Pivo
Pivo (2-6 Calton Road, Edinburgh) – located east of the popular Princes Street, this is a Czech-themed bar, which has a following, due to the live rock bands it often books. Many of the patrons this bar attracts tend to be those who want to hang out, but not at a pricey dress-conscious disco.
Opal Lounge
Opal Lounge (51A George Street, Edinburgh) – unlike certain bars in Scotland, this one draws in a “yuppie” crowd. Small wonder that none other Prince William made this a regular hangout spot during his years at St. Andrew’s University.
Espionage
Espionage (4, India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh) — Espionage is a labyrinth in the heart of Edinburgh city, at the edge of the Grassmarket, under the shadow of the castle. Spread over 5 floors our range of bars, dancefloors and secret spaces make Espionage a top-notch venue for every night and mood. The DJs there play an eclectic mix of dance music: from old school (Chicago style) House music, to pop radio-friendly dance tunes, Electro House, Trance, and some R&B and Hip Hop.
Cloisters
Cloisters (26 Broughma Street, Edinburgh) – this bar, which has a decent selection of Scottish and UK ales, is very popular with students from Edinburgh University. Given that, the atmosphere is still relaxed (meaning that it will not be confused for a sports bar), and the food is considered good here as well.
Cabaret Voltaire
Cabaret Voltaire (36 Blair Street, Edinburgh) – this underground-level venue hosts indie rock performances (during different evenings of the week). Otherwise, a dance floor is made available for DJ-driven dance music. The club’s name is a nod to the 80s New Wave band of the same name.
Bongo Club
Bongo Club (37 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh) – this venue celebrates various elements of Britain’s underground club scene – from dub & bass, to jungle, R&B, garage (old school House music), Hip Hop, and other dance sounds.
The Witchery by the Castle
The Witchery by the Castle (Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh) – this restaurant has developed a world-wide reputation for its exceptional dining experience, showcasing the very best of Scotland’s produce in the most magical of settings. Now in its fourth decade, the Witchery is a Scottish dining landmark, much loved by loyal locals, its celebrity fans and visitors to the city alike.
Alongside the Scottish seafood, beef, lamb and game you’d expect to find, you’ll also see the Witchery’s legendary Angus beef steak tartare, briny-fresh seafood platters and even some haggis featuring on the menu.
The Tower Restaurant
The Tower Restaurant (National Museum Of Scotland, Chambers St, Edinburgh) – this well-regarded local restaurant serves dishes packed with flavor and seasonal ingredients, such as: briny-fresh Scottish oysters, well-aged Borders beef, autumn game, lamb and delicious seafood. Their cheeses change with the seasons and even their potatoes are named heritage varieties.
The Stockbridge Restaurant
The Stockbridge Restaurant (54 St. Stephen Street, Edinbergh) — this restaurant is beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and fairy lights, quality linen and heavy silver cutlery. The food is exceptional, using fresh seasonal produce, locally sourced, with a highlight being local fish and game. Dishes served here include: Corn fed Chicken breast with dauphinoise potatoes, wild mushrooms, savoy cabbage and Madeira sauce; Seared coley with pancetta, fried quail egg, sauteed heritage potatoes and an Arran mustard sauce; Local smoked mackerel with beetroot, horse radish mayonnaise, capers and mustard cress; and other fine meals.
Tex Mex
Tex Mex (64 Thistle Street, Edinburgh) — when TEX MEX opened in July 1984, it was the first Mexican Restaurant in Scotland. It moved from Hanover Street to Thistle Street in 2007 and have been Flaming Fajitas there for its patrons since then. TEX MEX II is born with all the experience of the former Mex but smaller, cuter and leaner. It still makes the best frozen Margarita’s in town. No additives Just Lime Juice, Tequila and Triple sec, the way it was first made 60 years ago! FatDonny still runs the place and is to be found there most days.
