7 places in Edinburgh worth visiting on Boxing Day

While closed on Christmas Day, the St Andrew Square-based Argentine eatery re-opens as normal from the 26th. And if you’re sick of turkey, stuffing and sprouts, it’s a great place to tuck into some alternative cuisine. Steak is big here — order a la carte and choose your cut from the impressive board of juicy examples, or opt for something like swordfish, gnocchi or winter spaghetti. There is a more festive option too. Gaucho’s Friendmas three-course menu features Latin-inspired dishes like shrimp ceviche, lamb and capers empanada, churrasco cuadril and an Argentine ice cream sandwich with coconut parfait and hot chocolate sauce.

Not had enough turkey? Offering the culinary antithesis to Gaucho, at Browns, diners can sample a classic three-course Christmas meal for £35. Starters include smoked salmon, duck parfait and prawn cocktail. Turkey with all the trimmings and a pumpkin roast are among the mains and figgy pudding or spiced orange and cranberry posset are some of the sweet options. This is followed by an epic cheeseboard featuring Double Gloucester, Shropshire Blue, Barbers Farmhouse Cheddar, Cricket St Thomas Somerset Camembert, sourdough crisps, British fig and Bramley apple chutney.

Boxing Day is for many, buffet day, something that has been recognised at One Square, the upmarket Sheraton Hotel’s own restaurant. From 1pm – 3.30pm the team will be presenting an array of delicacies including continental charcuterie, cured and pickled seafood, build your own salads, pâtés, festive terrines, Fullerton Farm Luing breed sirloin, kilted Cumberland sausage, walnut, lentil and baby vegetable loaf, leg of Ayrshire lamb and of course, a gleaming roast turkey. You’ll then be tempted by a chocolate fountain with flapjack, sponges, melon, marshmallows and strawberries to dip, chef’s homemade patisseries and an ice cream cart. Guests receive a glass of prosecco on arrival and children under three eat free.

It’s well worth visiting Black Ivy for the decor alone. The venue is pretty throughout the year, but at Christmas, it takes on a fairytale grotto feel from the outside in, with a stunning gold decor palette to complement its existing design. Book a table for the Bruntsfield venue’s sophisticated Boxing Day Jazz Brunch, with live music and mimosas from 12pm. Or pop in for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even just a cuppa, as it’s open all day from early morning. There’s a gorgeous heated terrace overlooking the Links too, for those fancying a cheeky al fresco Bloody Mary to beat that Boxing Day hangover.

Serving a great value Boxing Day lunch (two courses £21.95, three courses £23.95) and dinner (three courses for £25.95), The Granary is a great choice for Leithers who don’t want to stray far from home. The waterside bar and restaurant has a mezzanine level, buzzing atmosphere and a lovely outlook. Order from a large range of dishes, like wild game and chestnut terrine, pastrami cured salmon cornichon, beetroot carpaccio, ras el hanout roast cauliflower, Ellerslie turkey breast, winter berry tart and Scottish cheeses. If you’re feeling thirsty, or you’re visiting as part of a group, you can order a Christmas cocktail tree with nine festively mixed beverages.

But if what you’re really after is a low key venue, with some dirty fries, loaded burgers, wings, old fashioned shakes and maybe a boozy slushy, head to Down the Hatch. The venue opened last year and has proven a hit with Edinburgh residents loving the Canadian comfort food recipes, urban chic decor and relaxed vibe in the all-day cafe. On Boxing Day it’ll be open from noon till 11pm and as it’s dog-friendly, you can bring your pooch along while you enjoy some chilled out bank holiday eats. Kids are welcome till 8pm.

There can be few places more magical to spend the day after Christmas, than in this winter wonderland. As it’s a seasonal pop-up, we’re using any excuse to make the most of this super cool après ski spot that’s serving up cocktails, hot toddies, Good Brothers Wine and Cold Town Beer. Sing karaoke in your own hütte and order Salerno Pizza (gluten-free bases and non-dairy toppings available) to your ‘door’. It’s a joyous, relaxed and very fun way to enjoy the festivities. And as it’s at the St James Centre, you can drop into the sales too.