RESTAURANTS

Restaurants

Abstract

$$$$$ | French

The city is still abuzz with the opening of Abstract which serves modern French meals with all the class and tradition one expects from a top rated restaurant. Try to book the chef's table to experience part of the cooking process and to try some wonderful treats off the tasting menu. Others prefer to enjoy the well decorated dining room and stay with enticing French influenced entrees such as roast Guinea fowl terrine. Reservations are advisable.

Address: 33-35 Castle Terrace; Telephone: 229 1222

Britannia Spice

$$$$$ | Indian

Some of Edinburgh's top restaurants are to be found not in the city, but by the sea. In the historic port of Leith just a short bus ride from the city centre you will find Britannia Spice, three time winner of the British Curry Awards and the 'Best Restaurant in Scotland' accolade for the BIBA restaurant awards. Of the waterfront restaurants pride of place goes to this stylish hotspot, serving up traditional cuisine from India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Nepal in its large, immaculate, nautical-themed dining salon. Open Mondays to Saturdays for lunch and dinner and Sundays for dinner.

Address: 150 Commercial Street, Ocean Drive; E-mail: info@britanniaspice.co.uk; Telephone: (0)131 555 2255

Witchery by the Castle

$$$$$ | Local

Undoubtedly Edinburgh's most renowned restaurant, Witchery has been operating in a historic 16th-century building at the gates of Edinburgh Castle for so long that it has become part of the scenery. Numerous celebrities as well as local fans dine in Gothic splendour on a delicious menu featuring traditional Scots classics, including beef, lamb, game and seafood dishes. Some of the most popular items on the menu are hot smoked salmon with leeks, Angus beef fillet with smoked garlic broth and Scottish oysters. The atmospheric dining rooms and 'secret garden' can be savoured just as much as the food. Witchery offers lunch and dinner, with a � la carte menu. Even those on a budget can enjoy lunching at the Witchery, which offers a set two-course meal for �12.95. Visit www.thewitchery.co.uk for more information.

Address: Castlehill, Royal Mile; Telephone: (0)131 225 5613

La Bruschetta

$$$$$ | Italian

Small and intimate, it is wise to book at La Bruschetta because it is Edinburgh's most popular authentic Italian restaurant, particularly at lunch time when its bistro menu is available for £7.50. The owner, Giovanni Cariello, is also the chef and is a master of his craft. Specialties usually involve Scottish fish. La Bruschetta is closed Mondays, but open every other day from 12pm to 2pm and 6pm to 10.30pm.

Address: 13 Clifton Terrace, Haymarket; Telephone: (0)131 467 7464

Clam Shell Fish and Chip Shop

$$$$$ | Fish

No visitor to the United Kingdom worth his or her salt can leave the islands without indulging in a traditional fish and chip supper, and in Edinburgh the Clam Shell on the Royal Mile is reputedly the best 'chippy' in town, and perhaps the whole of Scotland. A veritable emporium of tasty delights, the Clam Shell doesn't stop at just battered fish and crispy fries: there is a whole range of food including local specialties like haggis, black pudding and a range of tasty sausages. The Clam Shell is open daily from 12pm to midnight.

Address: 148 High Street; Telephone: (0)131 225 4338

Susie�s Wholefood Diner

$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic

Amazing healthy food (make your selection from a wide range displayed on the counter) and extremely reasonably prices make this lively spot a popular place to chill out during a hectic day's sightseeing, or just to come to soak up the 'alternative' bohemian atmosphere. Read a newspaper, chat to fellow diners, or peruse the amateur artworks on display while enjoying falafel and humus, delicious soup or a tasty stir-fry, on one of the old wooden tables. The salads are particularly recommended. On Friday and Saturday evenings the atmosphere is livened up with live Cajun and jazz music. Susie's opens from 9am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and from 1pm to 8pm on Sunday.

Address: 51/53 West Nicholson Street; Telephone: (0)131 667 9729

Tower Restaurant and Terrace

$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic

A museum restaurant may not sound particularly inspiring for gourmets, but in Edinburgh the National Museum of Scotland sports a restaurant not inside, but on top, offering spectacular views of the castle and cityscape along with some of the city's finest cuisine. A high point for dining in more ways than one, the Tower has a chic, glamorous interior, excellent service and a vast menu, covering everything from oysters to melt-in-the mouth steaks. Specialities are seafood, especially Scottish lobsters. The Tower is also renowned for its huge award-winning wine list of about 150 varieties. The outside terrace, which seats 70 diners, is extremely popular in summer and arguably offers the best view of the city to be had anywhere. For lunch and pre-theatre suppers there is a set two-course menu, or choose from à la carte. The Tower is open daily from 12pm to 11pm.

Address: National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street; Telephone: (0)131 225 3003

Izzi	$$$$$ | Oriental

The minimalist stainless-steel and glass interior may not quite suit the medieval image of Edinburgh, but excellent service and first-class food make up for the lack of atmosphere at Izzi, which offers an extensive menu of Japanese and Chinese dishes, including beautifully presented sushi. You may need the staff to help explain the intimidating menu, but this they are happy to do. Enjoy dishes like fried king prawns in honey lemon sauce, sprinkled with minced dry fish, or indulge in Chinese kung po beef. The restaurant is fronted entirely by glass, making it a good spot for people-watching. Izzi is open daily from 12pm to 11.30pm.

Address: 119 Lothian Road; Telephone: (0)131 466 9888

Centotre

$$$$$ | Italian

Built into a former bank, this Italian café and restaurant is much less formal than its building suggests. A breezy café and bar style inside serves simple and light Italian staples everyone knows and loves such as pizza and light pastas. The front is great for light daytime snacks and a downstairs accommodates intimate diners. Reservations are advisable except at the café and bar.

Address: 103 George Street; Telephone: 225 1550