Best Dinner Places to Eat in South Gyle

"What: Edinburgh-born Martin Wishart is one of Scotland’s most famous chefs and this Leith flagship (he has another restaurant on the shores of Loch Lomond) has held a Michelin star since 2001. It’s not hard to see why: neutral furnishings and thick carpets look sleek and suave, though everyone is here for the sophisticated French-accented interpretations of Scottish ingredients, best sampled by first timers from a tasting menu that might include Orkney scallop with Jerusalem artichoke and sweet potato. There’s also a great-value lunch menu."

"Edinburgh native Martin Wishart has been cooking up a storm at his eponymous restaurant in Leith for the past 20 years and was awarded a Michelin star in 2001 – retaining it ever since. The classic French cuisine, served in a contemporary dining room, is mouth-watering perfection. Go the whole hog and plump for the eight-course tasting menu, which perfectly showcases Wishart’s skills, including exquisite dishes such as Black Angus beef, sliced pig’s trotter, squab pigeon and Calvados ganache."

"A luminary in the British Michelin-Star scene, Edinburgh-born chef Martin Wishart cooks up a perfect storm time after time. As a pilgrimage site for food enthusiasts, his flagship eatery Restaurant Martin Wishart never fails to deliver imaginative dishes using finely-tuned French cooking techniques. Each taste, a testament to his complete mastery of craft, is humbled by the quality of the local ingredients."

"A little out of the city center, in fashionable Leith, is The Kitchin. Opened in 2006 by husband and wife team Tom Kitchin, chef, and Michaela Kitchin, hotelier, The Kitchin is a French/Scottish fusion restaurant, using French techniques on local produce. The pair are passionate about sustainability and sourcing local Scottish produce for their menus, and their passion shines through in their beautifully presented dishes."

"Tom Kitchin was the youngest person to win a Michelin star when his restaurant on Commercial Street was recognised with the accolade in 2007. The Kitchin prides itself as a place which presents "modern British seasonal cuisine influenced by French cooking techniques". They do A la carte menus along with sample set lunches and chef's surprise tasting menus."

"Seasonal local produce is the name of the game at The Kitchin. Chef Patron Tom Kitchin is a well-known celebrity chef and he won a Michelin star just six months after opening The Kitchin in 2006. The restaurant has gone from strength to strength since then with a string of prestigious awards."

"After a morning spent meandering around the vintage shops of Grassmarket, pop into this charming café for a juice, a veggie snack and a dose of green goodness. Find your perch by a pastel-hued table amid jungle-esque decor and sip on a smoothie (the Ass-Aye-Eee with berries, açai, apple and coconut milk is delightfully sweet) and nibble on a slice of toasted sourdough or a warm bowl of veggie curry."

"Hula started off in Edinburgh as a juice bar but has now turned into so much more. They aim to be an “island in the city” where you can come and relax while enjoying amazing food and drinks that nourish your body at the same time!. They pride themselves on standing by their community and source all their food locally – including the coffee which is roasted here in Edinburgh."

"Hula do an aaaamazing range of juices which as a juice bar you would probably expect. Although not totally vegan, still worth a shoutout on this list though as they did have some delicious and healthy vegan food on offer!. Think smoothie bowls, avocado and toast and sandwiches."

"Discreetly located inside an old church, Ghillie-Dhu hosts wild nights with a distinctly Scottish flavour. During the week, live Scottish folk music rocks the main bar from 10pm. The real fun starts on Friday and Saturday when people come to dance through one of Edinburgh’s largest public ceilidhs."

"However despite the Reddit bashing these late night haunts got, one user rightly pointed out that many of the places mentioned are "the busiest and most popular places to go at night in the city"...so at the end of the day, we'll leave it up to you."

"Above Abbotsford is the alternative name for the dining room attached to the Abbotsford pub. For a full review, see our entry for The Abbotsford."

"Every inch an Edinburgh classic, offering a skilful balance between historic features and contemporary class, it’s little wonder Whighams has been around since 1983. Whighams is located just off Charlotte Square, on the site of early 19th century cellars and offering a notable selection of wines, champagnes and real ales, served in authentic and relaxing surroundings. This Edinburgh bar is a favourite with the locals."

"Opened in 1983 in a wine cellar that traces its roots back to 1766, this Edinburgh institution has continued to move with the times, expanding beyond its traditional French and Italian heartland into the New World. You’ll find bottles by Edinburgh-based Master of Wine Giles Cooke, who makes wine in Australia. Its ‘Scottish Connection’ wine flight is a fun idea."

"Tonic has the look of a dark, relaxing lounge, but it’s as lively as any club on the weekends, and their cocktails pack a punch. It’s open late every night, with great DJs and live music options, and it’s considered one of Edinburgh’s best hidden nightlife gems."

"The team at Tonic will put all their expertise into perfect little cocktail pockets ready for you to shake up and enjoy. The cocktail bar offers an award winning menu. See what takes your fancy, from Espresso Martini to a Bubble Gum Daiquiri (Mocktail)."

"A Leith staple, the pizzeria is the final takeaway to currently be claiming the hearts of Edinburgh, according to Deliveroo. With a huge range of different toppings on offer, there is something for everyone. However the top dish was the pizza that will suit everyone, the classic Margherita."

"Why: Turning out authentic Chinese cuisine to the punters of Edinburgh since 1956, Rendezvous is one of the city’s original Chinese restaurants. We would go for the Peking-style banquet, which features all your favourite Chinese specialities, such as crispy aromatic duck, lemon chicken, special fried rice and toffee apple for pud. The extensive a la carte menu showcases all you would ever want from a Chinese restaurant, though, so you’re guaranteed to find your favourite knocking about if you don't fancy a full set menu."

"A unique Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese specialty dishes to a very high standard, Xanadu is well worth seeking out. The menu is extensive and packed with favorites and seasonal delicacies. The décor has a real flavor of minimalist Far Eastern style and you'll find the service is always warm and friendly."

"The kind of place you turn into a weekly ritual, Rendezvous is no stranger to Cantonese and Pekingese eats. This place really is an unstoppable entity that has been going strong since 1956. The extensive menu features all you could want from a Chinese place."

"Delicious Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine is the name of the game at the Imperial Palace. It is a big 180 seat restaurant with a wide range of dishes and a yummy selection of dim sum. You'll find food to tempt any taste here and there's a large selection of vegetarian options alongside some irresistible house specialties."

"They are centrally located near bus and tram stops and have ample parking for self-driving guests. They do recommend reservations but it does not look like walk-ins will be turned away automatically. The website says they have ample facilities for families and handi-guests, such as Baby Changing Facilities, Disabled Access and Free WiFi for everyone."