Bon Appetit

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• B'est read more ›
  (16 Drummond Street, Old Town. Tel. 0131 556 6040)
  A cheap but nonetheless cheerful and relaxed French restaurant near the museum on Chambers Street. The long, rustic-styled dining area remains surprisingly intimate.
• Meadowood Café read more ›
  (15 Bread Street. Tel. 0131 228 5484)
  Handy for the Cameo and Filmhouse, this family-run Oriental fast-food and juice bar is perfect for snatching a snack between movies at the EIFF (Edinburgh International Film Festival).
• No. 28 Charlotte Square read more ›
  (28 Charlotte Square, New Town. Tel. 0131 243 9322)
  The bistro in the National Trust for Scotland's headquarters is a hidden gem. An excellent lunch stop for home-baked goodies, with slightly more substantial fare also on offer.
• Kalpna read more ›
  (2 St Patrick's Square, Southside. Tel. 0131 667 9890)
  Great South Indian vegetarian cuisine at this excellent restaurant where although the emphasis is on quality, it won't leave a hole in your wallet.
• Red Sugar read more ›
  (27B Raeburn Place, Stockbridge. Tel. 0131 332 8455)
  Linking into the latest foodie movement, using ingredients that are technically raw, this futuristic little café boosts the health without being overly debilitating to the wealth.
• Pani Solinska read more ›
  (73 Broughton Street, Broughton. Tel. 0131 557 6900 )
  Café-style Polish restaurant that adds pierogi (dumplings) and goulash to its trendy Continental cuisine, cakes-and some excellent Polish vodkas and cocktails for evening consumption.

• Tony's Table read more ›
  (58A North Castle Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 226 6743)
  Tony Singh's latest venture provides a value-for-money combination of good European and Indian cuisine. The eponymous table is a communal affair, but there is also conventional bistro seating.
• Olive Branch Bistro read more ›
  (91 Broughton Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 557 8589)
  Busy but never too full, the weekend brunch is legendary while the dinner menu goes just that little bit further, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
• L'Escargot Bleu read more ›
  (56 Broughton Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 557 1600)
  Friendly French bistro with an informal rustic charm to its high-ceilinged dining room. The Gallic classics are just right - bettered, even, with twists of Scottish influence in the ingredients.
• Barioja read more ›
  (19 Jeffrey Street, Old Town. Tel. 0131 557 3622)
  Friendly, informal tapas restaurant that's perfect for a large, informal meal with a group of friends or a long, finger-licking afternoon meal for two. The Sunday brunch special is truly rehabilitating.
• Blue read more ›
  (10 Cambridge Street, Lothian Road. Tel. 0131 221 1222)
  Bringing quality Scottish restaurant sensibilities to the high end of the bistro scale. Despite the slightly austere atmosphere, there is a real personality to the menu based on local seasonal produce.
• Wok & Wine read more ›
  (57A Fredrick Street, New Town . Tel. 0131 225 2382 )
  In a sleek but unpretentious basement in the middle of town, this award-winning restaurant serves an adventurous Asian fusion menu with a very reasonable wine list.

• Sweet Melindas read more ›
  (11 Roseneath Street, Marchmont. Tel. 0131 229 7953)
  The freshest fish, sourced from the next-door market, are prepared with a sensibility to subtlety and texture, which elevates this small restaurant above the neighbourhood status of its location. Bookings essential.
• VinCaffè read more ›
  (11 Multrees Walk, New Town. Tel. 0131 557 0088)
  Sister restaurant to renowned Italian Deli Valvona & Crolla, VinCaffè is paradise for those who love the basics of real Italian cuisine. The Italian ingredients are flown in fresh and the puddings are a worth a trip on their own.
• Creelers read more ›
  (3 Hunter's Square, Old Town. Tel. 0131 220 4447)
  Fish is the forté of this friendly restaurant just off the Royal Mile. The emphasis is on fresh flavours and accompanying ingredients that complement the taste and please the eye. The Arran shellfish is a speciality.
• Haldanes read more ›
  (39A Albany Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 556 8407)
  If the surroundings are formal, with subdued browns and gilts, the atmosphere is as relaxed as the Vettriano prints on the walls. The food is impeccably modern Scottish, with a strong emphasis on seasonality, local ingredients and prime, Scottish beef.
• Dusit read more ›
  (49A Thistle Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 220 6846)
  Tucked away behind George Street, Dusit delivers a stunning Thai menu that combines contemporary innovation, the best Scottish ingredients and imported spices.
• Centotre read more ›
  (103 George Street, New Town . Tel. 0131 225 1550 )
  The converted banking hall provides suitably grand surroundings to exquisitely prepared Italian dishes. The secret to its success is no secret: pay attention to the basics and source the ingredients with care.

