Best Fine Dining in Wester Hailes

"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."

"Restaurant Martin Wishart, Edinburgh|Courtesy of Restaurant Martin Wishart. Edinburgh local Martin Wishart trained under great French masters such as the Roux brothers in his youth. Returning to his home city from France, he was seen as something of a young Turk when he set up a restaurant in the run-down port of Leith in 1999."

"What: Experimental chef Paul Kitching offers a choice of two starters, soup, two mains, cheese and two desserts – hence the 21212 moniker. The restrictive formula doesn’t mean there’s any limit to the chef’s ambition in the kitchen, however – or sense of humour. ‘Kidnapped in Scotland’ is a starter plate of the chef’s favourites while the soup might be ‘Rainy Allotment’ flavour."

"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."

"Since 2009, this unique restaurant has commandeered the stomachs of foodies across Edinburgh. The only Michelin Star restaurant in Edinburgh with rooms, this fine eatery is part of a boutique hotel in a Georgian Townhouse. 21212 has an ever-changing innovative and fresh contemporary menu that never fails to whet the appetite."

"Recently awarded a Mitchelin Star, Condita boasts an intimate dining experience featuring a surprise tasting menu which is £80 and lasts around two and a half to three hours. Located just southof the city centre on Sailsbury Place, every aspect of Condita moves with seasons, food, wine and decor offering a unique experience for diners. 15 Sailisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1SL (Tel: 0131 667 5777)"

"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)."

"Purslane eschews the stuffiness often associated with fine dining|Courtesy of Purslane Restaurant. Situated in a bijou basement in ever-fashionable Stockbridge, Purslane is that apparent oxymoron: a casual fine-dining restaurant. But Purslane, headed up by chef-patron Paul Gunning has successfully pulled it off, serving up ambitious modern cuisine without the stuffy formality often associated with fine dining."

"At first glance Purslane appears to be a contradiction, offering casual and rustic fine dining. Yet scores of happy customers and a rapidly growing reputation confirm that this commitment to excellent cuisine without the stuffy formality sometimes associated with fine dining is very popular. This delightful Stockbridge restaurant has a laid back and welcoming ambience and no dress code."

"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."

"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."

"The Stockbridge Restaurant is a family-run friendly restaurant situated in the heart of historic Stockbridge. Situated down steps from street level you will find a cosy and beautifully decorated restaurant with a warm-hearted ambience. Using locally sourced fresh seasonal produce; The Stockbridge is guaranteed to give your taste buds a treat with incredible tasting creative European dishes."

"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."

"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."

"Cake lovers won’t want to miss a pit stop at Archipelago, a beloved bakery city-wide that serves up the most delicious bread and baked treats, all made from 100% organic flour. I found out about this bakery from their beautiful cake loaves being served at Lowdown, and promptly decided to head straight to the source myself."

"Archipelago Bakery is a cozy neighborhood bakery rich with the scent of fresh bread, fresh coffee, and brownies straight out of the oven. The air is filled with chatter and gentle gossip. Caroline, the baker, is behind the bread, strudel, salads, brownies, tarts, and all manner of magical cakes."

"A small, off-the-tourist-track bakery in Edinburgh’s new town, Archipelago Bakery serves up fresh bread, salads and brownies, all made by friendly founder Caroline. The outdoor tables are perfect for sunny brunches and lunches."

"Why: Don’t be alarmed by the blue and purple neon lighting and heavy black velvet curtains at Karen’s Unicorn – the food is as fun and inviting as its name. The subtle Cantonese cooking is evident in house specialities such as salt and spice squid, and steamed seabass in a black bean sauce. Right in the centre of town, it’s also good for lunch when sightseeing or a hearty meal before painting the town red."

"These guys do both sit-in and takeaway meals, and a quick glance at the reviews reveals that their dim sum is an out-and-out treat. For the restaurant to have had almost 1000 reviews and still sit near the top of the pile with such a fantastic rating tells you how good it is. However some do say it's a touch on the small side, so best to book to make sure you get a table."

"If the name isn’t enough of a lure (it should be), then the food will do the job. Hypnotic and boldly brilliant – just like a unicorn – Karen’s Unicorn successfully stays true to real Cantonese cooking, with the ingredients serving as the star of the show. Perfectly seasoned and meticulously crafted, each dish is authentic and unashamedly traditional."