Despite our new status as most beautiful country in the world, us Scots are not very well-known for romance.
The closest we get to the stuff is Edinburgh, with its rambling lanes, cosy bars and that big castle on the hill.
So when we saw a blog on the best places to head for a date in Glasgow appearing on booking website ResDiary, we knew we needed to get together a list of our best date restaurants in Edinburgh.
For when you’re trying to impress...
(50-54 Henderson St, Edinburgh EH6 6DE)
Picture: Norn
One of the most anticipated openings of the last couple of years, Norn is a foodie’s dream.
It focuses on sustainability and ethical practices, and is the kind of place that immediately creates an impact.
Your date is sure to be impressed by the artisan wines and will definitely thank you for the fact it’s not too far a stroll down Leith Walk.
With bright airy spaces and a seven course tasting menu and matching drinks on offer, it’s one of the best date restaurants in Edinburgh.
For when you’re really trying to impress...
(33-35 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EL)
Picture: Trip Advisor Traveller
Who hasn’t heard of Castle Terrace? An absolute Edinburgh gem, it just happens to be one of the best places in the city to take that special someone.
Why? Well it’s got a Michelin star for starters. And we hear the actual starters are pretty awesome too, with Scottish produce being the focal point of the menu.
The restaurant’s ethos is “from nature to plate” and you can rest assured that you and your date will be eating some of the tastiest food around, in one of Edinburgh’s most up-market spots.
Book here:
For when you’re feeling adventurous...
(1A Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE)
Picture: contributed
Boring dates are the worst. Sat in a dreary bar, not talking to each other, and wishing you had looked for better date restaurants in Edinburgh. Not at Brewhemia.
With a focus on adventure, Brewhemia has six different rooms, each with its own theme, from boudoir to beer palace. There’s always something happening in the venue, with live music, bingo, Oktoberfest celebrations and old fashioned eating and drinking to be enjoyed.
It’s dog-friendly too so if you’re looking for emotional support, you can bring man’s best friend: they’ll always have your back.
Book here:
When you’re looking for a good time...
(93 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH3 9AW)
Picture: contributed
The home of great tunes and tasty margaritas, Topolabamba is the place to go if you’re looking for a fun date.
Situated right in the centre of town, it’s a great spot to start off your night in Mexican style, with small tapas dishes helping you get up close and personal with your date.
If you’re feeling a little cheesy, the Queso Fundido is a must: melted jack cheese with chorizo, jalapenos and a pile of tortilla chips to stop it getting too messy.
If you’re feeling even cheesier, pop on one of their readily-available sombreros and give your date a laugh. Who needs dignity?
When you need a large one to get through it...
(4-6 Dean St, Edinburgh EH4 1LW)
Picture: contributed
Uhoh. They’ve turned up in garish clothes and they look nothing like their Tinder pics.
Never fear, wine is near. Head down to Good Brother’s Wine Bar where they have some delicious drinks and nibbles to get you through the next couple of hours.
They serve up some delicious small plates (you might want to order your own) and a huge selection of wine from almost every imaginable country. You can do this!
For when you’re comfortable enough to unwind with each other...
(3-5 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT)
Picture: contributed
Been going out for years but still romantic enough to be searching for date restaurants in Edinburgh? Mother India is the spot for you.
It’s so moreish that you’ll end up with a huge food-baby and curry down your front as you try to taste it all: maybe not the place to try and impress.
It’s the kind of Scottish institution where you know you’re over-ordering but you just don’t care. Go for the butter chicken or the king prawn and monkfish for the ultimate in home-cooked Indian food.
For when you're not ready to go home yet...
(184-186 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JJ)
Picture: contributd
This seems to be going well, eh? If your night should really be coming to an end, but you’re not ready for bed, OX184 is the place to head.
Open til late-late every night, it has a mix of cosy booths and open fires so you can carry on that tipsy conversation about failing your standard grades in style.
It might not really be a date restaurant, but it is a bar that serves food: soak up some of that earlier Dutch courage by getting your teeth into some delicious burgers, hot-dogs and pizzas right til the end of the night.
It’s one way to stop yourself getting a dodgy kebab on the stumble home.
Book here: www.ox184.co.uk
