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So finding somewhere for a bite to eat that is a little grander than a McDonalds or a Nandos is easier than you think.
Escape the bustling madness of the shops around Princes Street and head for the relative safety (and festive food offering) of one of these excellent restaurants.
(Harvey Nichols, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD, 0131 524 8350)
Picture: Harvey Nichols
With stunning views of the city (including the Christmas shenanigans in St Andrew Square), Harvey Nichols' Forth Floor Brasserie is a great place to enjoy a spot of festive lunch.
This year, both the restaurant and the brasserie are offering a delicious three course Christmas menu for £30 per person (£40 in the restaurant).
With starters like maple roast hot smoked salmon and spiced pumpkin velouté through to everybody's favourite festive dessert, Christmas pudding - with brandy sauce no less, you'll be back in the Yuletide spirit in no time.
(21-25 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PB)
Picture: The Printing Press
This Christmas, the Street of Light isn't the only big draw on George Street, escape the madness of the Christmas markets and head to the Printing Press for an extravagant lunch that won't break the bank.
Located in The Principal Edinburgh, the Printing Press is offering a three-course Christmas lunch that is filled to the brim seasonal choices for just £24.95 per person.
Borders partridge breast, Norfolk Bronze turkey and a Granny Smith apple sorbet with mulled wine are just some of the eye-catching festive themed dishes on offer.
(17 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, 0131-226 1890)
Picture: TSPL
Celebrate Joyeux Noel and escape the Christmas rush by heading along to Fred Berkmillar's contemporary French bistro for a lunch with added Gallic flair.
Grab three courses from a menu that is filled with French classics made using the best of Scotland's produce; start with dishes like Steamed Shetland mussels Marinièrem and followed by mains such as Gartmorn Farm turkey or the finest Orkney beef Sirloin steak, before finishing with delightful desserts like duck egg crème brûlée or an artisan cheese board, for as little as just £25 per person.
(Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, Princes Street, Edinburgh EH1 2AB)
Picture: TSPL
The Galvin Brasserie Deluxe have produced a small but perfectly formed festive menu, with the type of excellent dishes we've comed to expect from the Galvin brothers.
Choose between two traditional Scottish offerings for each course made with the Galvin's signature French twists and finish with a coffee for just £33 per person.
Should you be looking for something more grandiose (and private) than a quiet lunch, then larger groups can be catered for in the Brasserie's Salon Privé can cater for up to 24 guests at no extra cost.
(Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NF, 0131 225 5613)
Picture: Neil Hanna
Spoil yourselves with a meal in the opulent surroundings of the Witchery.
Soak up the atmosphere in the original oak-panelled Witchery or fall for the elegant charms of the Secret Garden, before enjoying a sumptuous three-course lunch with lavish dishes like Balvenie-cured salmon, venison haggis bonbons and Pheasant & ham hock pie.
Relax as you then realise that all of it only cost you £36 per person and you still have plenty of money to finish your shopping and a full tummy to keep you going through the Princes Street throngs.
