Best Dinner Places to Eat in West Calder

"This multi award-winning restaurant is located in the historic port of Leith area of Edinburgh. Opened in 1999 by Martin Wishart, an award-winning chef and restaurateur, it was the very first restaurant in Edinburgh to receive a Michelin Star in 2001. With fresh flowers on tables and gentle glowing lighting, it certainly won’t disappoint with the romantic aspect."

"One of the finest British chefs cooking today, Martin Wishart, opened his eponymous restaurant in 1999. This Michelin starred Leith dining venue offers high quality French cuisine. You'll find elegant surroundings, extremely high quality, attentive service and the freshest Scottish produce."

"What: ‘From nature to plate’ is the mantra of chef Tom Kitchin, and it’s a philosophy that you can see everywhere in his restaurant in Leith, The Kitchin. Natural materials such as slate and wood complemented by fabrics in cool blues and greys create a calming atmosphere for cooking that uses seasonal ingredients from regional growers, producers and fishermen. North Sea wild halibut, smoked to order on oak chips and served with parsley purée and horseradish cream potatoes, gives an idea of the level of accomplishment on offer."

"Another family run restaurant located in the riverside town of Leith, The Kitchin serves the finest British cuisine influenced by French cooking techniques. Filled with character, the restaurant has a very rustic, countryside atmosphere as it’s designed with natural textures such as exposed stone, wood and glass. In six short months after The Kitchin first opened it’s doors to the public, it was awarded a Michelin star and has since received 25 highly-acclaimed awards."

"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."

"Possibly one of the most Instagrammable brunch spots in the city, Hula Juice Bar is Edinburgh’s first ever juice bar and healthy eatery designed to feel like an “island in the city”. With its bright interiors and even brighter smoothies, it really does feel like you’ve stepped right into a resort in Bali!. Hula’s dynamic menu offers a whole host of fresh, healthy treats: smoothie bowls topped with fruit and granola, poke bowls filled with grains, beans and veg, and some of the best avo toast around."

"We didn’t know much about Scottish cuisine, except for Haggis and whisky we couldn’t actually think of anything specific. Imagine our surprise when we discovered the plethora of vegetarian and vegan dining options Edinburgh has to offer!. It must be one of the most vegetarian/vegan friendly cities we’ve come across during our travels so far."

"Located on the West Bow at the foot of Victoria Street just off The Grassmarket you'll find Hula Juicebar. This is a terrific option for anyone seeking a healthy breakfast in Edinburgh. You'll find great big bowls of porridge, bagels, fresh fruit and loads of tempting beverages."

"Image SourceThe market is an ideal place in Edinburgh to explore shops from leading-edge designers to fashion origins. The market is filled with designers, artists, and individuals selling crafts and classy clothes. Take a look for designer hats at Fabhatrix and Mr. Wood’s Fossils and if what you are looking for are old trend hats then Armstrong’s is the place to be."

"Website:https://www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb/visit-us-princes-street/. Where to stay: A fabulous apartment with a fabulous location on South Charlotte Street which is less than a minute from Princes Street and overlooks beautiful Charlotte Square. Less of an Edinburgh eatery, but no less worthy of a mention."

"As it makes its way ever-closer to completion, we are dying to have a drink out on the new Johnnie Walker rooftop bar. With unbeatable views over Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle, the whisky experience has transformed the old House of Fraser store into something completely different."

"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."

"Burials have been taking place here since the 16th century and there are a number of notable inhabitants including William McGonagall, James Craig and George Buchanan. The National Covenant which sparked the Covenanter's movement against King Charles II after the Reformation was signed here in 1638 and after their defeat, many of them were imprisoned nearby. It is most famous for Greyfriar's Bobby the loyal dog who guarded his master's grave for 13 years."

