6 of the best bars and restaurants to enjoy views of Edinburgh's Christmas

We take a look at some of the best restaurants and bars in which to grab a quick pint or bite to eat while you soak up the capital's magical festive atmosphere.
By Rosalind Erskine
Published 23rd Dec 2019, 11:45 BST
Updated 23rd Dec 2019, 11:50 BST

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Picture: ShutterstockPicture: Shutterstock
Picture: Shutterstock

With the capital festooned in its festive finery, here's a selection of bars and restaurants which offer the best views of the Edinburgh's Christmas.

Harvey Nichol's Forth Floor

A classic Christmas destination, Harvey Nichols' Forth Floor has a prime view of the seasonal takeover of St Andrew Square, plus a buzzy atmosphere that always assures festive cheer.

Picture: The DomePicture: The Dome
Picture: The Dome
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The set Christmas menus in the restaurant is £40 for three courses, which include: whisky-cured Scottish salmon, braised Scotch buffalo shin and Harvey Nichol's Christmas pudding.

The Grassmarket

Oft-neglected in favour of the festivities on the other side of the Castle, the Grassmarket makes for a beautiful seasonal stroll, its trees strung with icy lights and its quaintness coming into its own at Christmas-time.

As a bonus you'll find the best of Edinburgh's independent boutiques a stone's throw in any direction for quirky gifts.

Picture: The Printing PressPicture: The Printing Press
Picture: The Printing Press

Grab one of the best pizzas in town at Mamma's, fortify yourself with a French onion soup and a piping bouillabaisse at Petit Paris or opt for surprisingly good pub food at the bustling and cosy Beehive Inn.

The Dome

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No such list would be complete without The Dome – as essential a part of an Edinburgh Christmas as turkey and the trimmings, the appearance of the Dome's lights snaking up its imposing columns signals the start of the festive season in the capital.

The riot of lights, poinsettia, garlands and ornaments dripping from every surface, not to mention the 80 ft Christmas tree, can't fail to put anyone in the festive spirit.

The Printing Press

The veritable fairy kingdom of lights festooning the front of The Printing Press (formerly Tempus) at the InterContinental Edinburgh the George hotel is a prime festive selfie spot.

Inside you'll get hearty high-class pub grub such as: Orange and cranberry-cured Scottish salmon, fennel, cranberry vinaigrette, sea herbs; Craft ale-battered fish and chips, minted peas and Steamed Christmas pudding, sour cherry purée, brandy butter.

If you can grab a seat by the window in the bar area you'll also get a prime view of the Dome's garland extravaganza and Le Monde's silvery trickling icicles across the street.