Where to go on a romantic dinner: top places in Edinburgh

25 Nov 2022

Planning a romantic dinner in Edinburgh to woo your partner? You’re in luck. Scotland’s capital is home to an eclectic mix of eateries fit for an intimate dinner. 

It helps that you’re in one of the most picturesque, charming cities in the UK. Cobbled streets adorn the city, and when you find a seat in one of the city’s rooftop terraces, you’ll get stunning skyline of Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding hills. 

Whether you’re looking to sample the finest Scottish cuisine or dine with stunning views of Edinburgh, we have you covered. 

Read on as we take you through the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh for you to sweep your date off their feet.

Howies

Why you’ll love it: located on Edinburgh’s prettiest street.

Such is the popularity of this Edinburgh restaurant, there are two Howies locations in the city: Victoria Street and Waterloo Place. 

For a romantic date, we suggest the location on Victoria Street, one of Edinburgh’s prettiest streets. Inside, you’ll find stone walls, wooden floors, and Scottish art to pair with the historic surroundings.

On your plate, you can expect delicious Scottish cuisine. The restaurant sources the very best local produce to assemble a mouthwatering menu which has everything from award-winning haggis to sticky toffee pudding! 

For a date night that’s traditionally Scottish, Howies ticks all the boxes.

10-14 Victoria St, Edinburgh, EH1 2HG

Chaophraya

Why you’ll love it: unbeatable views of Edinburgh Castle.

Chaophraya is a Thai restaurant made all the better by its rooftop terrace overlooking Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth

The menu includes classic Thai dishes such as pad Thai and Thai curry but includes reimagined options which give a unique twist to familiar favourites. When you make a reservation, be sure to request a table with views of the castle, which is lit up at night.

4th Floor, 33 Castle St, Edinburgh, EH2 3DN

Harmonium

Why you’ll love it: accessible vegan food for all! 

Edinburgh is brimming with vegan eateries, but the very best, as far as we’re concerned, is Harmonium. Located amongst the cobbled streets of Leith, the chic vegan restaurant is well worth the short walk (or Bolt ride) it requires from Edinburgh city centre. 

What separates Harmonium from the abundance of other vegan restaurants in Edinburgh is the variety. They offer vegan junk food that’s equally as good as their more refined dishes, including the oyster mushroom scallops and cauliflower steak. 

It might be difficult, but try to leave room for dessert. The famous chocolate brownie drizzled with Irn Bru syrup (a nod to the Scottish obsession with the fizzy drink) is worth sticking around for. 

Harmonium Bar & Kitchen, 7-11 East London Street, EH7 4BN 

Number One at The Balmoral

Why you’ll love it: a spectacular setting, ideal for a special occasion or proposal! 

Found in The Balmoral, the most iconic hotel in Edinburgh (where JK Rowling finished her final Harry Potter novel), Number One is a magical Michelin star restaurant. 

The setting, the food, and the service are excellent, making Number One the ‘number one’ option to impress a date or mark a special occasion. To get there, maybe consider getting a Bolt Executive for an extra special night out.

The restaurant showcases thoughtfully chosen produce in a seven-course tasting menu (£115 pp), fusing Scottish cuisine with modern flair. Make sure to book in advance as it is popular.

1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ

Mariachi

Why you’ll love it: an authentic Mexican atmosphere in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town

Step into this colourful family-run restaurant and transport you and your date to Mexico. Nothing beats tacos, nachos, and churros, and at Mariachi, you’ll get the freshest Mexican bites in Edinburgh. 

And let’s not forget the margaritas. Mariachi is renowned for its cocktails which you can enjoy in the beer garden to the rear or on Victoria Street itself. Come for the food, stay for the drinks, and come back for the atmosphere. 

7 Victoria St, Edinburgh, EH1 2HE

Arrive in style 

Edinburgh is home to more romantic eateries than we can count, but these five restaurants showcase the most idyllic settings. 

Once you’ve selected a restaurant to satisfy your cravings, simplify your date night by using Bolt to get to and from your romantic location. 

Our multiple-stop feature lets you pick up your lucky date en route to dinner, and you can work your way through the drinks menu without worrying about how to get home. 

Download the Bolt app today to add some glamour and comfort to your next romantic evening in Edinburgh.

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