Best & Cool Bars in Southside

"You can do this of course just by popping into pretty much any pub in the city, but if you want to learn about the process of making whisky, as well as the various regions of Scotland and the flavours available, then the Scotch Whisky Experience is where you need to head. Here you’ll journey through the Whisky creation process, as well as learn about why Whisky from different parts of Scotland tastes different. Finally, you’ll be given the opportunity to taste one of four whisky flavours, before taking a look at the largest Scotch Whisky collection in the world. You can book your tickets in advance here."

"You’ll ride in a giant barrel on a historic ride to learn about how scotch is made. Then you enter a learning room where a live person will walk you through the regions of Scotland and the whisky produced in each one!. Everyone gets a taste of scotch with the Standard “Silver” tour ticket in this room."

"Although technically not a bar, it does have the largest range of whisky in Scotland, with more than 3,500 bottles. Book a tasting tour to kick off your stag do and grab a wee dram or four to road-test some of the best whisky in the world.."

"Casual but stylish vegan restaurant Harmonium opened its doors in Leith in 2017, and has gone from strength to strength ever since. The airy ex-pub is friendly and has a great menu that changes regularly, but at various times of year you can expect to see their take on a surf n'turf: a large seitan steak served with creamy potato puree, garlic butter, seared vegan scallops, steamed kale and green beans with smoked paprika. Other popular menu items include their battered "to-fish" supper, and their spicy jackfruit curry."

"This bar and restaurant from the Stereo team doesn't even need to flag vegan options on its menu because the whole damn thing is free from any animal products. Offering all your favourite comfort eats, from burgers and macaroni cheese, to laverbread cakes with streaky bacon, they're easily one of the best vegan restaurants in Edinburgh."

"Situated on the streets of Old Town, Brew Lab prides itself on speciality coffee and artisanal delicacies, serving up a meticulously crafted espresso that will keep you focused all day (or at least until you reach the next coffee spot). With the mission to bring the best coffee possible to the people of Edinburgh, it would be a shame to not at least try this creative hot spot. These guys are so serious about creating exceptional coffee, that they also provide barista courses that teach you the beauty of creating an espresso, as well as creative latte art and filter brewing."

"Specializing in single-origin specialty-grade coffee, Brew Lab serves up beans from Union Hand-Roasted, featuring two different espressos and filters each day so there is always something fresh to try. But for non coffee drinkers, craft beers and local wines along with salads, soups and sandwiches from local suppliers around Edinburgh are also up for grabs in this modern coffee house with a science lab vibe. 6-8 S College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA, UK"

"Situated within a short distance of Edinburgh Castle, the Whiski Rooms boast stunning views over the mound and Princes Street. With a bar, bistro, restaurant and shop, the Whiski Rooms neatly captures a superb food and drink experience under one convenient roof. Their food menu seamlessly blends classic and modern dishes using only the finest and freshest, locally sourced produce."

"A post shared by Whiski Rooms (@whiskirooms) on May 17, 2017 at 6:01am PDT. Now that you’re in Scotland and have probably tried a proper Scottish Breakfast as well as taken some great photos of the castle, you might feel like a night out on the town. Whiski Rooms has great haggis as well, but you’ll probably be a bigger fan of the beautiful views and Whisky Bar."

"This unusual pub is off the beaten track just beyond The Shore in Leith. It's a little bit quirky, offering an imaginative range of food and booze which extends to some great breakfast options. It's very friendly, the furniture is mismatched and you can get cocktails served in teapots for your very own Madhatter's Tea Party."

"This family-run café is renowned for their Pot-Tails – cocktails in teapots. Open from 10am to 10pm every day, they offer everything from brunch to dinner and Sunday roasts. A visual delight, the café is decorated with antique furniture and the walls are covered with artworks from aspiring artists trying to sell their wares."

"I skipped this since I’m a veg and went with the Roseleafer, which consists of vegetarian haggis, beans, tomatoes, mushroom, egg, spinach, and toast. Talk about major deliciousness!"

"Back by popular demand, the Village Festival summer popup will return to its Waverley location across the road from Princes Street Gardens. Expect drinks, food traders and live music on bustling Princes Street. For latest updates, check out the Facebook page."

"Situated on a lively street in the heart of Edinburgh, Market Street hotel opens up the charming Old Town district for guests. With Royal Mile just a short walk away and the imperial Edinburgh Castle 14 minutes on foot, couples can enjoy exploring these dreamy landmarks on a romantic stroll. Comfy and warm guest rooms have rainfall showers and well-stocked minibars, while the Roomy-Bath suites have a separate bathtub as well."

"This cool Edinburgh hotel oozes a Scottish Baronial style with locally made fabrics, natural materials such as white oak, and custom-made furniture. You will also find wooden shutters, as found in the original Old Townhouses. The bathrooms at the Market Street Hotel are finished in marble with stone basins and rainfall showers, plus amenities by Votary – a vegan brand."

