First look at Edinburgh's newest restaurant on Princes Street - Eidyn at the Mount Royal Hotel

We took a first look inside Edinburgh's newest restaurant on Princes Street, at a special launch event on Thursday evening.

Eidyn is an all-day dining destination inside the Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection, with staggering views across Princes Street Gardens. Its name, taken from the early Brittonic word for Edinburgh, reflects the city’s history while offering a contemporary dining experience.

The new restaurant comes following Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh joining The Unlimited Collection, and is part of a £10 million renovation project at the city centre hotel.

Designed by Bell & Swift, Eidyn overlooks Princes Street Gardens and reflects their signature colours, featuring a light and fresh interior with warm lighting, varied seating, and banquette sections for a welcoming, contemporary atmosphere.

The hotel management said the restaurant “embodies the character and rhythm of the city through its design, offer and partnerships, aligning with the brand’s focus on locally authentic experiences”.

Eidyn’s menu centres on elevated simplicity, using Scottish seasonality and local produce. The all-day offer includes brunch signatures and “local heroes” drawn from recognisable comfort dishes.

Highlights include the Monument Burger, served simply with thick-cut chips, Eidyn Gold Beer Battered Fish & Chips and Highland Game terrine with pickled beetroot and pear salad.

Heartier options such as Gilmores of Edinburgh Ribeye Steak or their signature home-made pie offer relaxed, satisfying choices for any time of day, while there are also seasonal dishes like the Smoked Haddock Scotch Egg.

Get a complete picture of life in Edinburgh – breaking news, match reports, restaurant reviews and what’s on, all in our daily newsletter

“Eidyn is our tribute to Edinburgh - its history, its nature, and its vibrant community,” said Seif Djouani, food and beverage director of Ascott Europe.

“Every bite, every sip, and every moment here is designed to connect our guests with the city, celebrating Scottish produce with a contemporary twist. We want every visit to feel both familiar and surprising, where traditional favourites meet unexpected modern touches.”

Eidyn blends a modern dining style with a distinctly Edinburgh spirit, welcoming guests, neighbours and visitors throughout the day.

The new restaurant also presents a rotating display of cakes and small bakes – raspberry and pistachio cakes, as well as banana bread are served whole, while smaller items such as the Raspberry Tartlet and Princes Street Shortbread support their modern afternoon tea, Tea and Cake Emporium, in partnership with Newby.

In the evening, another of the hotel’s signature rituals begins. Amber Hour starts each day at 6.30pm, offering complimentary haggis and whisky-flavoured popcorn alongside seasonal welcome drinks, including cocktails such as the refreshing Princes St Garden Party.