Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Carnock

"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."

"This is elegant, decadent dining at its best, with Scottish ingredients laying the foundation for both traditional and modern French cuisine.The menus change with the seasons, but the lunch, à la carte and various tasting menus are always available. Each is a cornucopia of flavours and surprises, from playful amuse bouches through to robust, intricate mains and artful, mouth-watering desserts. The matched wine package is a necessary, if costly delight."

"Walking into The Kitchin from the chilly Leith waterfront is like being wrapped in a warm, expensive mohair blanket. Comfort is the word that comes to mind—you'll immediately send that you're in very safe hands. Since opening this restaurant in 2006, Tom and Michaela Kitchin have been awarded a Michelin star, among many other accolades."

"Tom and Michaela Kitchin opened their namesake Kitchin in 2006 on Edinburgh’s Leith waterfront. It was awarded a Michelin Star in 2007 which it has retained for the past decade. Focussing on modern British seasonal cuisine, Kitchin has won a bevy of awards and is a mainstay on the Scottish fine dining scene."

"Enjoy French fusion worthy of its Michelin star in the sleek dining room of The Kitchin. The philosophy here is “From Nature to Plate,” with Chef Tom Kitchin using only Scottish produce as well as undertaking all the butchering of meat and in-house to ensure diners are consuming the freshest food possible."

"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."

"Get your brunch fix at Hula Juice Bar in Grassmarket, which serves up smoothie bowls, sourdough sandwiches and colourful salads to Edinburgh’s health foodies."

"Highlights of the Ting Thai menu (and there are many) include succulent marinated chicken dish gai cha plu and the nam tok nua, a fresh, spicy take on the traditional Thai beef salad. Although it’s the same menu throughout the day, prices and portions go up slightly at night, so expect to pay anything from £4 to £9 as the day progresses."

"Ting Thai Caravan started out as a pop up cafe during the Edinburgh Festival. Although the caravan has now settled in a more permanent location, the interior has an unfinished feel that hints at its previously temporary nature. Rough walls are sprinkled with posters for gigs and diners sit at rustic wooden benches."

"Now with two restaurants in Edinburgh, the Thai inspired eatery has been running both delivery and collection services during lockdown. With a host of asian dishes on offer from light bites to curries, the most popular unsurprisingly is the 'Pad Thai', according to Deliveroo."

"Popular with locals and students, this lively artisan cafe, nestled in the heart of Marchmont, is always full. Renowned for its affordable, tasty food, the breakfast pancakes are especially good. Choose from a regular topping like crispy bacon and maple syrup or try the zingy homemade compote and crème fraîche for something a bit different."

"China Red is a buffet restaurant, so slightly different to the other options featured on this list. And you don't have to spend too much time scrolling through reviews before finding one very satisfied customer who described the place as the "best Chinese buffet I've ever been to". They add: "I usually find buffet food all tastes quite bland and samey, but the chicken curry was so tasty and the noodles were amazing."

"Why: Often, Chinese food is associated with buffets, and although buffets are – in our not so humble opinion – one of life’s little wonders, they sometime get a negative (and unfair) reputation. Not at China Red’s two Edinburgh sites, though. The buffets are loved by the locals and we can understand why with a regularly changing menu and neatly presented desserts."

"Always fresh, delicious food with a variety so much bigger than any other Chinese buffet I've been to. Polite staff, funky entrance and good availability of seating space." 30 Grindlay Street, EH3 9AP"

"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."

"If you’re going to visit one sushi restaurant in Edinburgh, make it Kanpai. It’s the most expensive restaurant on this list, but it’s also easily the best sushi in the city. The presentation of their food is superb, and the menu is full of inventive dishes."

"A post shared by Gavin (@thatnydguy) on Mar 12, 2017 at 6:07am PDT. Simplicity is right at the heart of the philosophy behind Kanpai. This eatery offers diners the three key ingredients of sushi, sake, and tempura."

"Chizuru Tei is popular for its delicious selection of bento boxes to carry out. You can also eat in at their friendly and welcoming Haymarket restaurant. Either way, you'll fine some fresh and tasty sushi here."

"I have to hold my hands up and say I’ve only ordered from Oishii via Just Eat, but oh my goodness, I am so happy that there are such great vegan Japanese options in the city!. According to Happy Cow, if you go into the restaurant itself (on Murray Place, right opposite the Oxfam bookshop and just down from the Thistles) and mention that you are vegan, the staff and chefs are more than happy to accommodate you and veganise menu options on request."

"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."

"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."

"You'll find traditional Cantonese cuisine on offer at the extremely popular Karen's Unicorn Chinese Restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town. It has been so successful that there are actually two restaurants now within a few streets of each other. They offer a huge menu packed with tempting house specialties and a number of set banquets."