"Despite being one of the oldest surviving buildings outside of Old Town, originally built in the early 1600s, Greyfriars was nearly demolished in a fire in 1845. Its restoration introduced the first post-Reformation stained glass windows to be seen in a Scottish Presbyterian church. The impressive old stone building lies south of the Grassmarket, next to renowned independent school George Heriot’s – also a sight to be seen!"

"Greyfriars Kirk has been standing since 1620 in the heart of Edinburgh. It has been a popular place of worship for centuries and an important part of the city’s history. Book a tour to learn about the history of the church, including its importance for the Scottish Covenanters and its use as a barracks during the 17th century invasion of Scotland by Cromwell."

"I’d also suggest you make the time to head out to an icon of the Edinburgh surrounds – the Firth of Forth bridges, and in particular, the UNSECO World Heritage Listed Firth of Forth Rail Bridge. This is a mighty red cantilevered bridge construction spanning the Firth of Forth, opened in 1890, and still operational today. At it’s time of construction it was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world, and despite now being the second longest, is still might impressive."

"Offering simple healthy food that is full of flavour, Loudons Cafe & Bakery offers delicious home made treats made in their on-site bakery. Using high quality ingredients, and organic produce, breakfasts at Loudon’s are utterly delicious. Diners can tuck in to a variety of “Benny’s” – slang for eggs Benedict – complete with smoked salmon, cajun spices or haggis, or choose from french toast, smoothie bowls or super food pancakes and much much more."

"Loudons is one of Edinburgh’s multi-award-winning cafes and is well known as one of the best places for brunch in the capital. Their mission is to cater to everyone, so whether you are a meat-eater, vegan, dairy, or gluten-free – you will be sure to find something delicious for you to enjoy!. They have a wide variety of stunning brunch options, with an epic 13 types of Bennys – all served on their homemade English muffin with herb salad!"

"Loudons is an Edinburgh staple, serving all-day breakfast at its restaurants in New Waverley and Fountainbridge. From a full breakfast with haggis and all the trimmings, to vegan pancakes, there's something for everyone."

"Beautiful rose gardens and a children’s farm are just some of the highlights of Tollcross Park. Located in the Tollcross neighbourhood of Glasgow, this city retreat is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Amenities include picnic benches, toilets, and a children’s play area (kids 12 and under)."

"Another great pick if you have kids, this park has a farm with goats and sheep. If they get close enough, your kids can feed and pet them. The park also has an official nature walk, where you might be lucky enough to spot bats and foxes."

"Auchinlea Park lies on the edges of Glasgow’s East End, with its principle attractions being Provanhall House and Blochairn House, two A-rundown structures. With both going back to the fifteenth century, Provanhall House specifically has increased some appeal because of its set of experiences as the past chasing cabin of King James IV and flaunts numerous vivid phantom stories. The main room is said to have been the setting of various paranormal sightings, and purportedly houses the apparition of a warrior who killed his better half when he got back from battle to locate her pregnant with another man’s kid."

"Auchinlea Park lies on the outskirts of Glasgow’s East End, with its main attractions being Provanhall House and Blochairn House, two A listed buildings. With both dating back to the 15th century, Provanhall House in particular has gained some allure due to its history as the previous hunting lodge of King James IV, and boasts many colorful ghost stories. The master bedroom is said to have been the setting of a number of paranormal sightings, and allegedly houses the ghost of a soldier who murdered his wife when he returned from war to find her pregnant with another man’s child."

"Auchinlea Park is located on the outskirts of Glasgow’s East End, with its main attractions being Provanhall House and Blochairn House, two listed 15th century buildings. It’s also one of the parks in the area with a lot of spooky history. If you are feeling brave enough to enter former hunting lodge, Provanhall House, you can discover the ghost stories about the manor, or if Halloween is enough spookiness for you, steer clear by walking through the pretty garden grounds."

"Stand in awe at the massive 30 m tall Kelpie statues rising from the canal. Once you admire the world’s largest equine structures, make sure to enjoy the park’s 17 miles of pathways."