Go-to Valentine’s Day restaurants in Edinburgh

No one does romance better than the French, and no one does French food as well as Chez Jules! Tucked away on pretty Hanover Street, this tiny gem is loved by locals and visitors alike. The décor teeters on the verge of kitsch: le chat noir posters line the walls, Serge Gainsbourg plays in the background, and each table is laden with red and white chequered table cloths — but this is all part of its charm. Where no gimmicks lie, however, is in the food. There’s an a la carte menu available every day of the week – we love the sharing seafood platter, complete with a whole lobster, oysters, juicy prawns, mussels, smoked salmon, fries, and aioli – alongside a lunch menu deal that’s brilliant value for money. For just under £12 for three courses, and just under £10 for two, you really can’t complain, particularly when you consider the choices available. From French onion soup with Gruyère croutons, to classic coq au vin in red wine, chargrilled skirt steak, and steamed mussels in white wine with garlic and herbs, there’s something for all tastes. An Edinburgh must-visit.

If you’re looking to spoil someone this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Radicibus — a fine dining Italian restaurant located in the heart of Stockbridge. Set in a 19^th century Victorian building, the team at Radicibus offer both a five and seven course tasting menu based on traditional Italian food. Using only the best Scottish ingredients, everything is made from scratch in-house, including the pasta. Mara and Giovanni (the restaurant’s joint owners) are passionate about using traditional recipes and supporting responsible wine making. The tasting menu is filled with fresh and seasonal morsels, including chickpea veloute with cavolo nero and black olive pesto, pumpkin ravioli with  parmesan and sage, pork filled porchetta, and wild boar tagliatelle. Yum! There’s an a la carte menu available too (available between Thursday and Sunday) if you’re looking for a more relaxed affair.

The Little Chartroom is (as its name suggests) a small neighbourhood bistro serving local, seasonal dishes. But what this eatery lacks in size it more than makes up for in divine cookery, exceptional service, and a wonderful ambience. The inside décor is simple and chic, with Scandi inspired wooden chairs, mahogany flooring, and low-level lighting all making the place feel cosy and intimate. The food is presented beautifully, and though the plates look simple, the flavour profile of all the dishes is complex and refined. Starters include the likes of venison carpaccio with fennel and egg yolk, and shellfish bisque served with a kombucha milk bun. For the main courses, there are veggie-friendly plates like wild mushroom agnolotti with pecorino, as well as more traditional Scottish fare like partridge with game Scotch pie.

Nestled on the historic shore in Leith, and set in a 17^th century watchtower, Fishers is still winning awards 20 years after opening. Home to two beautiful indoor dining areas, an outdoor dining area, a gorgeous bar, and beautiful views of the water, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic meal. Though fish makes up large swathes of the menu (slow braised squid, king prawn crumpet, hake Kiev, crab burger — you name it!), there’s plenty of other options too. In fact, there’s an entire vegetarian menu available – a real highlight including the Jerusalem artichoke omelette – as well as some meat dishes, like slow braised ox cheek, and pan-fried Aberdeen Angus steaks. Don’t leave without sampling one of the desserts — the sticky toffee pudding (served with ice-cream and clotted cream) makes for the perfect dessert to share, while the pavlova drizzled in a mixed berry compote is light and airy: the ideal end to a rich meal.

The Outsider describes itself as a ‘laid-back’ eatery specialising in fresh, seasonal produce. With stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, and equally stunning plates of food, it’s super sophisticated and romantic. The vibe is distinctly relaxed — there’s no dress code and loud chatter and laughter always fills this vast, split-floored dining room. What is serious, however, is the food. The menu changes weekly (according to the seasons) and there are a couple of daily specials that are only available until sold out. From steamed mussels with white wine, to spiced tofu chorizo with roast pepper and butter bean ragout — the options are varied and extremely tasty! The drinks selection is equally diverse, with a range of wines, beers, spirits and cocktails available. The staff are friendly and the prices are reasonable. A Valentine’s Day fail-safe!

If you’re in search of something a bit different this Valentine’s Day, look no further than MIRIN. This cosy restaurant combines Scottish produce with Asian flavours, offering a charming dining experience with carefully presented dishes, intimate candle-lit tables, and a menu that changes daily. Dumplings are a must-try, and you can also indulge in the Asian-inspired sliders (all of which are laced with a fiery Carolina Reaper and gochujang glaze). The flavours are bold, and the pairings are often unconventional.

Leftfield, nestled in leafy Marchmont, has earned plenty of support and accolades, including a recent nod from food journalist Jay Rayner, who praised the eatery for its ‘poise and elegance.’ The dining room boasts only six tables and a couple of bar stools overlooking the plush Meadows, creating a tranquil setting for an intimate meal. The menu leans heavily towards fish, featuring indulgent dishes like caviar-topped hake with potatoes and butter sauce. The wine menu showcases organic, low-intervention wines from small producers, complemented by a generous selection of whiskies and sweet wines that pair seamlessly with the desserts.

The Bon Vivant stands out as a strong contender for Edinburgh’s most romantic restaurant. Twinkling fairy lights, moody wooden accents, and enticing French cuisine make it a sought-after spot, especially for Valentine’s Day. The drinks menu boasts a diverse selection of champagne and wines (many available by the glass), complemented by an extensive cocktail offering and a variety of beers. A must-try among the cocktails is the ‘French Connection,’ featuring creme de cacao, amontillado and chocolate bitters—a Dish Cult team favourite! On the food front, you can enjoy a charcuterie board complete with treats like porcini and truffle salami, fennel salami, game terrine, sourdough, and whipped butter. Alternatively, indulge in small sharing plates, with highlights such as Cashel Blue gougères topped with crispy shallots and haggis bonbons served with bacon chilli jam.

Noto is an independent, New York-inspired restaurant that embraces the joy of communal dining and highlights wines from small domaine producers. The restaurant has a sophisticated ambiance, having clinched the prestigious Bib Gourmand for three consecutive years. If you’re in the mood for a pre-dinner drink, the bar is a constant delight, offering bespoke cocktails and tempting snacks (hello Arbroath smokie croquettes!). The main menu is a feast of innovation and bold flavours, featuring delights like ox cheek bao buns with onion and star anise, confit halibut with chard and mussels, and purple sprouting broccoli tempura with togarashi. And don’t miss out on the irresistible desserts, such as the chocolate ganache with miso and hazelnut—truly something special.

For an absolutely spectacular Valentine’s Day, The Witchery is the place to be. Crowned “Scotland’s Most Romantic Hotel” by Scotland on Sunday, this enchanting venue has become a beloved institution in Edinburgh thanks to its stunning décor, legendary cuisine and award-winning wine list. Whether you choose to dine in the rich baroque ambiance of the original oak-panelled Witchery, or amidst the elegant candle-lit charms of the Secret Garden, you’re in for a sublime evening. Anticipate fine dining menus featuring locally sourced, exceptional quality ingredients. Alongside classic favourites like Tournedos Rossini, Lobster Thermidor, and Omelette Arnold Bennet, you’ll encounter The Witchery’s legendary Angus beef steak tartare and elevated Scottish favourites like haggis, neeps and tatties.