The best tasting menus in Edinburgh

Right, let’s kick things off with a Michelin star. The darling of the Scottish food scene, charismatic chef, Tom Kitchin, has been serving up amazing food in his Edinburgh restaurant for many a year. The food focuses on modern seasonal cuisine, with an emphasis on French techniques, and once you taste it, you’ll see why they’ve had their star for over ten years. The Kitchin offers a variety of tasting menus, none of which allow you to choose your dishes, although you can specify dietary preferences or allergies which will be catered for. Despite each tasting menu being a surprise, you know that with Tom’s focus on “from nature to plate”, you’ll be tasting the best of Scotland’s larder.

Next up is one that we think deserves a Michelin star. The talented team behind acclaimed restaurant Aizle make everything that they possibly can in-house under the impressive shadow of Arthur’s Seat. Following the (fantastic) trend for using seasonal, local ingredients to create dishes, no one knows what they’re going to eat when they head to Aizle. This is because their tasting menu is dictated by the ingredients they get each day. Knowledgeable waiting staff describe each course before you eat it, and they even grow their own herbs and vegetables where possible. If you like an adventure, Aizle is for you.

Another restaurant by a famous Scottish culinary name, Martin Wishart’s restaurant in Leith has been on the go since 1999, winning the coveted star in 2001. His food is Scottish-led, with six and eight course tasting menus, made to suit both veggies and carnivores. Try out dishes like ceviche of Gigha halibut, emmental souffle, or Peterhead mackerel, while relaxing in the very chilled-out atmosphere of the dining room. They also do matching wines at a very reasonable price so you can get happily merry while you enjoy the incredible food.

Looking for something a little different? Step this way to the Royal Terrace Gardens’ Gardener’s Cottage. Previously home to the gardener, it has been renovated to make a charming wee restaurant. But we’re here to talk about the hors d’oeuvres, not the horticulture so let us tell you about the tasting menu. Choose either five or seven courses, each changing with the month, and featuring a mix of meat, seafood, and veggie dishes. Perhaps not one if you like a private table, guests are seated at communal tables with other diners, making it a social experience. (And great for getting you excited about your next course.)

Ooh la Michelin star! Yup, another one because, thankfully, Edinburgh is absolutely full of them. And no one does a tasting menu better than a starred-restaurant. The chef-owner Dominic has worked in some of France’s top restaurants, making him perfectly placed for cooking up some delicious food. Another venue where you’re not entirely sure what you’ll eat until you do, Castle Terrace serves up a surprise Tasting Menu and a Vegetarian Tasting Menu. You can add a matched wine package or an exclusive wine package if you’re really pushing the boat out. Whatever you eat though, it’ll be a treat for your eyes as well as your belly because these guys really know how to cook beautiful food.