Where to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh

Italian food has long been synonymous with amore. But it doesn’t have to be eaten in a traditional trattoria, or be dripping with sentimentality. Ecco Vino is a chic wine bar on the historic Cockburn Street with an enormous range of vinos to be sampled. And you don’t have to sit down to a full multi-course menu if you choose this venue. Share a seafood platter, cheeseboard, antipasti, or a Roman pizza with your date. Do book if you plan on visiting in and around Valentine’s Day, as the intimate venue is sure to be extra busy.

Classical music may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re seeking an ultra-sophisticated magical event that’ll give you goosebumps, this is it. The impressive St Giles’ Cathedral provides a majestic backdrop for the night, while candlelight gives it an even more magical atmosphere. Warren Mailley-Smith, one of the UK’s leading concert pianists will be tinkling the ivories at this uplifting and relaxing event.

Those with more adventurous palates enjoy the out of the ordinary dishes served when you go down The Rabbit Hole. Wild game, quail and squab have all been known to make an appearance on the menu. As the six-year old restaurant is in Marchmont, you’ll avoid the touristy bustle of the city centre while still benefiting from a formal and bijou ambience — and if you’re a local resident, you can stroll home post-dinner.

Get cosy with your lover and catch a movie as you snuggle up together on one of the Dominion Cinema’s leather two-seater sofas with your feet up on a leg rest. If you’d rather not over-egg the lovey-dovey theme of the day, you can choose an action movie, or opt for one of Hollywood’s saccharin blockbusters, or a live opera screening. The art-deco venue in Morningside is an independent gem, providing a far more memorable (not to mention comfortable) experience than a large chain multiplex. Plus you can buy wine, beer, spirits and snacks from the old-style kiosk, or upgrade to VIP status, with first-class tickets providing exclusive access to Bond’s Bar and drinks delivered straight to your table.

Another excellent Italian restaurant, this George Street venue housed in a converted banking hall, has a host of accolades and awards to its name. And Contini loves to celebrate a special occasion, including Valentine’s Day, with a dedicated menu. Share seasonal authentic dishes like arancini, gnocchi, Milanese chicken and chocolate torte, followed by a toast to one another with a glass of chilled sparkling Bellavista. Contini is family-run (by Victor and Carina), uses produce from its own one-acre kitchen garden on the outskirts of the city and is open seven days a week, including Monday 14th February.

Arguably the most romantic place to eat in Edinburgh, this is one for those who are seeking theatricality, decadence and a splurge. Meet in the baroque, oak panelled dining room, with ornate antique features, leather banquettes, heraldic painted ceilings and candles. It’s among the most famous restaurants in the city, serving Scottish lobster, langoustines, beef, lamb and game. Lunch, dinner and afternoon tea are all available, but if you want to express the depth of your feelings, book an evening Valentine’s meal in this most grown-up of venues.

Perhaps, due to childcare limitations or working patterns, your romantic experience needs to take place during the day. This needn’t dampen plans if you’re seeking a grand and opulent treat. Widely respected as among the top places in Edinburgh for afternoon tea, Colonnades at the Signet Library is a stunning, beautifully restored 19th-century neo-classical building, featuring fluted Corinthian columns and ornate balustrades. The venue’s catering comes from the Heritage Portfolio, which has a Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, no less. So, if you book an afternoon tea here, you’re in for a right royal feast of sweet and savoury amuse-bouche, accompanied by your choice of cocktails and Champagne. And, if you’re thinking of proposing, it provides an epic backdrop for those tear-jerking photos.