"Lively champagne lounge Nor’ Loft specialises in bubbles from both independent and major labels. The trendy bar is seven floors up at the top of the Market Street Hotel, looking north of the city. It was named after the infamous medieval Nor’ Loch that once filled the land in Princes Street Gardens (which can be viewed from the rooftop, just across from the venue)."

"Beneath this swanky cocktail bar in Edinburgh’s Southside, there’s a hidden basement-level distillery, with a vibe similar to the speakeasy days of Prohibition. Tasting sessions take place in the lab, where an expert distiller and bartender guide you through the finest pairings of gin, mixers and garnishes. Alternatively, take a tasting among the copper stills themselves as they gurgle away making juniper magic, and find out about the process from start to finish."

"A dedicated gin bar, 56 North Baropened in 2008 and now also has a working distillery which makes South Loch Gin. Running around 60-90 mins, their South Loch Gin Distillery Tasting and Cocktail Class covers the basics of botanicals, distilling, equipment and bottling. You receive a South Loch Gin & Fever-Tree tonic on arrival; taste three gins made on the stills and end with a sparkling cocktail made with one of the distillery limited editions."

" Billed as a ‘destination bar with an amazing drinks collection’, 56 North has a big thing about gin – they hold regular (bookable) masterclasses and ..."

"In the midst of Stockbridge’s bakeries and thrift shops, the husband-and-wife run Cowan & Sons has steadfastly served the neighborhood for more than 18 years. Distressed white and seafoam-green tiles are keepsakes from the building’s historic roots as a fishmonger's shop; repurposed objects discovered during its restoration were given new life as décor. Mornings offer cappuccinos and other standard coffees, which are brewed from Williams & Johnson Coffee Co. beans; for a little flair, order a matcha or turmeric latte."

"When it first opened in 1997 as Maxi’s, this once off-radar spot was the first coffee shop on Raeburn Place. Rechristened as Cowan and Sons in 2017, the family-owned café was lovingly restored thanks to a grant from Edinburgh heritage bosses, allowing the owners to breathe new life into its tired, historic shopfront. Crossing the threshold, you’ll find original features including distressed green and white tiles from its days as a fishmonger, which previously lay hidden behind plasterwork."

"There are a number of buffet style Chinese restaurants in Edinburgh, but China Red is arguably the best. With an absolutely massive range of dishes, even the pickiest diner will find something to their taste, and their high tech buffet tables ensure the hot dishes remain hot and the chilled dishes nice and cool. The range includes all of the classics you would expect with numerous seafood and vegetarian offerings as well."

"China Red is a buffet restaurant, so slightly different to the other options featured on this list. And you don't have to spend too much time scrolling through reviews before finding one very satisfied customer who described the place as the "best Chinese buffet I've ever been to". They add: "I usually find buffet food all tastes quite bland and samey, but the chicken curry was so tasty and the noodles were amazing."

"Why: Often, Chinese food is associated with buffets, and although buffets are – in our not so humble opinion – one of life’s little wonders, they sometime get a negative (and unfair) reputation. Not at China Red’s two Edinburgh sites, though. The buffets are loved by the locals and we can understand why with a regularly changing menu and neatly presented desserts."

"If you can't agree on whether to go for a seafood meal or get a nice juicy steak then this is the perfect compromise. You'll find a tempting menu for lunch and dinner that includes all manner of seafood, including pots of irresistible mussels, and matured Scotch beef steaks. It's conveniently located in the popular Grassmarket area, which is always bustling and vibrant."

"Summer is great for outdoor ventures and the Mussel and Steak bar is great for that outdoor chill vibe with your BFF. The menu itself also has a wide selection of great steaks, and this family run establishment means there is a personal touch and great memories to be made here."

"Just a short walk from Haymarket station you’ll find a little bit of Naples in Edinburgh. Chef Rosario Sartore (pictured) imports Denominazione di Origine Protetta (D.O.P) artisan produce from Italy, combining them with prime Scottish ingredients to recreate authentic dishes from southern Italy. The menu changes daily and includes fresh fish and seafood, hand-made pasta and cakes, with gluten-free options always available."

"Locanda De Gusti is a warm and friendly Italian restaurant on Dalry Road, in the west end of Edinburgh. The chef and owner Rosario Sartore made his mark on the Edinburgh food scene over a decade ago with the popular La Partenope. Locanda De Gusti is a smaller and more intimate affair, but lacks none of the charm of his earlier venture."

"Average Rating - 4.68Total Number of Ratings - 3978Location - Edinburgh SouthAverage price - £££Review - Amazing portion size and so so so tasty ❤️❤️. View Maki & Ramen Omakase - Fountainbridge Menu"