• The Dining Room read more ›
  (28 Queen Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 220 2044)
  The Scotch Malt Whisky Society's restaurant is open to non-members. Chef James Freeman's belief that the secret to fine-dining quality lies in the raw ingredients and well-crafted menu combinations is complemented by opulent surroundings and a staggeringly strong wine list.
• Number One read more ›
  (Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 557 6727)
  Scottish fine dining restaurant of the year in 2008, Number One has retained its Michelin star since 2003, thanks to executive chef Jeff Bland and head chef Craig Sandle's innovative use of Scottish and French flavours. Spacious, comfortable and very sophisticated.
• Rhubarb read more ›
  (Prestonfield House, Prestonfield Road, Southside. Tel. 0131 225 1333)
  Hidden inside a hotel, the stylish reception rooms, opulent dining rooms and sumptuous post-prandial withdrawing rooms of this Regency building provide the perfect setting for a truly decadent fine-dining experience. The menu is equally indulgent, honing in on quality ingredients.
• Café Royal Oyster Bar read more ›
  (17A West Register Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 556 4124)
  There is an old-fashioned formality to both the dishes and the décor at this long-established restaurant with Victorian stained-glass windows. Oysters, of course, take pride of place, with the emphasis on discreet service and dishes that use the best and freshest Scottish fish.
• Abstract read more ›
  (33-35 Castle Terrace, New Town. Tel. 0131 229 1222)
  Head chef Sean Kelly brings the art of modern French cuisine to creations that use fine, fresh seasonal Scottish produce. There is an air of classy opulence, but the attentive yet discreet service allows you to linger over an unforgettable dining experience.
• The Vintners Rooms read more ›
  (The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith. Tel. 0131 554 6767 )
  From the Michelin Guide-recommended French cuisine to the carefully converted wine merchants auction rooms, discreet service or well-selected wine list, this is one to savour. Candles and open fires make it a warming treat on a cold February night.

After Dark

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• The Stockbridge Tap read more ›
  (2-4 Raeburn Place, Stockbridge. Tel. 0131 343 3000)
  A light-filled corner pub serving several real ales through traditional hand pumps - and more than 100 whiskies with which to boggle the decision-making process. Good food menu.
• Cloisters read more ›
  (26 Brougham Street, Tollcross. Tel. 0131 221 9997)
  This music-free pub in Tollcross is a magnet for real ale fans and the perfect hideaway to discuss the day's events at the film festival.
• Pear Tree House read more ›
  (38 West Nicolson Street, Southside. Tel. 0131 667 7533)
  The busy beer garden begins to come into its own as the nights get longer. The dark, bustling interior provides a slightly more comfortable place to relax.
• The Abbotsford read more ›
  (3 Rose Street. Tel. 0131 225 5276)
  The beautifully preserved Edwardian interior, complete with traditional island bar, makes this central pub serving excellent real ales a talking point in itself. Food available.
• Hectors read more ›
  (47 Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge. Tel. 0131 343 1735)
  A great place to lounge around and spend an indulgent afternoon, this modern, trendy bar does get very busy in the evenings.
• Thomson's Bar read more ›
  (182 Morrison Street, Haymarket. Tel. 0131 228 5700)
  Well-kept cask ales and many single-malt whiskies are augmented by a basic food menu at this traditional bar, based on architectural designs by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson.

• Cabaret Voltaire read more ›
  (36 Blair Street, Old Town. Tel. 0131 220 6176)
  Before the clubs switch on, the vaulted arches of the 'Cab' throb to the smaller indie touring bands and local upstarts who love its sweaty, intimate environment.
• St Giles Cathedral read more ›
  (High Street. Tel. 0131 225 9442)
  The High Kirk of Edinburgh is home to regular Sunday concerts at 6pm, with a good variety of lunchtime and Saturday evening concerts during the month.
• Whistlebinkies read more ›
  (4-6 South Bridge, Old Town. Tel. 0131 557 5114)
  This warren of vaults beneath South Bridge stays open late and boasts live entertainment every night. The vibe is friendly and the atmosphere hot and sweaty.
• The Jam House read more ›
  (5 Queen Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 226 4380)
  Cool jazz plays in Jules Holland's Edinburgh venue, Wednesday-Friday. This is grown-up sophistication for over-21s, with a strict dress code.
• Henry's Cellar Bar read more ›
  (8 Morrison Street, Lothian Road. Tel. 0131 228 9393)
  There's an intimate, almost clandestine feel to this basement venue that serves up experimental, out-there live music, with clubs running until late.
• The Voodoo Rooms read more ›
  (19A West Register Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 556 7060)
  Award-winning cocktail bar that hosts cutting-edge touring bands and singers in its intimate gold-on-black ballroom.

• Opal Lounge read more ›
  (51 George Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 226 2275)
  Centrally located night spot at the not-quite-so-chic end of George Street. Open until 3am nightly with an entry charge after 10pm most evenings and an up-market dress-code.
• Frankenstein read more ›
  (26 George IV Bridge, Old Town. Tel. 0131 622 1818 )
  Three floors, as many bars and nightly entertainment makes this converted church a fun, party-orientated pub, but there are plenty of nooks in which to hide away.
• Candy Bar read more ›
  (113-115 George Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 225 7179)
  Stylish bar habituated by those who like to be seen. The up-market cocktails - with price list to match - come at a discount in the early evening.
• Sneaky Pete's read more ›
  (73 Cowgate, Old Town. )
  Atmospheric and intimate, this musician-run venue sets high standards for the early-evening bands. The trendy, late-night clubs have an indie and beat-orientated vibe.
• The Basement read more ›
  (10A Broughton Street, New Town. Tel. 0131 557 0097)
  The atmosphere is as loud and vibrant as the staff's Hawaiian shirts in this friendly but buzzing basement bar that's open late every night.
• Espionage read more ›
  (4 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Old Town. Tel. 0131 477 7007)
  A labyrinth for night-time cavorting, this venue provides different clubs on each of its five floors until the wee small hours. A student favourite where drink is cheap and the music policy lenient.

This month...

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Tips

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