With a Cruise store nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, we've taken a look at some of the best fine-dining restaurants the magnificent city has to offer so you can wine and dine until your heart’s content.
Timberyard - Tollcross
Created by the Radford family, the Timberyard is a unique addition to Edinburgh’s restaurant community. Aware of the environment and keen to support sustainability, Timberyard sources its ingredients from small, local artisan growers, breeders, producers, suppliers and foragers to ensure quality and provenance.
Based in a converted former warehouse, Timberyard grow herbs, cure and smoke meat and fish and make their own cordials and shrubs on site. Divided into ‘bite’, ‘small’ and ‘large’ dishes, the entire menu is cooked and prepared by expert chefs who accept nothing less than perfection.
The Kitchin – Leith
Opened on Edinburgh’s Leith waterfront by Tom and Michaela Kitchin in 2006, the Kitchin offers modern British cuisine, French cooking techniques and a deep appreciation for Scotland’s natural larder. Awarded a Michelin Star within 6 months of opening, The Kitchin’s philosophy ‘From Nature to Play’ perfectly epitomises Tom’s adoration of the finest local produce and Scottish heritage.
Showcasing the chef’s immaculate skills, The Kitchin’s Land and Sea Surprise tasting menu is one of the restaurants most popular dishes and comprises of courses such as Pig’s Head and Scallop, Roasted Saddle of Roe Deer and Octopus Carpaccio. Book early as six month waiting lists are not uncommon during the summer months.
21212 - New Town
Opened in 2009, Paul Kitching’s Michelin-Starred 21212 sits in a listed Georgian townhouse over four light, spacious and airy floors. Although staying true to a contemporary French cooking style, Paul has injected a personal, unique twist on every dish served in a beautifully decorated restaurant with a llight-hearted ambience.
Along with a 38-seat restaurant, 21212 offers a drawing room, two private dining areas and four luxury bedrooms. And, with never more than three courses and a brand new menu each week, even regulars diners will experience something new every time they visit.
Ondine – Royal Mile
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s bustling city centre, Ondine aims to provide a dining experience to suit most palates and price ranges. Opening in 2009 with award-winning head chef Roy Brett at the helm, Ondine boosted a stagnant seafood scene with its passion for sustainability and the best local ingredients and produce.
With a stunning view of Edinburgh’s old town trough huge glass windows, dish highlights include the fresh oysters, sea bream curry and the shellfish platter. Having developed a strong following of regulars, you’ll need to book early to avoid disappointment.
Wedgwood – Royal Mile
Adamant on creating the ‘Perfect Night Out’, Paul Wedgwood and Lisa Channon created Wedgwood, a friendly, non-obtrusive fine-dining experience. Having won a number of awards and accolades, head chef Paul draws inspiration from his world travels resulting in innovative takes on classic combinations.
Eager for you to enjoy the full experience, Wedgwood allows diners to remain in the restaurant to wine, dine and socialise for as long they like. Favourites include panko and black sesame crusted mullet of pork belly, diver caught scallops wrapped in caul fat and an interesting use of wild herbs and salads at lunchtimes.
(Written by Lewis Cook)