Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Tollcross

"The ‘camera’ is a giant periscope inside a Victorian rooftop tower on the Royal Mile, giving a spectacular 360° perspective on Edinburgh, plus there’s interactive optical fun galore. The building also contains three galleries and lights up at night.Castlehill, 226 3709, camera-obscura.co.uk. Opening hours vary seasonally; core hours of 10am–6pm apply daily throughout the year, with extensions during school holidays and summer."

"Address: Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NDWebsite: Camera Obscura Edinburgh. The Camera Obscura is one of the oldest purpose-built attractions in the United Kingdom and tens of thousands of visitors pour through its doors each year. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is located in a prime location on The Royal Mile, not far from Edinburgh Castle and more-or-less opposite The Scotch Whisky Experience."

"First opening in 1835, this tourist attraction has been entertaining Edinburgh visitors for centuries. So it is certainly one of the best kids activities in Edinburgh. Today there are five floors of interactive optical illusions, where technology and magic meet."

"Originally known as Caltoun or Caldoun Hill, Calton Hill offers one of the best and most iconic views of the city of Edinburgh. Granted to the people of Edinburgh by James II in 1456, the hill is now home to a bewildering number of buildings and monuments including the National Monument (an unfinished folly resembling the front of the Parthenon which is dedicated to those who died in the Napoleonic wars), Nelson's Monument (housing a time-ball mechanism by which ships used to set their chronometers), the Dugald Stewart Monument (a beautiful circular temple of nine columns dedicated to the Scottish philosopher), the Political Martyrs Monument, and the City Observatory (to name only a few). Recommended for Parks because: Calton Hill is home to some of the most famous Edinburgh monuments and offers some of the best views of the city."

"If you’re in the market for a picture-perfect proposal spot, look no further than Calton Hill It boasts sights of the city and looks absolutely magical at dawn and dusk. As an added plus, it comes with built-in engagement photo backdrops - the Nelson Monument and National Monument."

"Did you know Edinburgh is often referred to as the Athens of the North?. The reason for this is Calton Hill and its monuments. In fact, Calton Hill is also known as Edinburgh Acropolis."

"Best for City breakersIn a nutshell Towering over Waverley train station, this hotel amid the spires and steeples of the heart of Edinburgh has the Old Town in its DNA — the cracked stone walls are a tip of the hat to the city’s Unesco heritage. More design flourishes are found beyond the seventh-floor reception, where sigh-triggering views take in the steampunk Scott Monument and Princes Street Gardens. Rooms are a dolly mixture of snugs and roomy bathtub numbers.Don’t miss Nor’ Loft, the rooftop champagne bar, or oyster happy hour every Thursday, with £1 shucks."

"Lively champagne lounge Nor’ Loft specialises in bubbles from both independent and major labels. The trendy bar is seven floors up at the top of the Market Street Hotel, looking north of the city. It was named after the infamous medieval Nor’ Loch that once filled the land in Princes Street Gardens (which can be viewed from the rooftop, just across from the venue)."

"An object lesson in doing things better, this design-led hotel brings both style and substance to a great city-centre location."

"A two story extension was added in the 1820s by architect William Burn, and finally a library was added in the 1870s. The interior is beautifully decorated and furnished in Edwardian style and features some beautiful works of art. There are regular craft workshops for all ages held in the Victorian kitchen throughout the year."

"Tucked away near Cramond Beach, enjoy the delights of Lauriston Castle while being surrounded by an open green space. Don't forget to take a walk through their Japanese Gardens as recommended by Rosa, our Design Assistant!"

"Address: East London Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4BL, Scotland, UK Mansfield Place Church is to be found within the New Town area, standing close to the bus depot and the King George V Park. Built in 1872 by Robert Rowand Anderson, this old church has had many uses over the years and once even functioned as a nightclub. Today, it is owned by the Mansfield Traquair Trust, a conservation group who have actively restored the building over a number of years."

"Address: 61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 556 1798 This popular Roman Catholic church dates back to 1814, being designed by James Gillespie Graham. Each month on the third Tuesday, look out for the organ and choir recitals. The adjacent Cafe Camino provides a rather tempting menu, offering bacon sandwiches, freshly made soup, lunchboxes for children, a choice of beverages (including coffee, tea, wine, beer and cider) and tubs of locally produced ice cream."

"St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, originally called the Chapel of St Mary’s, held its first masses in August 1814. The Cathedral houses the National Shrine of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, and even has an underground passage leading to a priest’s house in York Place. It wasn’t until the 1970s that passers by could see the Cathedral in its full splendor when tenements in front of the building were demolished."

"Aptly named, Tony Crolla’s authentic Italian restaurant has been a firm favourite with local residents and visitors for many years. A fabulous menu, combined with warm, friendly staff, this bustling restaurant offers wood-fire oven baked pizzas, mouthwatering pastas and much-loved Italian desserts including tiramisu, pannacotta and homemade chocolate and pear sponge cake. 331-325 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 8SA (website)"

"La Favorita specializes in delicious traditional pizza for which they won "Best UK Pizza Restaurant" in the Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association Awards 2012. However, they also offer a wide variety of excellent pasta dishes and even have gluten-free options which do not scrimp on taste. The decor is fresh and modern and patrons have an open view into the kitchen with its traditional log-fired ovens."

"Pizza Vegetariana – Tomato sauce, Mozzarella cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Roasted Courgette & Mixed Peppers. Also available with Vegan cheese. #LaFavoritaDelivered #LaFavorita #Pizza #Vegan #MeatFree #Monday #Edinburgh #Authentic #Italian #Food #Foodies #Delivery #Deals #Pasta #Leith #Portobello"

"Edinburgh has many Italian restaurants, but Civerinos offers something a little different. Situated beside the Royal Mile in the heart of the Old Town is has a great location. The interior is chic and understated with long wooden benches lit by large brass bell lanterns, and the plates are made of paper."

"One of Edinburgh's best pizza restaurants, Civerinos is home to a world famous selection of slices, from the classic pepperoni and four cheese, to philly cheese steak and delicious calzones. On top of that you'll find boozy slushies and delicious desserts to complete your meal."

"Found on Bristo Place, close to the university, theatres and visitor attractions, Elfalafel serves fresh, halal food made on the premises using family recipes. There’s a daily salad bar with 15 options and 10 sauces to slather over them. The bohemian Arabic takeaway and restaurant is famous for its spinach falafel with natural original spices, but also popular are the burgers, shawarma and kebabs."