Fancy a special dinner for two? Home to many an amorous dining destination, our city has always been on point when it comes to hot dates. Whether your partner has a hankering for Indian food, is head over heels for traditional Scottish fare or loves the quirkier things in life, here are Edinburgh's romantic restaurants that are sure to fit the bill.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
For a romantic meal out, head to The Botanist. Serving delicious love potions, tasty bar snacks such as gambas pil pil, and their famous hanging kebabs, you and your boo are in for a real treat. With live music every day of the week in a grand setting, it's the perfect spot for any occasion.
Whether you fancy sitting in the sun-dappled conservatory offering lush views of The Meadows or the stunning dining room (which comes complete with vibrant wisteria, elegant chandeliers and a roaring fireplace), Black Ivy has got date night sorted, and then some. The Bruntsfield beauty is serving up intimate dinners of steak pie with all the trimmings as well as freshly caught fish of the day, not to mention second-to-none Sunday roasts that are ideal after a little ramble around the neighbouring park.
One of the most romantic rooftop restaurants in Edinburgh, Chaophraya is offering everything you need to sweep your beau off their feet. Lap up the mesmerising views of Edinburgh Castle from their sky-high terrace (which comes covered during wintertime so you can still enjoy the vistas) or get cosy inside, surrounded by ornate Buddha statues. And then? Dive into tantalising Thai treats, like khao pad sapparod and tom yum soup, paired with one of the delicious signature cocktails.
Having started out in London during the early 90s, Gaucho is now renowned all across the UK for its stunning Argentinian steaks, from sirloin and fillet to churrasco de lomo. But that's not all it's famed for; step into this elegant dining den filled with textured walls, swanky round booths and 1920s-style chandeliers and your heart is sure to race. And, if that wasn't enough, there's also an extensive selection of fine international wines to really take things up a notch.
If you're looking to impress your beau to no end, just take them on one trip to Le Monde and they'll be all yours. Situated on the city's famous George Street, the buzzing restaurant bar showcases pink neon signs and velvet seating, not to mention a small but mighty menu. Our favourite dish? It has to be the Icelandic cod with curried cauliflower puree and a squid ink tuille - complemented by a crisp glass of white from the extensive wine list.
If you're on the hunt for nice restaurants in Edinburgh city centre that are perfect for date night, Scotsman Hotel & Grand Cafe is a superb choice. Flaunting traditional interiors, including marble walls, glistening chandeliers and hanging foliage, it'll have your date swooning in no time. As for the menu, nab dry-aged steaks and Highland venison, or why not split a tasty sharing board?
You can combine your romantic meal with a full-on staycation thanks to Murrayfield Bothy, a gorgeous hotel with an excellent restaurant. From classic brunches to 28 day-aged steak dinners washed down by wine or classic cocktails, this swanky spot has everything you need for a memorable date night or anniversary. The desserts here are to-die-for as well.
Looking for warm and cosy restaurants in Edinburgh? Veeno is slinging out mouthwatering Italian fare, including fresh pasta plates, delicious pizzas and a whole range of small plates, from charcuterie to cheese boards. The icing on the cake? It has to be Grandma's tiramisu served with sweet fortified wine. Speaking of which, this joint is also renowned for its enviable lineup of vino, so make sure to grab a glass or two while you're here.
Angels Share is one of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh city centre, showcasing gorgeous interiors that are dripping with glamour, from the mosaic bar and dark teal seating to the sparkling chandeliers. Treat your other half to lip-smacking Scottish fare, like Ayrshire pork T-bone chops with burnt pineapple ketchup and thick-cut chips, before finishing off with an indulgent millionaire brownie, paired with a glass of Champagne, of course.
With sites in St James Quarter and George Street, The Alchemist may know a thing or two when it comes to creative and quirky cocktails, but that doesn't mean they're not similarly renowned in the romantic dining department. Make your way over to the slick, sultry venues for an intimate atmosphere alongside dishes like the Hoisin duck salad or the indulgent French-dip steak sandwich.
A steak and seafood lover's paradise, Hawksmoor on St Andrew Square offers a menu featuring Scotland's best produce. Housed in a former Royal Bank of Scotland hall, from Chateaubriand to T-bone and Monkfish grilled over charcoal, this charming restaurant has got it all.
With luxurious interiors (we're talkin' Art Deco light fixtures, intimate booths and warm lighting), Browns Brasserie & Bar is one of the best restaurants for dates in Edinburgh, armed with a menu of elevated Scottish fare. From steak with garlic butter scallops to roasted cod with pommes anna and a long list of wines, cocktails and beers, the city centre restaurant will make sure romance is in the air.
Boasting gorgeous interiors, from the tall, orante ceilings and grand columns to the warm lighting and indoor foliage, Mowgli is a bit of a romantic. Head over to the Hanover Street beauty and treat your date to a flavoursome (and affordable, might we add) menu of Indian fare, from the lush Keralan-spiced house chicken curry to the famed ginger and rhubarb dahl. Need something to wash it down? If the smoked cardamom old fashioned doesn't have you in a chokehold, there's also wine, beer and a cracking mango lassi.
Located in one of Scotland's most famous buildings, Balmoral Hotel, Number One is as sophisticated as they come, featuring sultry red walls adorned with artwork alongside tables covered in flowing white tablecloths. Plus, with chef Matthew Sherry at the helm (not to mention a Michelin guide mention and 4 AA Rosettes), it rustles up fine dining multi-course menus that are almost too pretty to eat. Past dishes have included veal sweetbread tortellini and Hopetoun Estate roe deer with cauliflower and kale.
A fan of mouth-watering wagyu dumplings but your date prefers to indulge in some Szechuan sea bass? Tattu has got you both covered. With a decadent interior design that'll make you feel like royalty, this swanky joint offers modern Asian cuisine and indulgent cocktails that are to die for.
An opulent haunt in the city centre, The Voodoo Rooms is a bar, restaurant, and live music venue famous for its massive variety of tequila and rum. With stunning regal decor and delicious food, including the Cajun salmon and free-range chicken, bacon & tarragon pie, The Voodoo Rooms is the perfect spot for your next romantic night out.
A minimalist Instagrammable spot in the heart of Edinburgh, Six By Nico is the place to be if you want to impress your special someone with a culinary adventure. The restaurant offers regularly changing, themed offerings that will take your tastebuds on a journey like no other. And the best part? They offer wine pairings and unique cocktails, too.
The Outsider is one of the best romantic restaurants in Edinburgh's Old Town, luring in the city's trendiest couples for fabulous feasts in a laid-back, minimalist space with views of Edinburgh Castle. But don't let the simple decor fool you, this place is all about stand-out food, whipping up a weekly changing menu of European-style cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients; the roasted butternut squash with fennel salt, chorizo and tofu is certainly worth the visit. Wine is also expertly executed here, with red, white and Champagne lovers all catered for.
