the top of the Royal Mile, tucked away down a side alley. Great place to escape the bustle of the High Street and read the paper, meet friends or browse your programme. If the heavens open, rush in quick, order a whisky mac, settle by the fire and watch the place fill up with wet tourists!
The Pear Tree - 38 West Nicholson St
An old atmospheric pub off Nicholson St with a large courtyard for those (rare) sunny afternoons and warm evenings. Named after the large ancient pear tree growing in the courtyard.
