Choosing where to go to treat yourself and your other half on Valentine’s Day can be daunting. Here are 10 of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh that you should consider.
Enjoy Michelin star dining at 21212 (Picture: 21212)
Situated in a listed Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace, 21212 is a 38 seater restaurant with an open kitchen, a drawing room, two private dining areas and four luxury bedrooms.
Paul Kitching, owner of 21212, creates contemporary French cooking in his kitchen, and has brought a unique approach to his offering. Each week there’s a new menu and you’ll never find more than three choices for any course, so regular diners will have something new to experience each week.
The restaurant has its fair share of awards under its belt, including a Michelin Star held for nine years running, from 2010-2019; The Scotsman Chef of the Year 2019; and the Sunday Times Food List 2012.
The Witchery by the Castle showcases the best of Scottish produce (Photo: The Witchery by the Castle)
A fascinating restaurant found near the gates of Edinburgh’s iconic castle, The Witchery by the Castle is named after the hundreds of women burned at the stake just outside Castlehill. The decor of the restaurant is gothic enough to match its namesake.
Choose between the romantic candlelit Witchery dining room or the elegant Secret Garden room, which boasts a stunning hand-painted ceiling. Dedicated to showcasing the very best of Scotland’s produce, the Witchery offers up the likes of Scottish lobster, langoustines, legendary Angus beef steak tartare and, of course, haggis.
Enjoy the grand selection of cheese and meat on offer (Picture: Pickles)
For fans of a lighter bite and and good drink, Pickles is the place to be. Lose yourself in a smorgasbord of cheese, meat and bread and of course the perfect glass of wine to pair with it all.
One of their more popular offerings is their Scottish Cheese selection, that comes accompanied by an amazing range of chutneys and pickles as well. The ambience is relaxed and friendly, making it the perfect low key place for you and your partner to enjoy each other's company.
Harmonium has got you covered if you're staying meat free this Valentine's (Picture: Harmonium)
If you or your love are vegetarian, vegan or simply looking for something different to the usual steak dinners, Harmonium in Leith is the place to be. With a menu that’s entirely plant based, this vegan restaurant is the sister eatery of Glasgow’s Stereo & Co.
The menu and drinks are switched up on a regular basis, so no matter when you decide to go, you’ll be greeted by something new and fresh.
Will you try their Best of Nico menu before it gets replaced? (Photo: Six by Nico)
Every six weeks, Nico and his team curate a brand new, six course tasting menu - each one themed on a different place or memory. Previous themes have included a Mad Hatters Tea Party, New York and Guilty Pleasures.
The current menu is Best of Nico, which aims to capture the best flavours and dishes from their menus over the past year. The next theme in line is Cooking The Alps, which will run from February 18 to March 29.
The Table offers a completely new way of dining (Photo: The Table)
The Table is a fine-dining restaurant which offers a set multi-course tasting menu. You’ll sit along a stone bar overlooking the kitchen as chefs Sean and Keith create amazing food. It’s described as having a private dinner party at a friend's home, and you’re invited to interact with the chefs as much or as little as you like.
The restaurant is an intimate 10-seater and has established itself as Edinburgh’s first interactive, fine dining experience. Unfortunately The Table cannot cater for any dietary requirements or allergies, which is something to keep in mind.
Rhubarb comes from the same mind as The Witchery by the Castle (Photo: Rhubarb)
From the same creative mind behind the Witchery by the Castle comes Rhubarb. Wickedly rich, dramatic and stylish, Rhubarb offers up gourmet food and a memorable dining experience. Divine Scottish produce, sourced locally from artisan suppliers, feature heavily on the menu.
There’s a variety of menus to choose from: three courses for £40, afternoon tea for £35, a la carte, vegan, lunch from £25, breakfast and of course an extensive wine list as well.
Enjoy the range of French delights on offer (Photo: L'Escargot Bleu)
No one quite does romance like the French, so be transported there with this atmospheric restaurant from Fred Berkmiller. Enjoy the Gallic twist on French cuisine at this homely eatery, with the best of Scotland’s Scotch beef, lamb, poultry and incredible array of seafood.
L’Escargot Bleu also holds a variety of awards, such as Chef of the Year at the CIS Excellence Awards 2019, Food Pioneer at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2016 and it won Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Award 2017 on Scottish Sourcing.
Enjoy the levelled up Pub Grub on offer (Photo: Badger & Co)
Situated in the former townhouse of the author behind Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame, Badger & Co has transformed one of Edinburgh’s historic Georgian buildings into a contemporary bar and restaurant.
The decor features homages to Grahame’s classic children's novel, with paintings of the book’s beloved characters, wood-panelled walls and leather Chesterfield armchairs that you’d expect to find in Toad Hall.
The menus are more focused on sophisticated pub grub, serving up classy versions of your usual pub food - fish and chips, lamb, roast dinners and more.
Let Aizle take your dining experience into their hands (Photo: Aizle)
Aizle provides a completely unique dining experience in Edinburgh. The rotating six course tasting menu is dictated by what is local and in season, and instead of a menu, diners are presented with a list of seasonal ingredients. After letting your server know about any allergies or dietary requirements, the kitchen will use these ingredients to create a meal for you.
Aizle prides itself in creating everything it serves in-house - from the live ferment in the sourdough to the hand churned butter. You know you’ll be getting top class dishes with no detail left unperfected.
