Edinburgh Map Tourist Attractions
Edinburgh boasts an increasingly wide range of cuisines and restaurants. If it’s traditional fare you’re after, the capital won’t disappoint, with everything from haggis at the neighborhood pub to “modem Scottish” at the city’s top restaurants. If you’re looking for cheap eats, many pubs offer student discounts in the early evening. Takeaway shops on South Clerk Street, Leith Street, and Lothian Road have well-priced Chinese and Indian fare. There’s also a Sainsbury’s supermarket, 9-10 St. Andrew’s Sq. ( 225 8400. Open M-Sa 7am-10pm, Su 10am-8pm.)
13 The City Cafe, 19 Blair St. ( 220 0125). Right off the Royal Mile behind the Tron Kirk, this Edinburgh institution is popular with the young and stylish. Relaxed by day, a flashy pre-club spot by night. Incredible shakes immortalized in Trainspotting. Burgers £4-6. Food served M-Th 1 lam-1 lpm, F-Su llam-lOpm. Drinks until lam.
D! The Basement, 10a-12a Broughton St. ( 557 0097). Draws a lively mix of locals to its candle-lit cavern. Menu changes daily. Well-known for Mexican fare Sa-Su and Thai cuisine on W nights. Vegetarian options available. 2-course lunch £7. Dinner £10-12. Reservations recommended. Food served daily noon-lOpm. Drinks until lam.
II Restaurant Martin Wishart, 54 The Shore (553 3557), Leith. Showcases exquisite modern French cuisine, which can be sampled in a five-course tasting menu (£48). The three-course lunch special (£19) will also leave you more than satisfied. Make reservations 2 weeks in advance. Open Tu-Sa noon-2pm and 7-9:30pm.
The Atrium, 10 Cambridge St. (228 8882). A hot Edinburgh eatery, serving modern Scottish fare. Reservations essential. Open M-F noon-2pm and 6-10pm, Sa 6-10pm.
The Grain Store, 30 Victoria St. (225 7635). Only a minute walk from the Royal Mile, The Grain Store offers an extensive wine menu and prepares French cuisine using local Scottish produce. 2-course dinner £20. Reservations recommended. Open M-Th noon-2pm and 6-10pm, F-Sa noon-3pm and 6-llpm, Su 6-10pm.
The Elephant House, 21 George IV Bridge (220 5355). A perfect place to chill, chat, or pore over stacks of newspapers. Author J.K. Rowlings made her first notes for the Harry Potter series here. Tea and coffee under £5. Open daily 8am-llpm.
La Tasca, 9 South Charlotte St. (558 8894). Tapas bar with good music and a decor that hits the mark. A native staff will happily help you choose from dozens of small dishes (£2-3 each). Open daily noon-1 lpm.
Fishers, 1 The Shore (554 5666), Leith. Outstandingly fresh seafood, with preparations from the exotic to the simple. Call 24hr. in advance and order the seafood platter, a feast of lobster, crab, scallops, and shellfish.
Ndebele, 57 Home St. (221 1141), in Tolcross, 800m south of western Princes St. Named for a South African tribe, this atmospheric cafe serves generous portions of African food for under £5. Open daily lOam-lOpm. O
Kebab Mahal, 7 Nicolson Sq. ( 667 5214). This hole-in-the-wall offers huge portions of Indian food for under £5. Open M-Th noon-lam, F-Sa noon-2am, Su noon-midnight. O Number One, 1 Princes St (557 6727), underneath the Balmoral Hotel. One of Edinburgh’s more exclusive restaurants. Modern Scottish cuisine including local seafood and seasonal game round out the trademark 6-course dinner (£41) that comes with wine. Make reservations at least 1 week in advance. Open M-Th noon-2pm and 7-10pm, F noon-2pm and 7-10:30pm, Sa 7-10:30pm, Su 7-10pm.
