Edinburgh - City Centre Sights, Sounds, Food and Drink?

[Snails]

My girlfriend is very kindly taking me to Edinburgh to celebrate my birthday. We arrive Friday night and leaving Sunday evening, but I have never been.

Do and of PH have any experience of what is best to see during the day and where is nice for food and a few, if not more drinks of Friday and/or Saturday night? All suggestions are welcome.

We're staying right in the city centre, but won't have our own transport.

[911newbie]

There is a chain of restaurnats called Stac Poly or something like that. They serve Scottish everything (err except Scottish wine that is), not that I particularly care about it being Scottish. The quality of the food has been very good whenever I've eaten there.

I always enjoy Edinburgh.

[paulmurr]

Mussel and Steak in the Grassmarket is always good. Plenty of bars around that area and you're not far from the High Street for more bars and a bit of culture.

[Twincam16]

If it's a clear day, the Camera Obscura is worth it if only to get to the top and view the skyline through the telescopes.

A ghost walk is always a good laugh too.

[Cock Womble 7]

Do the castle, that's a given.

Don't bother with the zoo, it's st.

[monthefish]

Cock Womble 7 said:

Don't bother with the zoo, it's st.

All they had on display was a little dog....








...it was a ShihTzu

[The GMan]

If you can get a table I've always enjoyed Tom Kitchin's place in Leith for food.

http://www.thekitchin.com/kitchin/home

[YOF626]

If you're looking for a bit of Edinburgh history these are good:

http://www.realmarykingsclose.com/

http://www.mercattours.com/ghosts-and-ghouls.asp


Loads of great pubs in Edinburgh.

The Grassmarket / Cowgate / Bridges are usually very busy.

George Street is more chilled and has more upmarket (more expensive) bars.

[Snails]

St Mary's Close looks rather interesting, I love things like that. I might suggest it as a thing to do on the Sunday. Having read a bit more, The Camera Obscura is something my girlfriend would absolutely love, so we'll add that to the list and we'll be sure to skip the zoo

I think we're both looking for a good night out on the Friday or Saturday, are there bars or pubs that stand out as really fanastic?

[FesterNath]

Find the well hidden Oloroso on Castle Steet. It's well worth a visit for a drink, or a meal if you're feeling flush.

[The GMan]

The GMan said:

If you can get a table I've always enjoyed Tom Kitchin's place in Leith for food.

http://www.thekitchin.com/kitchin/home

Weird just switched on TV in my hotel and Tom Kitchin is on Master Chef now.

[blinkythefish]

The GMan said:

If you can get a table I've always enjoyed Tom Kitchin's place in Leith for food.

http://www.thekitchin.com/kitchin/home

He has a new place in the town centre too. It's called 21212 - five courses 2 choices starter, a single choice next course, 2 mains etc. Not tried it yet, but I've heard good reports.

[blinkythefish]

Snails said:

St Mary's Close looks rather interesting, I love things like that. I might suggest it as a thing to do on the Sunday. Having read a bit more, The Camera Obscura is something my girlfriend would absolutely love, so we'll add that to the list and we'll be sure to skip the zoo

I think we're both looking for a good night out on the Friday or Saturday, are there bars or pubs that stand out as really fanastic?

I'd say camera obscure too.

What sort of pubs are you after? Real ales, live music, cocktails, modern and trendy, etc? It's one thing were not short of, so it might help to narrow it down.

[abz]

blinkythefish said:

The GMan said:

If you can get a table I've always enjoyed Tom Kitchin's place in Leith for food.

http://www.thekitchin.com/kitchin/home

He has a new place in the town centre too. It's called 21212 - five courses 2 choices starter, a single choice next course, 2 mains etc. Not tried it yet, but I've heard good reports.

Wrong chef - Paul Kitching runs 21212

[camp freddie]

Thai Orchard is very nice

[groan]

abz said:

Wrong chef - Paul Kitching runs 21212

Ate there a couple of months ago. Food's lovely (nouvelle cuisine tiny portions but exquisitely arranged and carefully cooked using well selected ingredients) ambience is fine too (nice couch-style seating), and wine's overpriced. Expect to pay £200 for 2 with a reasonable bottle.

Ps: The Scottish Parliament's worth an hour of your visit.

[gifdy]

The Cafe Royal for your first drinks of the evening. It's traditional

[Broomsticklady]

camp freddie said:

Thai Orchard is very nice

Don't know Thai Orchard but Thai Orchid near the Castle is one of the best Thais I've visited. Also second Stac Poly recommendation - just be careful if you go to the Albany street one which pub you go to - the Magnums OK, but the other is a gay bar - which may not suit you!! Also good in the area is Karen's chinese.

Indian the Cavalry Club is good but I prefer Lancers down in Stockbridge - proper home made kulfi!

[oxford drinker]

gifdy said:

The Cafe Royal for your first drinks of the evening. It's traditional

Agreed. And for later, Bow Bar on West Bow, just off Grassmarket.

[evenflow]

The Tower Restaurant for afternoon tea is also extremely nice.

(They also have one of Jackie Stewart's F1 cars in the museum downstairs... )