The best places for a date in Edinburgh

Local to Stockbridge or the New Town? Head to Nok’s Kitchen to spice up your date. Set in a gorgeous building that dates back hundreds of years, the relaxed restaurant provides a journey through the diverse flavours of classic Thai cuisine. From aromatic curries to fragrant stir-fries and spicy soups, each dish is carefully prepared to showcase the richness and complexity of Thai cooking. Whether you’re a fan of well-known Asian dishes or prefer to explore lesser-known specialities, Nok’s Kitchen offers a range of options to satisfy every palate. The venue is named after its owner and has been delighting customers and winning awards since opening in 2016.

Get a little taste of Tokyo, Hong Kong and New York at this cute little eatery. Fun and funky, the bijou venue serves up unique cocktails, alongside a menu of Asian small plates, making it a great shout for a low-stakes first or early date. It originated in Leith, but now has a home in Broughton Street and, of course, you’ll find some of the lucky waving cats inside. On the menu, discover the likes of bao buns with brisket, kimchi and crispy onion or chilli ginger soy cauliflower, pickled cucumber, mint and tonkatsu sauce; crispy pork belly with chilli peanut crisp sauce; karaage chicken with wasabi mayo; and whole roasted aubergine with miso, ginger and sesame. Then try some matcha panna cotta with poached rhubarb for pud. That’s sure to put you in the mood for love.

With just 22 covers, this Leith Walk establishment is intimate and innovative. It’s also affordable fine dining (after all, all those dates can get pricey). Indulge in two courses for £28 or three courses for £32, with canapés and petit fours. The small, but perfectly formed menu includes the likes of heirloom tomato and giant couscous salad, black olive and basil mayo; roast chicken supreme with rosemary and thyme potato fondant, carrot purée, steamed asparagus and chicken jus; potato gnocchi with tarragon, sautéed wild mushroom, peas and broad beans; and the signature Walnut Whip for afters. Everything comes artfully presented, so even if the date doesn’t go so well, you’ll have some super fodder for your day’s Insta stories.

Grab one of just six tables at this super intimate little bistro beside Bruntsfield Links. It’s over 16s only in the evening, so you’ll be assured of a modern adult atmosphere for your date (nice if you’re escaping the kids for a few hours). Sup on some low-intervention, organic wines (including orange) from small producers with a clear conscience and tuck into locally sourced seafood, the restaurant’s speciality. Order a hot seafood platter for two, with some of the region’s best crustaceans, or if you prefer not to share food, get your own plates with the likes of sumac-roasted hispi cabbage, beef brisket, Cumbrae oysters, crispy dayboat squid, chicken liver parfait and watercress hummus with sourdough toast. The Guardian’s Jay Rayner, Conde Nast, TimeOut and The Scotsman’s Gaby Soutar have all enjoyed dining here, so surely you and your date will too.

Experience the relaxed and friendly side of Edinburgh’s bustling city centre at Ecco Vino. With floor to ceiling wines and an intimate restaurant setting, it’s the perfect place for a romantic rendezvous. It serves the finest, freshest local seafood and some of the best wines the planet has to offer. As well as food and wine, the restaurant is famous for its ambience, atmosphere and warm welcome and its love of food is only matched by the love of music. The friendly and experienced staff are always on hand to make you feel welcome and well looked after.

First Coast, named after a small village in the west of Scotland, is a quality neighbourhood restaurant in the west of Edinburgh, serving top quality modern Scottish food at reasonable prices in a friendly, relaxed environment. The cosy intimacy of this place makes for a romantic setting, with a solid wine list to match the extraordinary food available.

As famous for its frozen margaritas as for its tasty food, Topolabamba is a great place to bring a first date to help break the ice. It’s cool enough to feel special, but laid back enough to not seem too try hard. Fill yourself up with great Mexican tapas and chair dance along to the great tunes as you get to know your date. Just don’t overdo it on the cocktails because as pretty as they are some of them can be strong! 

Going to an Indian restaurant might be a bit more night out with the gang than date night traditionally, but not if you’re taking them to Tuk Tuk. This super cool Indian street food restaurant is bound to impress with its brightly coloured murals and intriguing food menu. We recommend trying out the lassis – an Indian take on a smoothie – and then moving onto some roadside plates and a selection of street curries to really get a flavour of the place.

Are you ready to feel the BOOM? Get set for the time of your life with your date, because the battleground has arrived! Battle it out with your date with a selection of games including Axe Throwing, Crazier Golf, Augmented Reality Darts, Beer Pong, Shuffleboard and much more! With some amazing street food and delicious cocktails to boot, this is one of the most fun places to experience on a date night.