Edinburgh Castle is the most famous landmark in Scotland's capital. After a day of sightseeing, many visitors are in need of a convenient, yet luxurious restaurant in which to enjoy an evening meal.
We are here to help, with our list of the best restaurants within easy reach of the castle.
(352 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, EH1 2NF, 0131 225 5613)
The Witchery Restaurant,Edinburgh. Picture: Neil Hanna
This boutique Gothic hotel is popular with Edinburgh residents, visitors and celebrities alike.
Andrew Lloyd Webber once asked “Is this the prettiest restaurant ever?” and we are inclined to agree.
The restaurant is housed in a 16th century merchant's house, just at the gates of Edinburgh Castle.
The interior is decorated with carved oak panelling, antique candlesticks and tapestries.
The ceiling is painted with heraldry, reminiscent of the Auld Alliance with France.
But it is the food, of course, which takes centre stage.
Scottish produce is a must, comprising the finest seafood, beef, lamb and game that the country has to offer.
The Angus beef steak tartare is a particularly lavish dish. Vegetarians are sure to enjoy the fabulous courgette, chickpea and tofu tagine.
Three courses cost £36.
(33-35 Castle Terrace, EH1 2EL, 0131 229 1222)
Picture: Castle Terrace Restaurant Facebook page
Dominic Jack is the head chef of this Michelin star establishment. Jack was trained in some of France's finest restaurants, including l'Arpège in Paris.
The restaurant was opened in 2010, and underwent a major refurbishment in 2016. The décor is characterised by calming, neutral tones, with splashes of rich blues and golds. There is an impressive mural of Edinburgh Castle on the wall, blending the ancient and the modern.
The Castle Terrace is the sister restaurant of The Kitchin, and they both have the same commendable motto: “From Nature to Plate”.
Locally sourced ingredients are cooked to perfection using classic French techniques. You can sample such delights as monkfish, Ayrshire pork, or Inverurie lamb.
The surprise tasting menu costs £80.
(10 Lady Lawson St, EH3 9DS, 0131 221 1222)
Picture: Timberyard Facebook page
The family-run Timberyard restaurant is the perfect place for those who are passionate about quality ingredients. All the kitchen's produce is from local artisan growers, breeders, suppliers and foragers.
Furthermore, the wines are from small European producers, and the herbs are from Timberyard's own raised beds.
The building itself is an old brick warehouse, kitted out with a cosy wood-burning stove.
The dishes do not have names – the menu lets the ingredients speak for themselves.
Why not try some duck with parsnip, ramson, onion and black garlic? Or perhaps turbot, with celery, salsify, sea beet and artichoke?
The restaurant has of logs, rough wood tables and substantial pottery, which hint at the warehouse's industrial origins.
A four course dinner costs £55, and paired drinks costs $40.
Picture: Ross Bruniges\Flickr
Edinburgh has a long tradition of seafood on the Royal Mile, with oysters having been sold here for over 200 years.
Ondine is the ideal place to soak up centuries of Scottish seafood tradition, as well as discovering new and exciting flavours from across the world.
The fish soup is enhanced with North African saffron, and the rouille has a taste of harissa.
The fish and seafood is sourced from all over Scotland and the UK, from Shetland to the South of England – Ondine always has be freshest and most sustainable produce.
The restaurant's panoramic windows give diners a fantastic view of the Old Town, and the elegant striped furniture adds a touch of class. The horseshoe oyster bar also has an ice cabinet, ensuring that all the oysters served are fresh.
Dishes include the classic deep fried haddock, as well as native lobster, and brown crab risotto.
Main dishes cost between £17 and £25, while a seafood platter costs £68.
(343 High St, Royal Mile, EH1 1PW, 0131 220 1111)
Picture: judy dean\Flickr
Ever since 2010, Angels with Bagpipes has combined the distinguished history of the Royal Mile with a contemporary flair.
Housed in a 17th century building, this restaurant is decorated with bronze, marble, and winged angel candlesticks.
The upper dining room, “Halo” is perfect for a secluded, romantic dinner, while the downstairs dining room, “Chanter”, is ideal for larger parties.
The tasting menu contains such old favourites as haggis, neeps and tatties, as well as delicious salmon and tasty goat's cheese.
On the a la carte menu, there are such innovative choices as venison with chicory and tonka bean.
A four course tasting menu costs £35, or £50 with wine pairing.
Best restaurants near Edinburgh Castle
