Best Fine Dining in Carlops

"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."

"Proudly known as Edinburgh’s very first Michelin star restaurant – awarded in 2001 – Restaurant Martin Wishart is now one of the UK’s most highly acclaimed dining venues located in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith. The interior offers the perfect setting for any celebration with a charming contemporary design featuring rich wooden panelling on the walls, fresh-cut flowers and sleek furnishings. Choose from a selection of innovative and appetizing French style dishes ranging from Orkney scallops to ravioli of snails."

"Martin Wishart opened The Honours to critical acclaim in 2001. Named after the moment in history when Sir Walter Scott uncovered the Scottish Crown Jewels, The Honours combines seasonal, Scottish flavours with brasserie-influenced dishes. The chic gold and black interiors are also unmissable."

"Chef Paul Kitching and manager Katie O’Brien came up to Edinburgh with a big success under the belt in the form of Manchester’s Juniper restaurant, and they soon set to work on another award-winning formula. 21212’s name reflects its unusual dining structure. It gives customers a choice of two starters, followed by an interim course, then two main course choices, another interim choice then a pick of two desserts."

"21212 is a Michelin starred restaurant housed in a beautiful Georgian Townhouse in the New Town of Edinburgh. Spanning all four flours of the beautifully renovated house, the restaurant boasts a large dining area with an open kitchen, a smaller drawing room, two private dining areas and four extremely luxurious bedrooms. The menu is a modern take on classic French cuisine."

"The name of Paul Kitching’s restaurant is slightly misleading: instead of 21212, he offers three starter choices, then soup, three mains, then cheese and finally three desserts. Exciting and experimental, this is cutting-edge cooking."

"This is an intimate hidden contemporary-styled gem and recently awarded a Michelin Star, tucked away where the Old Town meets Southside. During the day, light pours into the airy whitewashed room from the large skylight. Condita has six tables and food is prepared for the number of diners booked in (no walk-ins allowed)."

"As its name suggests, Edinburgh Food Studio, located on a nondescript road a short cab ride from central Edinburgh, is the city's apex for gastronomes. Although it's a bona fide restaurant, EFS has the hum, chatter, and excitement of a pop-up. James Murray, the chef, and Ben Reade and Sashana Souza Zanella, the young, supremely knowledgable founders, sometimes appear to chat about ingredients and dishes."

"Far from the city centre throng, Edinburgh Food Studio is a tiny unassuming restaurant and ‘food research hub’ dishing up some of the most creative, nerdy and – fear not – delicious cuisine in the capital."

"Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s prettiest neighbourhoods, and The Stockbridge Restaurant has followed suit in terms of style, with a considered interior and perfectly presented plates. Known for their wine lists as much as their food this Edinburgh hot spot caters for many a party. In fact, thanks to its romantic atmosphere it’s often chosen as a wedding venue."

"This intimate family-run restaurant is an ideal place to settle in for a long romantic lunch. Its basement setting in fashionable St Stephen Street comes with subdued lighting, inky walls and a fireplace brimming with candles. Kick start lunch proceedings with a crisp glass of sparkling wine and mull over the tempting menu."

"The Stockbridge Restaurant has been delighting locals and visitors alike for over a decade. It is a romantic and atmospheric subterranean delight, featuring wonderful, local produce cooked to perfection. The interior is quite beautiful."

"Opened in 2009 with Head Chef Mattia Camorani at the helm, award-winning restaurant Cucina is the vibrant, bustling soul of Radisson Collection Royal Mile Hotel Edinburgh located on the city’s historic Royal Mile. The restaurant offers fresh and authentic Italian dishes, perfectly matched to the season, all year round. The menus and atmosphere created at Cucina are based on the enjoyment of good food, genuine Italian hospitality and a concept of sharing with friends and family."

"Set in the thick of all the fun on George IV Bridge, Cucina is a firecracker of a restaurant. The hypnotic palette of colours of the fashion-forward furnishings are just as mesmerising as the impeccable menu. Thoughtful, perfectly constructed dishes play host to classic Italian recipes with contemporary flair, resulting in a gastronomic adventure."

"Rhubarb Restaurant is set in a 17th-century manor house|© Neil Setchfield / Alamy Stock Photo. A restaurant with a story, Rhubarb operates out of the esteemed 17th-century manor hotel Prestonfield House. This romantic pick comes with all the bells and whistles, from the dramatic decor to the ultra-gourmet dishes."

"Rhubarb Restaurant is set in a 17th-century manor house|© Neil Setchfield / Alamy Stock Photo. This stylish and oh-so-glamorous restaurant is set in a 17th-century manor house in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat. Its name alludes to the fact that Prestonfield was the first estate in Scotland to grow rhubarb."

"An luxury and super glamorous restaurant housed in a pair of spectacular oval rooms at the heart of Prestonfield. Theatrical and dramatically stunning, Rhubarb Restaurant exudes a royal aura in its interiors. You will love the attention as a kilted porter will escort you through."

"Also dating back to the 1800s, Old St Paul’s has since been renovated multiple times – the nave extended and the chancel floor raised with marble. Nearly all of the many panes of stained glass, ornaments and vestments were made possible by fundraising or donations. Unusually, the gargoyles at Old St Paul’s are located inside, not on the exterior of the church as is common on buildings of this period."

"Also known as Edinburgh’s Secret Garden and on the other side of Holyrood Park from Edinburgh city centre, Dr Neil’s Garden is a heaven of tranquillity and a font of inspiration for artists, musicians and writers. It was originally created by Drs Nancy and Andrew Neil, who had a keen interest in horticulture and medicine. Child friendly: yes Address: Dr Neil’s Garden, Old Church Lane, Duddingston Village, Edinburgh EH15 3PX Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10am – 5pm More information on visiting this garden"

"Dr Neil’s Garden is a wonderfully quaint place to wile away an afternoon or as a pit-stop on your way up to Arthur’s Seat. Tip: If you're lucky you may catch deer cooling off in the nearby Loch. *Guide-dog friendly!"

"Edinburgh’s quintessential secret garden, in the shadow of a 12th-century kirk, is one of the most peaceful green spaces in Scotland. Cultivated in the 1960s by doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil from a scrappy piece..."

"The Royal Mile ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This palace is the official residence in Scotland of Queen Elizabeth. She resides here about one week every year. When the Queen is not here, the Palace is open for visit."

"This newcomer on the Edinburgh foodie scene is a collaboration with some of the Edinburgh restaurants: Cold Town House for pizza, Copper Blossom for cocktails and craft beer, Cold Town Beer, Kyloe for Sunday roasts and The Huxley (scran including burgers, loaded fries and dogs, served from a silver trailer). While they recommend you order online first, you can also show up at either collection point – one for drinks and the other for pizza – or the “Scranavan” for your choice of takeaways. Wooden benches are spaced out in the courtyard in anticipation of the beer gardens reopening and are ideal for a casual lunch one summer day."

"What: We’re a fan of any restaurant which thinks of an innovative way to make their outdoor area weather proof and that’s exactly what McLaren’s on the Corner has done. In 2020 McLaren’s installed a number of ski gondolas in the garden allowing you to sit inside them to enjoy the all-day food menu, while imagining you’re skiing in Courchevel.Where: 8 Morningside Road, EH10 4DD"