Mentioned by Time Out Edinburgh
The 12 best bars in Edinburgh
"The lunch menu at Bell’s Diner has barely changed in 40 years, but why change a winning formula?. This cute little diner on the corner of St Stephen Street has been serving up gourmet burgers long before the likes of Byron got in on the act. Its steaks are also excellent and come with a choice of five sauces (go for the garlic butter), while the large hot fudge sundae pancakes are legendary in these parts."
"Housed in a converted warehouse and serving a menu that’s about as far removed from stereotypical Scottish cooking as imaginable, Tapa has earned itself a loyal following among in-the-know residents in Leith. Its take on Spanish tapas dishes provides a break from the norm: there are melt-in-your-mouth ribs, and the chef’s mother offers her own recipe for venison stew that’s not to be missed."
"Chop Chop near Haymarket Station prides itself in its authentic approach to Chinese cuisine, with the tagline "How can one billion people be wrong?". If you find the range of unfamiliar dishes overwhelming try their banquet option, which includes a wide selection of dishes delivered to your table to share. Head chef Jian Wang travels back to China every year to seek out new mouthwatering food to add to her expansive menu, however arguably she is most well known for her dumplings, which the restaurant claims are some of the best in the country."
"When it comes to Chop Chop, you can’t get the food in your mouth fast enough. The brainchild of Jian Wang following her arrival in Edinburgh from Changchun (a region in North Eastern China renowned for its dumplings), Chop Chop came about after the success of her dumpling factory, which supplied dumplings all over the UK and then to cruises around the world. The no-fuss food is fresh, healthy and utterly delicious."
"Having won Gordon Ramsay’s approval a few years ago for having the best dumplings in Scotland, Chop Chop was high on my list of eateries I wanted to visit and when I did, I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, I’ve been back more times than I can count. Not much to look at from the outside, and by no means flashy or modern inside, the food speaks for itself and I love everything about it."
"With the tagline ‘not all those who wander are lost’, Pilgrim’s sustainable ethos sees its interior almost entirely made out of recycled or upcycled material, from its bar made from hundreds of discarded suitcases to its original 1930’s cinema seating. They offer a variety of draught and bottled beer and cider options from various brewers including local favourite Innis & Gunn. Even if you’re not a big beer enthusiast, this unique bar in Edinburgh’s Cowgate is definitely worth checking out for the funky interior design alone!"
"While I tend to consider Pilgrim to be a setting for a more “typical” night out on the town, there’s no denying that it’s one of the more quirky bars in Edinburgh. And considering the entire bar is made out of hundreds of suitcases, it makes absolute sense to feature it on a travel blog!. There is also a row of seats that are old cinema seats, sofas made of jeans, and they offer tiki-style cocktails."
"Right in the heart of Edinburgh, in the bar-filled Cowgate area, Pilgrim Bar is a lively spot tosample all things craft beer. It’s a hipster-friendly spot with upcycled furniture (the bar is made of suitcases, for example), welcoming backpackers and beer-lovers alike. There’s plenty of atmosphere, with entertainment, quiz nights, and music."
"In a premier position dominating the west end of Princes Street, this imposing and historic building is great for shoppers and sightseers alike. Enjoy grand views of the castle, great food and a hint of old-fashioned glamour alongside lavish afternoon teas, first-class connectivity, a fitness centre (with swimming pool and Guerlain spa offering thoroughly spoiling massage, facial and beauty treatments) and impeccably refurbished rooms. Splash out on a Castle View room for a heart-swelling view of the city."
"The exterior of grande dame Waldorf Astoria - the Caledonian. (Waldorf Astoria - the Caledonian). This historic railway grand dame was first built in 1903 before being swallowed by the Hilton empire, but don’t let that put you off."
"Lush have made a name for themselves with unique, handmade, ethically sourced health and beauty products. Now they have taken the next step an offer spa treatments from their Edinburgh store. Like their products, the treatments are unconventional and fresh and more specifically tailored to the individual than is the norm."
"If you love Lush or want to experience something different from your usual spa experience, Lush Spa is a must-try!. Each treatment therapist is highly knowledgeable and professional from the moment you meet them and will have a consultation with you before selecting the products for your treatment!"
"Sadly, the tea was made with powder which results in a negative review. I asked the boba-barista (lol, I just made up a word) to make my drink with 25% sweetness, but he was unable to adjust the level of sweetness. The drink was a little too sweet for my taste."
"Vegans don’t have to miss out on dessert, especially in Edinburgh!. Considerit is a chocolate, doughnut and ice cream cafe that’s entirely vegan. They sell the most amazing and indulgent doughnuts, like this amazing chocolate hobnob creation, which is glazed with Biscoff spread, topped with crumbled oaty Hobnobs and finished with a chocolate drizzle."
"Considerit is a must-visit for all the vegan sweet-tooths out there!. This place specialises in decadent chocolate, doughnuts and, in the warmer(?) weather, ice cream. Whether you are vegan or not, you are going to love the baked delights here at Considerit."