With so many great restaurants and bars to choose from in Edinburgh, we thought we’d find out what the top food critics have to say about the best places to eat and drink in the Capital. Critics including Jay Rayner, Marina O’Loughlin, Olly Smith and regular MasterChef critic Grace Dent are among those who know their palette and have sampled the best that Edinburgh has to offer.
5. Kay's Bar - Olly Smith
Drinks columnist Olly Smith including this Stockbridge watering hole on his list of the UK's cosiest pubs. He said: ""The old barrels and red velvet seating are as splendid as the service." Photo: Google
6. The Scran & Scallie - Tom Parker Bowles
Mail food critic Tom Parker Bowles raved about this Stockbridge gastro pub owned by celebrated chef Tom Kitchin. He said: "As I get ever more bored by gastropub mediocrity, The Scran & Scallie stands out as an example of how these things should be done." Adding: "This is pub grub with a Michelin cloche, taking the simple and everyday and elevating them to the divine." Photo: Marc Millar
7. The Sheep Heid Inn - Olly Smith
Critic Olly Smith was full of praise for this legendary Duddingston pub. He said: ""When I was a student in Edinburgh, a stroll to this iconic pub was always a joy. These days the cocktails still look mighty tempting. The allure of the curved bar in the snug setting never fails to charm, and then there’s the old skittle alley." Photo: Photographer: Scott Louden
8. LeftField - Jay Rayner
Guardian food critic and author Jay Rayner was full of praise for this "cosy" Edinburgh restaurant at Barclay Terrace overlooking Bruntsfield Links. He said: "Classic dishes served with poise and elegance. There are so many reasons to linger at this bistro."
Complimenting the staff, he added: "They exude the gentle air of this being less a place of work, than job as surrogate family." Photo: Google