Best French Bakery in Birnie Rocks

"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."

"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."

"I’ve lost count of the number of times we visited Dynamic Earth as we used to have a yearly membership. This is a fantastic place for children (and adults) of all ages. You’ll embark on a journey through time and space where you’ll learn all about our planet earth – how it evolved from the Big Bang to present day."

"It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on a 4DVENTURE around the world. You'll be embarking on the interactive adventure of a lifetime - the lifetime of our planet."

"Dynamic Earth is one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions and a guaranteed hit with the kids. It tells the story of our amazing planet through an immersive tour. You can feel the heat of a bubbling volcano or touch the icy cold of the arctic."

"Inspired by the traditional British milk bars of the 1920s and 60s, and located slap bang on Edinburgh’s busy buzzy Grassmarket, Mary’s Milk Bar is a local institution. Scoops are served depending on the weather outside. In the winter, expect gelato flavored with brandy mince pie, ricotta and baked figs and sage and chestnut (single scoops £2.50) and in the summer tea and jam, gooseberry sorbet and sweetcorn and black pepper."

"And it's Mary herself who still gets up to make everything from scratch in the morning. With that dedication and Mary's training in Italy, it's no wonder that Mary's Milk Bar is known by locals as the best spot for ice cream. The flavours also change every day and it's always a delight trying out their latest concoctions."

"Outside lockdown, Mary’s Milk Bar is unmissable for its fabulous hot chocolate gelato floats. For now, though, we’ll have to make do with her inventive artisan chocolates and cakes, packed full of ever-changing flavours. New for spring is her white chocolate, saffron and nutmeg bar."

"Mimi's motto is "it's all about the cake", but this delightfully retro cafe also boasts one of the most luxuriant breakfast menus in the capital. The "Belly busting" breakfast menu incorporates local treats such as delicious Crombie's sausages, award-winning Stornoway black pudding and Ramsay of Carluke's bacon, as well as truly delectable homemade bread and deliciously warming porridge with nuts and honey. The pink and black burlesque wall paper complements the decadence of the menu and even after a generously proportioned breakfast you will find it hard to resist their cakes and pastries."

"63 The Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6RA277 St John’s Road, Edinburgh EH12 7XA250 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8AA1 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE. Yet another hugely successful bakery has recently started moving into the vegan cake arena – and we couldn’t be happier!. Mimi’s has been delighting omnivores for years with their seriously indulgent cakes and bakes, but after enjoying success with their animal product free range at last year’s Christmas market, they have decided to extend their offering."

"Edinburgh has some great afternoon teas, but what if you can’t wait until the afternoon to indulge?. Mimi’s Bakehouse on the Shore have you covered with their Beforenoon Tea offering. If you’re not already aware of the delights of Mimi’s Bakehouse, stop what you’re doing and get yourself to the flagship store in Leith."

"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."

"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."

"Batting way ahead of the curve, Hula opened its original branch 12 years ago before the clean-living fad caught on. The latest opening in Fountainbridge, ironically enough, occupies the place where a burger joint once was. With vegetarian, vegan and (some) meat options all having a place on Hula’s menu, it has something for everyone."

"After eating toast and cereal for 5 days, Hubby wanted a change of scenery and decided we were eating out for breakfast. Who was I to stop him?. The Caffeine drip is a quaint little restaurant in the basement, with a lounge/cafe on the main level."

"3D Cakes Store has a large selection of cakes most especially for weddings. Aside from this, they also let their customers design their own cake to make sure that they get exactly what they want. These cakes also vary from small to a truly enormous one."

"A glowing flock of Macbooks illuminates Red Box, located in the heart of student stronghold Marchmont. The big desks and reliable Wi-Fi make it perfect for last-minute essays, soothed by the homely set up of fairy lights and cute dog portraits. Red Box roasts its own coffee and puts a focus on sustainability, with all of the packaging biodegradable or compostable where possible, and the food sourced locally and seasonally."

