Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Philpstoun

"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."

"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."

"This latest venture from Martin Wishart moves away from haute cuisine to a more casual brasserie-style offering without ever forsaking quality. Steaks and seafood are specialities while set menus include lunch, tasting and kids’ options."

"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."

"Nowadays with so many food trends in eating healthy, sometimes it can be hard to arrange a BFF date if one of you is healthy conscious or has allergies. Hulla Juice Bar is great, as there are plenty of healthy alternatives and a such a great lively vibe!. This place is ideal with its cute trendy furniture and seating arrangements, meaning the hardest choice during this date will be picking which smoothie you’d like from the vast choices on the menu."

"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."

"With three restaurants in Edinburgh, Five Guys is well-known and loved for it's burgers and fries. Made with the toppings of your choice, the diner style eatery is has been racking in the orders from locals in recent weeks. According to Deliveroo, the 'Bacon Cheeseburger' is the most popular dish."

"In cute café-peppered Stockbridge, Merienda is a chic little joint (white tables, green tiles, wooden floors) where you design your own tasting menu from ‘farms and pastures’, ‘rivers and seas’ and ‘fields and gardens’. Mediterranean-inspired but made with Scottish ingredients, dishes include sea bass ceviche with beets, lemon sauce and cucumber or roast salmon gravalax with black garlic and dill emulsion."

"Once you escape the jail, why not take in something every bit as fascinating but a little more relaxed, elegant and stylish, such as the Smith Art Gallery & Museum. The treasury of objects and paintings all reflect the culture of the town and the county. Any visit to Stirling is enriched by time spent here, surrounded by portraits of Bonnie Prince Charlie, William Wallace and other notable figures, and astonishing artefacts such as the oldest football (from 1540) and oldest curling stone (1511) on the planet."

"The Stirling Smith is considered to be the largest exhibition space in all of Central Scotland, and is situated on Dumbarton Road near the city centre. Admission is free of charge. First opened to the public in 1874, the Stirling Smith has been at the centre of cultural life in Stirling ever since, and today houses a museum, an art gallery and the Cunninghame Graham Library as well as a lecture theatre and popular café."

"Canongate, The Royal Mile, EH8 8DX (website) Open daily 9:30am-6pm (26 March to 31 October) and 9:30am-4.30pm (1 November to 25 March)Adult: £6.70, Over 60/Students £6.10, Under 17/Disabled: £3.40, unders 5's go free. If you like art but find conventional art galleries too big and daunting, then the Queen's Gallery is the answer, as it hosts small intimate exhibitions as part of the Royal Collection Trust. The building is a conversion of a former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School and features a beautiful teak and sycamore staircase."

"The Queen's Gallery, located in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in November 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Now, it hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. A worthwhile stop on a visit to the Royal Mile."

"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."

"This one wasn’t recommended by anyone but we did drive past it and it looked great. It was our last day and didn’t have time to stop in but we did see a young family having a bite so it passed the family-friendly test. Not far from Waverly station, we were on the Hop on Hop off bus tour at the time."

"Cruz Bar is one of the most memorable gastro pubs in Edinburgh. It occupies a WWI minesweeper boat anchored in the heart of Leith's docklands at The Shore. There is a cozy and ambient dining area and bar inside the ship, but the on deck seating area really lifts Cruz above the competition."

"As well as being open for boozy lunches and after-work drinks, Boteco Do Brasil is also a brilliant place to shake it out when dusk falls. Bringing a slice of carnival spirit to Edinburgh's club scene, this party bar is known for its incredible dancers, regular salsa competitions and potent caipirinha cocktails."

"Boteco Do Brasil are a slice of Latin fun, bringing the vibrancy of South America to everything from its design to its atmosphere. Prepare for live music, caiprinhas, and delicious Brazilian food creating a wonderfully unique restaurant."

"Head on over to BrewDog's Lothian Road bar and you'll find reclaimed tables lining the street, giving you one cool spot for a post-work pint or two. That's not all though, as the venue is dishing up droolworthy burgers, boozy weekend brunches and a hearty choice of plant-based bites."

"Offering some of the best beers in the city, BrewDog's Lothian Road is about both quantity and quality. A huge space boasting over 20 craft beers as well as a menu of hearty eats, from beefy burgers and healthy salads to delicious chicken and cauliflower wings."

"Award-winning Elliot’s Restaurant blends the traditional with the modern, and serves dishes made with locally sourced seasonal ingredients for cuisine ..."

"What: Accessible to both kids and well-behaved dogs, Blue Bear Cafe is a great shout for breakfast with the whole family. The breakfast menu is a catch-all affair which ranges from savoury croissants filled with ham and cheese, to a breakfast burrito stuffed with scrambled eggs, peppers and onions. To pair with your food, you can indulge in a Bloody Mary or Breakfast Martini, while those looking to be sensible can opt for coffee and fresh juices.Where: 9 Brandon Terrace, EH3 5EA"

"A short walk from both the east gate entrance of Edinburgh’s Botanical Gardens and the Water of Leith walkway, Blue Bear Café is ideally located for a pre- or post-stroll brunch on a Sunday. Bring your appetite with you for the rip-roaring brunch served up here. Your eyes will be drawn straight to the classics list, where old favourites are given the Blue Bear treatment."

"A traditional Edinburgh cafe offering first class food and service. Diners at The Blue Bear can eat as much or as little as they want with the “Build your own Scottish breakfast” menu, and dishes are created using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and top quality Scottish meats. The waffles are also a popular choice that can be mixed with as many sides as your fancy."