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Food on Foot in Edinburgh
Edinburgh attracts more tourists than any other City in Scotland. To cater for both locals and visitors, Edinburgh has a huge range of restaurants, bars and other many of them offer excellent food and beverage.
The City is also exceptionally beautiful and this guide to places to eat takes you on a walk to four restaurants in Edinburgh via some beautiful views and interesting landmarks.
Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens
Start your journey at the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens. Sir Walter Scott (1771 – 1832) made a significant contribution to Scottish Literature. His first major work was Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border. Other works include the poem The Lay of the Last Minstrel (1805) and Waverley (1814) dealing with the rebellion of 1745.
The Scott Monument is 200 ft high with nearly 300 steps to reach the top. It is constructed of Binny Sandstone and depicts the author sitting with his dog, Maida.
The monument was designed by John Kemp, a joiner/draughtsman who won a competition for its design. Unfortunately, however, John Kemp fell into the Union Canal and drowned prior to the completion of the statue.
The statue itself was designed by Sir John Steell, who also won a competition for the project.
Edinburgh’s Disgrace
For your next stop travel east along Princes Street towards The National Monument the top of Carlton Hill. It was modelled on the Parthenon in Greece and, according to local legend, was only partially completed because money ran out part way through the construction. As a result the monument earned the nickname Edinburgh’s Disgrace or Edinburgh’s Folly.
The remaining plans, however, suggest the possibility that the monument was only ever designed as a partially complete structure.
St James Shopping
As you walk along Princes Street, the entrance to St James Shopping is on your left. This city centre shopping mall has over 50 High Street stores under one roof. A great venue for a little retail therapy.
Walkabout, a Truly Australian Experience
By now you should have worked up an appetite and a thirst just in time to reach the first of the restaurants in Edinburgh on your tour.
Walkabout describes itself as an authentically Australian bar rather than a loosely themed venue. Walkabout prides itself on offering genuine Australian food and drinks. Genuine Aussie beers are available along with crocodile and kangaroo fillets spiced with rare Aboriginal spices.
Walkabout is a haven for sports fans with big screens and dozens of TVs. The bar also hosts live music and entertainment.
Walkabout in Edinburgh is located within the Omni Leisure Development in Greenside Place close to St James Shopping.
Broughton Street
The next venues which we have selected are on Broughton Street. To get there simply cross over Leith Street. It is actually quite close to Walkabout so, unless you are feeling especially ravenous you may want to check these establishments for a later visit.
The Basement has been widely reviewed and is referred to variously as a “haunt for a slightly alternative crowd” (Sky), “an establishment which caters fully to the professional drinker” (Loaded) and “lively” (The List). All of the reviews seem to agree that the Bistro style food is good quality, imaginative and value for money.
If you prefer to eat in a more traditional restaurant, then move along the street to The Smoke Stack. It aims to provide good quality but unpretentious food. The restaurant is primarily a chargrill restaurant offering quality steaks and burgers. To cater for the non-red meat lovers, it does, however, offer a wide range of vegetarian and seafood dishes. Booking in the evening is advisable.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
From Broughton Street turn into Albany Street and head east. Turn left down Dublin Street and then right into Queen Street where you will find The Scottish National Portrait Gallery. It tells the history of Scotland through the portraits of national figures – rebels, reformers, poets, royalty and even celebrities. Entry is free although there may be charges for specific exhibitions.
Iglu Ethical Bar and Eatery
From Queen Street, turn into Howe Street (east of Dundas Street) and then turn left into Heriot Row. Heriot Row contains some extraordinarily beautiful examples of the classic Georgian houses which make New Town, Edinburgh one of the most attractive areas to live in the UK. The architecture is heavily influenced by the architect Robert Adam who designed Charlotte Square in the city.
Once on Heriot Row take the first right turn and you will be on Howe Street. Turn almost immediately right and you will find Iglu Ethical Bar and Eatery.
This bar and restaurant has had accolades and awards heaped on it since it opened at the end of 2005. Its was the 2006 Winner of the Scottish Gastropub of the year at the Scottish Chef Awards May 2006 and List Magazine Food and Drink Guide awarded it the title of “Edinburgh Newcomer Restaurant of the year 2006” Runner up.
Diners at the restaurant will be offered the opportunity to sample a menu of exclusively Wild, Organic and Local produce with a contemporary Scottish twist.
Come Back Soon
We hope that you have enjoyed your stroll around Edinburgh and that you have worked up an appetite to try at least one of the restaurants in Edinburgh. To view all of the restaurants featured on Local Service Guide click Edinburgh restaurants.
