Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Luffness

"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."

"Edinburgh native Martin Wishart has been cooking up a storm at his eponymous restaurant in Leith for the past 20 years and was awarded a Michelin star in 2001 – retaining it ever since. The classic French cuisine, served in a contemporary dining room, is mouth-watering perfection. Go the whole hog and plump for the eight-course tasting menu, which perfectly showcases Wishart’s skills, including exquisite dishes such as Black Angus beef, sliced pig’s trotter, squab pigeon and Calvados ganache."

"Restaurant Martin Wishart can be found at The Shore serving up all sorts of delights. They do a £35 lunch menu along with six and eight-course taster menus which set you back a little more. Among the options on the lunch menu are braised pork cheek with cauliflower cream, brown shrimp, curry and sauternes sauce and roast fillet of gigha halibut with creamy endive, Fontina Arancini and truffle sauce."

"Tom Kitchin was the youngest person to win a Michelin star when his restaurant on Commercial Street was recognised with the accolade in 2007. The Kitchin prides itself as a place which presents "modern British seasonal cuisine influenced by French cooking techniques". They do A la carte menus along with sample set lunches and chef's surprise tasting menus."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Tucked away in the student centred neighbourhood of Newington, Southpour stole my heart the minute I walked in. Exposed brick walls, chevron tilework, bouquets of thistle, and twinkling fairy lights all contribute to an elegant aesthetic without ever trying too hard. You’ll find Scottish classics like kippers, haggis, and scotch eggs as well as your classic burgers and sandwiches."

"Cafe Marlayne is a lovely French restaurant in the New Town. There is a large semi-formal dining area to the rear of the premises, and a delightfully relaxed cafe nearer the front with comfy sofas and a plethora of cushions. The restaurant serves a wide array of classic French bistro dishes, such as the wonderful crock monsieur and an array of tempting soups, terrines and roasts."

"This contemporary and cool restaurant incorporates a café and a bistro. At the front of the space is the coffee shop, featuring comfortable seating, and further back is the dining room. Come by for a unique and French-inspired breakfast, lunch, pre-theater dinner, or late dinner, as well as takeaway sandwiches or coffee."

"A classic French restaurant,Café Marlayne can be a lively bistro at day time and a romantic dining place at night,which has served authentic French flavors and staed true to its character since the beginning"

"Situated at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this gallery is one of 15 in the UK that houses the Royal Collection, the largest private art collection in the world. This is a fascinating record of the personal tastes of kings and queens over the past 500 years, comprising decorative arts, drawings, watercolours, paintings and photographs. Those that have made contributions to the collection over the years include Frederick Prince of Wales, George IV, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary."

"I went to the Queen’s Gallery instead, which showcases a small subset of the art that is found within the royal, private collection. ***For the Queen’s Gallery, tickets are £7.00 for adults, £6.40 for adults over 60 or students (with valid ID), £3.50 for children under 17 or the disabled, and children under 5 are free.The Queen’s Gallery is open daily from 9:30 am – 6:00 pm."

"The Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queens Gallery lie at the east end of The Royal Mile, opposite the Scottish Parliament. The visit is best achieved by taxi, local bus service from Waverley Bridge or tour bus. Walking takes around 15 minutes from Waverley Station."

"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."

"If you’re a sucker for low-lighting and gorgeous interiors then The Stockbridge Restaurant is your date night go-to. Here, you’ll find a roaring fireplace for snug winter meals, white table clothes and statement artworks by Scottish Colourists. There’s no wonder this charming little spot was named as one of the top 100 restaurants in 2014, especially with a menu brimming with moreish delights such as spiced pigeon breast and grilled halibut."

"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."

"The Stockbridge Restaurant is a sophisticated affair in the stylish suburb of Stockbridge, and a local favourite. Beautifully fresh fish dishes change daily based on the local catch, and hearty game dishes are consistently good. The wine list is strong, and the candlelit dining room, where huge artworks decorate the dark walls, has a decidedly Gothic feel, perfect for a languorous evening."

"The abbey was later used partially as a royal residence, and as a location for the Scottish Parliament from the 13th to the 15th centuries. The abbey has seen a large chunk of Scottish history, politics and culture, including the end of the First War of Scottish Independence, and the birth and coronation of kings. The remains still show beautiful and impressive original architecture which have inspired numerous painters and writers."