
06 Dec 2024
Winter is coming… Well actually, it’s already here. And as the streets of the capital turn into their own version of Narnia, we’re searching out some comfort eats, cosy drinks and seasonal dishes to keep us warm and well nourished. Check out our definitive list of the best places to dine and imbibe this winter season in Edinburgh.
Feeling the chill? Warm up your week with some hot, spicy flavours via a culinary adventure to another continent. At Cabo you can get a flavour of Pacific fusion — Mexican and Asian flavours with an inventive menu. Wrap your lips around some calamares con ocopa (gochujang marinated fried baby squid, chorizo and Peruvian kimchi); tacos coliflor (tempura cauliflower, Peruvian kimchi, gochujang hollandaise and pickled jalapeno); and pineapple ceviche (pomegranate, leche de tigre and coconut gelato). The vibrant setting is reminiscent of the Baja desert using terracotta, cacti, and earthy tones that’ll transport you to the tropics for a few hours.
This will mark Cask and Vine’s first ever winter, having made its launch in the summer of 2024. Book in at lunchtime for a hearty focaccia, with fillings including serrano jamon reserva; porchetta, pesto and piquillo peppers; or manchego, fiorucci spicy spinata, stracciatella and rocket. Found on Canongate, this refined spot combines an extensive selection of more than 100 international wines, with a selection of over 200 food pairings, and international cigars. Guests can enjoy curated wine pairings with a range of small plates and charcuterie.
A cold day calls for a wood-burning stove. At Timberyard you can warm up beside the fire, in the on-trend surroundings of a whitewashed former warehouse, with exposed natural wood beams, brick walls, original floorboards, chunky tables and bare tungsten bulbs. Food revolves around nature and the season’s produce, with ingredients from local artisan suppliers and Scotland’s own larder. Husband and wife patrons, Andrew and Lisa have brought the whole family on board in running Timberyard on Lady Lawson Street, presenting thoughtful tasting menus, alongside a la carte and set selections. Food can be paired with elegant wines that champion the expression of the terroir, from the restaurant’s cellar.
Edinburgh may be a large metropolis, but it has a world of beautiful walks within its boundaries. One such charm can be found in the south of the city, on the Mortonhall Estate. Here you can take a wander among the frosty fields on a crisp, clear day. You’ll meet Highland cows close to the garden centre, and horses in the fields connected to the local stables. Then take a pit stop at this charming traditional bar and restaurant, with an equestrian, country theme. A roaring fire will keep you cosy, there are high chairs for little ones, and your four-legged friends will be made just as welcome. You can expect high-quality, filling classic pub fare on the menu. Then continue your hike to the beautiful Braid Hills, with some of the best views in Edinburgh.
You’ll find all the morning hygge you need at this neighbourhood cafe, influenced by a part of the world that does winter best — Scandinavia. Get your day off to a great start with some gluten-free bakes, a steaming bowl of porridge and cold press fresh juices (such as orange, carrot and ginger) that are perfect for upping your immunity to protect against the sniffles at this time of year. Do try some Swedish berry buns that have been dusted with icing sugar for a snowy effect, accompanied by a cup of Mr Eion’s artisan roasted warming coffee.
In need of some comfort food this winter? Get yourself some junk cuisine. This is no ordinary junk food though. This is a very refined take on the oft maligned culinary genre. You’ll experience the best in local seasonal produce, cooked to perfection by head chef Cam, to give you all of those happy feels, without neglecting your nutritional needs. The multi-award winning brand began as a humble street food pop-up and later evolved into this permanent spot in Newington, where personality shines through both in the menu and the interactions with staff. Enjoy delving into the unknown? Order the Dealers Choice surprise tasting menu, which takes cues from the flavours and dishes of Asia, America and Europe.
This is the first winter you’ve been able to eat at Tipo since it only arrived on the scene in late spring 2023. Climb the flight of stairs from its entrance on Hanover Street and you’ll arrive in the Scandi-chic dining room with a view of the shoppers and tourists below. Chef Stuart Ralston is the mastermind behind Tipo, which already appears in the Michelin Guide (although that comes as little surprise given he’s already launched two of the capital’s best-loved, award-winning foodie haunts). Expect seasonal ingredients galore, in a menu that riffs on the restaurant’s name (a type of Italian flour). Tuck into hearty dishes like paccheri with vodka sauce, artisanal puds and classic cocktails to keep you warm for the walk home.
The recipient of VisitScotland’s Taste our Best Award, Bonnie and Wild continues to impress with its market-style dining hall experience. Found on the fourth floor of the St James Quarter, it’s a handy stop off during some Christmas shopping or January sale action. And if the weather’s bad, who cares? Everything you need to keep entertained day and night can be found within the complex. Open from 9am til midnight, Bonnie and Wild comprises three bars, 10 kitchens, a cafe, a bottleshop and a gallery. It caters to a wide range of tastes and is sure to have something to suit your culinary whim. Options just made for colder days, include the Soup and Caboodle Pies, Salt and Chilli Oriental Chicken, and El Perro Negro (winner of the National Burger Awards in 2019 and 2021) – a breakfast burger stack with epic homemade hash browns.
If you were a fan of the indie Pizzeria 1926 on Dalry Road and mourned its loss when it closed, you’ll be delighted to learn that the team has made a comeback, this time in the north of the city. The new venture, a funky pizzeria and friggitoria, launched in the summer on Leith Walk. You may have spotted the blue street food trailer, sporting graffiti art and the brand’s new emblem (a haloed silhouette). It’s a frequent flyer at events and festivals in the area. Book a table — it’s a bijou setup so you want to be sure of a seat — and dine in the bright blue and yellow restaurant. The cheery colour palette reminds us of sunshine and sea, with the food reminiscent of Naples — overall it’s the antidote to grey winter days in Scotland if you’re missing brighter climes.
Those seeking a Scandi-noir vibe to their dinner shots should pay a visit to the Old Chain Pier. On a blustery, wild day, there’s nothing nicer than to coorie in by candlelight as you watch the white horses and crashing waves of Newhaven, right outside. The outlook offers something very different to the rest of the city — as you gaze out to the Firth of Forth you could imagine you’re in a remote fishing town on a distant northern shore. Inside, simple wooden furnishings, dark blue shiplap, fishing lanterns, fairy lights and gin bottles repurposed as water bottles, create that bothy feel. And afterwards, you can go for a bracing walk along the harbour. Menu items we love for a winter day include Scottish Clam Chowder (clams, leek, potato, charred corn, smoked pancetta and toasted bread), fish and chips (a vegan version is also provided) and hot choccie brownie.