With many of us flocking to the capital over the next few months, whether that be for a spot of festive shopping or to pay a visit to the famous Christmas markets, we’re giving you the lowdown on the city’s best new restaurants and bars as they open their doors for the first time.
Step inside some of Edinburgh’s newest hot spots…
The Caley Bar, Princes Street
The Caledonian Edinburgh’s iconic The Caley Bar has been given an impressive revamp, transforming it into the capital’s newest cocktail and listening bar. Taking inspiration from Japan’s popular Jazz Kissa culture, where people go out specifically to listen to jazz records, this concept has been blended with the distinctly Scottish sensibilities that you can expect from one of Scotland’s oldest and most distinguished hotels. Grab a seat at one of the plush booths or at the bar itself before perusing the vast collection of records. There will even be live DJ sets to keep the music flowing all night long.
And despite there being lots of specially designed signature cocktails to choose from, the bar team have curated a collection of rare and hard-to-find bottlings of whisky and other spirits. We don’t know about you, but this sounds like the perfect way to spend a chilly evening or gather with friends over the colder months.
Visit hilton.com.
Simply Greek, Union Street
With the dark, wintery nights already well and truly here, our summer holidays may feel like a bit of a distant memory, but family-owned restaurant Simply Greek is transporting us to the Aegean islands without the need to dig out our passports.
Originally starting as a small 16-seat taverna, they now have a new home on Union Street, right across from the Edinburgh Playhouse, and they couldn’t have timed the move better, with Mamma Mia arriving at the start of December for a four-week run. Expect classic dishes like sizzling souvlaki, melt-in-your-mouth moussaka and authentic tzatziki, with the family recipes being passed down from generation to generation. And if you happen to book a table between 4pm and 5:30pm – the perfect after work get together – you’ll be greeted with a free mezze at your table, too.
Visit simplygreekedinburgh.com.
Lannan Pantry, Hamilton Place
Stockbridge hotspot Lannan Bakery has been garnering crowds and rave reviews since it first opened in July of 2023. And we have some very exciting news – the team behind the hit bakery have just opened a second venture – Lannan Pantry. Located right next door, the space has a beautiful yet quintessentially farmhouse-inspired design. Would we expect anything less? Let’s just say, we can’t wait to stock up for the festive period and treat ourselves and our loved ones to a plethora of foodie gifts. With seasonal produce, pantry staples and even an in-house butchery, you’ll be able to pick up everything from fresh pasta, bread and cultured butter, to fruit and veg, charcuterie and cheese, wines, ciders and beers, as well as seasonal pastry specials from pâté en croûte to sausage rolls, pork pies and terrines. And with them repurposing many of the ingredients from the bakery next door, this helps to limit any waste.
Plus, if you’ve ever missed out on some of your favourite Lannan pastries or cakes, Lannan Pantry will now operate as the collection point for bakery pre-orders, with the first online orders going live on November 4th. You won’t want to miss the Lannan-branded homewares and accessories, either, such as tea towels, linen aprons, handmade mugs and dinnerware, and tote bags. If you are planning a visit, just be mindful that, much like the bakery, it is closed on Mondays.
Visit lannanbakery.com.
Vinette & Vivien, Broughton Street
A little slice of Paris has opened in the heart of the city with both a Parisian bar à vin, serving ingredient-led sharing plates and bistro-style dishes, and an accompanying cocktail bar taking up residence on Broughton Street, in the space that was Fhior. Up top at Vinette, enjoy a by-the-glass wine list curated by Group Head Sommelier, Stuart Skea. And it’s a family affair with Stuart’s younger brother, Calum, serving up a menu of artisanal Scottish produce with a French twist. Think braised duck hearts on toast with pickled green peppercorns and pigs head croquettes with smoked paprika.
Downstairs, is its late-night counterpart Vivien, an intimate space named after the lesbian poet Renée Vivien. Reflecting her rebellious spirit and decadent flair, the compact space will be serving up classic and signature drinks as well as a selection of bar snacks.
Visit vinette.co.uk.
OAKBERRY AÇAÍ, Leith Street
Having opened towards the end of summer, Scotland’s first OAKBERRY AÇAÍ has already made a big impression on locals and visitors alike. Located on Leith Street as part of St James Quarter and with Scottish sisters Tania and Zulaica Yusaf at the helm, it’s the ideal spot to head to if you’re looking for a fresh and healthy lunch option or want to pop in for a quick snack before or after work.
If you’ve not given it a try just yet, they’re known for their fully customisable antioxidant-rich açaí bowls and smoothies, with a vast variety of ingredients and toppings to choose from. From crunchy granola and fresh fruits, to nuts, cacao nibs and creamy toppings. And if you’re a matcha fiend, like us, you’ll also be able to grab one of their new iced ceremonial matcha drinks.
Visit Oakberry.com.
Café Calton, Calton Hill
Boasting some of the best views in all of Edinburgh, you might have already paid Café Calton a visit in the past, but you certainly don’t want to miss its new autumn/winter evening menu and specially curated pre-theatre dining experience.
Created by Head Chef Iain Thomson, the new evening menu features a range of hearty dishes suited to colder weather. From homemade tagliatelle pasta featuring 36 month aged parmesan and Scottish mushrooms, to hot honey and sesame crispy chicken and indulgent steak frites, it’s a menu of winter warmers. Alternatively, their pre-theatre menu, served from 5pm to 6:30pm, comprises two or three courses of time-conscious dishes without compromising on flavour. So, if you happen to have tickets booked at the Playhouse, Festival Theatre or simply want to make the most of your evening, you can now do so while taking in the breathtaking sights of the city from Calton Hill.
Visit cafecalton.com.