If you have found a great restaurant which is not listed, please give us a call on 01962 856000 or use the contact us button to send us an email. We shall be pleased to correct the omission.
We look forward to hearing from you.
BACK
The City is also exceptionally beautiful and this guide to places to eat takes you on a walk to four restaurants in Edinburgh via some beautiful views and interesting landmarks.
Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens
Start your journey at the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens. Sir Walter Scott (1771 – 1832) made a significant contribution to Scottish Literature. His first major work was Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border. Other works include the poem The Lay of the Last Minstrel (1805) and Waverley (1814) dealing with the rebellion of 1745.
The Scott Monument is 200 ft high with nearly 300 steps to reach the top. It is constructed of Binny Sandstone and depicts the author sitting with his dog, Maida.
The monument was designed by John Kemp, a joiner/draughtsman who won a competition for its design. Unfortunately, however, John Kemp fell into the Union Canal and drowned prior to the completion of the statue.
The statue itself was designed by Sir John Steell, who also won a competition for the project.
Edinburgh’s Disgrace
For your next stop travel east along Princes Street towards The National Monument the top of Carlton Hill. It was modelled on the Parthenon in Greece and, according to local legend, was only partially completed because money ran out part way through the construction. As a result the monument earned the nickname Edinburgh’s Disgrace or Edinburgh’s Folly.
The remaining plans, however, suggest the possibility that the monument was only ever designed as a partially complete structure.
St James Shopping
As you walk along Princes Street, the entrance to St James Shopping is on your left. This city centre shopping mall has over 50 High Street stores under one roof. A great venue for a little retail therapy.
Walkabout, a Truly Australian Experience
By now you should have worked up an appetite and a thirst just in time to reach the first of the restaurants in Edinburgh on your tour.
Walkabout describes itself as an authentically Australian bar rather than a loosely themed venue. Walkabout prides itself on offering genuine Australian food and drinks. Genuine Aussie beers are available along with crocodile and kangaroo fillets spiced with rare Aboriginal spices.
Walkabout is a haven for sports fans with big screens and dozens of TVs. The bar also hosts live music and entertainment.
Walkabout in Edinburgh is located within the Omni Leisure Development in Greenside Place close to St James Shopping.
Broughton Street
The next venues which we have selected are on Broughton Street. To get there simply cross over Leith Street. It is actually quite close to Walkabout so, unless you are feeling especially ravenous you may want to check these establishments for a later visit.
The Basement has been widely reviewed and is referred to variously as a “haunt for a slightly alternative crowd” (Sky), “an establishment which caters fully to the professional drinker” (Loaded) and “lively” (The List). All of the reviews seem to agree that the Bistro style food is good quality, imaginative and value for money.
If you prefer to eat in a more traditional restaurant, then move along the street to The Smoke Stack. It aims to provide good quality but unpretentious food. The restaurant is primarily a chargrill restaurant offering quality steaks and burgers. To cater for the non-red meat lovers, it does, however, offer a wide range of vegetarian and seafood dishes. Booking in the evening is advisable.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
From Broughton Street turn into Albany Street and head east. Turn left down Dublin Street and then right into Queen Street where you will find The Scottish National Portrait Gallery. It tells the history of Scotland through the portraits of national figures – rebels, reformers, poets, royalty and even celebrities. Entry is free although there may be charges for specific exhibitions.
Iglu Ethical Bar and Eatery
From Queen Street, turn into Howe Street (east of Dundas Street) and then turn left into Heriot Row. Heriot Row contains some extraordinarily beautiful examples of the classic Georgian houses which make New Town, Edinburgh one of the most attractive areas to live in the UK. The architecture is heavily influenced by the architect Robert Adam who designed Charlotte Square in the city.
Once on Heriot Row take the first right turn and you will be on Howe Street. Turn almost immediately right and you will find Iglu Ethical Bar and Eatery.
This bar and restaurant has had accolades and awards heaped on it since it opened at the end of 2005. Its was the 2006 Winner of the Scottish Gastropub of the year at the Scottish Chef Awards May 2006 and List Magazine Food and Drink Guide awarded it the title of “Edinburgh Newcomer Restaurant of the year 2006” Runner up.
Diners at the restaurant will be offered the opportunity to sample a menu of exclusively Wild, Organic and Local produce with a contemporary Scottish twist.
Come Back Soon
We hope that you have enjoyed your stroll around Edinburgh and that you have worked up an appetite to try at least one of the restaurants in Edinburgh. To view all of the restaurants featured on Local Service Guide click Edinburgh restaurants.
If you have found a great restaurant which is not listed, please give us a call on 01962 856000 or use the contact us button to send us an email. We shall be pleased to correct the omission.
We look forward to hearing from you.