The most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh ideal for date nights and Valentine's Day - including La Garrigue and The Witchery

Scotland's capital is one of the most picturesque, romantic cities in the UK to visit on your staycation. Find out where to take your date to sweep them off their feet this summer.

Published 15th Jan 2024
Updated 15 th Jan 2024

Edinburgh is one of the country's top destinations for mini-breaks and date nights, no matter what the season.

Whether you're looking to sample some fresh Scottish seafood after a walk up the Royal Mile or to fine-dine on top of Calton Hill, the city has you covered when it comes to a range of award-winning and well reviewed dinner venues.

Here we take a look at some of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh, ideal for date nights or Valentine's Day.

The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage

(Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA)

Image: Hilary Elliott

Located in a beautiful glass-fronted building right on top of Edinburgh's iconic Calton Hill, The Lookout is brought to you by the team behind Gardener's Cottage.

The regularly changing menus are based around prioritising using the best quality seasonal ingredients from local producers and each dish really packs a punch with its flavours.

With some of the most striking 360 degree views of Edinburgh, an evening wining, dining and taking in the extraordinary skyline at the Lookout is one well spent.

Book a table around the time of sunset for added atmosphere.

White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar

(266 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8AA)

Image: White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar

What better way to end the day after a romantic stroll through Edinburgh's stunning Old Town than with seafood and shellfish galore?

Situated on the site of the oldest inn on the Royal Mile, this restaurant is the ideal location to spend an intimate evening filled with small plates, sharing platters, wine and cocktails.

It's worth noting too that there's an oyster happy hour which is available from available between 4 - 5pm.

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La Garrigue

(31 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DH)

Image: Hilary Elliott

Impress your date at this classy award-winning French restaurant. Since opening in 2001, La Garrigue's menu has drawn inspiration from rustic family style cooking and the owner's home region of Languedoc.

The wine list - on which you'll find some of the best French wines in Edinburgh - also won an award for the 'Best Restaurant/Wine List for French Wine', so you know you're in for only the very best.

Try the juicy 6oz fillet steak, served with potatoes, forest mushrooms and plenty of foie gras butter - you wont regret it.

Taisteal

(1 Forth Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3JX)

romantic restaurants in Edinburgh
Image: Taisteal

A family run, neighbourhood restaurant with its own unique flair, Taisteal (meaning travel or journey) uses locally sourced Scottish produce together with culinary techniques and ingredients from across the globe, inspired by the owners' travels to China.

Bringing what resembles fine dining into a more relaxed atmosphere, Taisteal is an ideal location to spend a romantic evening.

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Go for either the a la carte menu or take your taste buds on an real gastronomic adventure with one of the restaurant's decadent tasting menus.

The Witchery by the Castle

(352 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, EH1 2NF)

Dish from the Witchery at the Caslte
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.

L’Escargot Bleu

(56 Broughton St, EH1 3SA)

Platter from L'Escargot Bleu
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.

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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.

Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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