It is one of the most stunning panoramic city views in all of Scotland.
Now, a new “vibrant day to evening” cafe will open on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill next month - and has been billed as the city’s latest must-visit destination.
Cafe Calton will have an overall 75-seat capacity and will run from the same building that previously hosted The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage restaurant, which shut in December last year.
The venue will boast an outdoor terrace that can cater for up to 40 guests, with views stretching from Arthur’s Seat and the historic Old Town to the Firth of Forth.
And the 35-cover indoor cafe itself will provide an all-day dining offering, with visitors able to choose from options ranging from a morning coffee or breakfast, to small plates and a glass of wine as the sun sets.
The cafe’s menu will highlight classic Scottish flavours alongside what the owners said would be wholesome dishes to suit all tastes, including those leading an active lifestyle. A takeaway menu will also be available.
The cafe is being launched by the Rocca Group, which also owns Seafood Ristorante in St Andrews, and The West Room, The Broughton, and Rico's Ristorante all in Edinburgh.
The group has promised the main building will offer a bright, elegant interior that draws inspiration from the natural beauty and neoclassical architecture of its surroundings.
Stefano Pieraccini, managing director of The Rocca Group, said: “Cafe Calton is about more than just food and drink - it’s about celebrating this city.
"We wanted to create a space where Edinburgh’s past and present come together, where the views are matched by the atmosphere, the service, and the menu. Whether you’re joining us after a walk or meeting friends for lunch or evening bites, we want you to feel part of something very special.”
The venue is located within the grounds of Collective and just steps from cultural landmarks like the National Monument and Nelson Monument.
The cafe’s opening comes just months after the closure of highly-rated The Lookout restaurant, with the building having sat vacant since.
The Lookout had boasted floor-to-ceiling glass walls and was partially suspended over Calton Hill’s north-west slope. The owners did not disclose reasons for the closure at the time.
In addition to its food and drink offering, Cafe Calton will host a series of small-scale cultural events, including collaborations with neighbouring institutions like Collective.
The venue will also offer private events and look to engage the local community through wellness initiatives such as running clubs and outdoor gatherings - embedding itself as a go-to spot on the hill.
Speaking about the partnership, Sorcha Carey, director of Collective said: “We are so excited to welcome Cafe Calton to our special site in the City Observatory complex.
“As a contemporary art gallery, we bring new creative perspectives to the city of Edinburgh.
"This new addition brings another layer to the Collective experience, inviting visitors to not only engage with world-class art, but also to gather, share and experience food and drink in an extraordinary setting.”and drink in an extraordinary setting.”