"New Town is architecturally stunning and is full of wonderful cafes, we think you’ll love staying here:. The Bearded Baker started off by supplying wholesale bagels to many of the city’s best cafes, and when the opportunity arose to turn The Bearded Baker into a cafe, they jumped at the opportunity!. We’re so glad they did as the cafe is a gem, and most importantly they also serve up a fabulous range of delectable doughnuts."

"With the Royal Botanic Gardens nearby, Canonmills is a lovely part of Edinburgh to stay in, and we think you’ll enjoy your stay at. The Bearded Baker is a cosy bakery and coffee shop located in Canonmills – who are famous for their delicious bagels!. As well as bagels, they also offer a variety of cakes, doughnuts, sourdough loaves and coffee!"

"Bearded baker Rowan creates his bagels and treats from scratch every day, and it really shows. Where: 46 Rodney St, EH7. Shop online at:thebeardedbaker.co.uk"

"Situated in leafy Bruntsfield, a quiet haven away from the city centre, Montpeliers is a slick and stylish brasserie with a continental flavour and a strong reputation for inventive food. Breakfast menus are served from 9am, and the freshly-baked pancakes, topped with blueberries, raspberries and maple syrup, are the perfect way to kick start your morning. Excellent value for money too."

"Montpeliers is located in the heart of Bruntsfield and is an excellent spot for both breakfast and lunch. The trendy yet cosy bar/restaurant is popular amongst locals, as are their pancakes!. There’s a selection of delicious pancakes to choose from, ranging from crispy bacon & maple syrup to caramelised banana with butterscotch."

"Montpeliers is a Bruntsfield institution, with every square inch perfect for an Instagram backdrop both inside and out. Having mastered the combination of amazing looking AND tasting, these pancakes will be sure to make put anyone else’s pancake day pics to shame."

"Pickles is a delightfully laid back subterranean bar in trendy Broughton Street. Decorated in the manner of an eccentric library or drawing room with large clocks, pictures and mirrors adorning the walls, it is above all a very intimate and comfortable place to spend time. Oak furniture and soft cushions continue the rustic feel, and there is even a lovely little beer garden for fair weather."

"We recommend a visit to Pickles, especially if you are in the mood for a snack and not a full meal. Pickles serves cheese and meat platters, and pickles, of course!. It’s not a full dinner menu, but this is the perfect place to take a break from haggis and beer and have some wine and cheese. Pickles is cozy, inviting, and we all loved it here."

"Pickles is a lovely little family-run wine bar towards the bottom of Broughton Street. This is the ideal setting for those who view a meat and cheese platter as a sensible dinner decision, which we most definitely do. It’s very cosy and filled with regulars popping in for a glass or two of wine after work."

"Best for FoodiesIn a nutshell Little more than a restaurant with rooms with Michelin-star chef Paul Kitching’s mind-boggling menus as the focal point — haggis with grapes and yoghurt, or smoked salmon with curried banana, are standard. There are only four rooms to choose from, each with access to a private garden, but a stay gives guests access to one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful cocktail bars. Take note that the restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday only.Don’t miss A stroll to the top of nearby Calton Hill for the best skyline sunset in Scotland."

"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."

"Borough has open its doors for the first time in the foodie neighbourhood of Leith. A modern European menu of bold, precise flavours is spearheaded by Head Chef Darren Murray, formerly of award-winning restaurant, Norn. Dishes include appetisers, such as charcuterie, and a selection of savoury and sweet plates such as Courgette Tart with Nasturtium and Mackerel Tartare with Green Strawberry and Elderflower."

"This modern bistro, which has chef Darren Murray at the helm, places a focus on sustainable and environmentally responsible food. This, coupled with Borough’s chilled-out atmosphere and expertly sourced local produce, makes the four-course set menu all the more special. Expect dishes like cured Borders lamb and roast North Sea hake, plus a fantastic selection of wines."