This restaurant’s unusual name comes from the five-course menu, which offers two choices each for starter, main course and dessert, with one selection each for the intervening soup and cheese. Chef Tom Kitching’s menu is always changing, but representative dishes include a rich mushroom risotto with a sauce of morels, Madeira and white truffle; and a flavorful beef “curry” with slow-cooked fillet, artichokes, cauliflower, potatoes, saffron onions and pineapple confit. The restaurant is set in a restored Georgian townhouse and is elegantly decorated, the most striking element being a drawing room mural that is a detail from a Caravaggio painting.
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Overview
From Andrew Harper
Edinburgh is made up of two contrasting halves: Old Town is an austere medieval city, constructed along the ridge of a rocky crag; while New Town comprises a network of elegant Georgian streets, crescents and squares. In between is a dramatic ravine spanned by North Bridge. During the 18th century, Edinburgh played host to the Scottish Enlightenment, when its inhabitants included philosopher David Hume, poet Robert Burns, and economist Adam Smith. Today, Scotland’s capital remains lively, prosperous and extraordinarily picturesque.
Hotels
All recommended hotels in Edinburgh
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The HowardIntimate 18-room hotel tucked into three 1829 Georgian townhouses. Lodgings feature rich fabrics and traditional furniture. |
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Rocco Forte The BalmoralDistinguished Edwardian hotel at the eastern end of Princes Street, the city’s major thoroughfare, convenient to shopping and attractions. |
Dining
All recommended restaurants in Edinburgh
Castle Terrace
Chef Dominic Jack has served in some of Europe’s top kitchens, including as a sous chef at legendary Taillevent in Paris. The restaurant is a model of comfortable contemporary style, with neutral tones given a little pizzazz by splashes of purple and red. Jack makes full use of fine Scottish produce, and changes his menu accordingly. Representative dishes might include a ravioli of fresh herbs and Highland crowdie cheese dressed in a light tomato sauce, monkfish wrapped in Ayrshire ham and served on a bed of rich brandade, and Scottish beef and crispy ox tongue pastille with carrot and onion, all in a Bordelaise sauce.
33/35 Castle Terrace
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
See map: Google Maps
US$68
Ondine
Located just off the Royal Mile with wonderful views down picturesque Victoria Street, this restaurant takes full advantage of Scotland’s superb seafood. Chef Roy Brett’s menu includes dishes such as classic peat-smoked salmon on soda bread. Main courses might include lemon sole meunière with parsley, lemon and capers; and a fillet of Orkney beef on the bone with Béarnaise sauce and thin-cut fried potatoes.
2 George IV Bridge
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
See map: Google Maps
US$65
Restaurant Martin Wishart
Wishart brought Edinburgh its first Michelin star. Set in the docklands of Leith, this sophisticated restaurant has wood accents, muted colors and gentle lighting. Look for starters such as Kilbrannan langoustines with parsnips and white chocolate in a sauce of verjus and smoked butter; or a ceviche of halibut with mango and passion fruit. Main courses might include the rich roasted turbot with bone marrow, a galette of potatoes and artichokes, and a salad of lamb’s lettuce.
54 The Shore, Leith
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
See map: Google Maps
Three-course à la carte menu, US$90; six-course tasting menu, US$95.
The Kitchin
This is not a Scottish spelling of the place where one cooks but the family name of chef Tom Kitchin. In his waterfront restaurant, Kitchin offers imaginative fare using the country’s seasonal produce in surprising combinations. Starters might include Orkney diver scallops with braised fennel and fennel purée, or roasted marrow with crispy ox tongue and chanterelles. Among the main courses, look for dishes such as seared North Sea halibut with broccoli purée, clams, shrimp and capers; or the slow-cooked lamb with sweetbread fritter and braised lettuce.
78 Commercial Quay, Leith
Edinburgh
EH6 6LX
United Kingdom
See map: Google Maps
US$85
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We are doing a two-week trip to Scotland this August, family of four with two adult daughters. We were thinking of a week in Edinburgh for the festivals: International, Art, Fringe, Book, and Military Tattoo; and a week driving the Highlands. What do folks think of the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh? Any other recommendations? Is it a good idea to have air conditioning in Scotland in August? Any recommendations on the festivals? Do we need to book events far in advance? Any recommendations for a driving tour of the Highlands?
Thanks
Hello,
We have indeed been getting good feedback about The Balmoral recently, and Mr. Harper also recommends the 18-room Howard.
Air conditioning isn't normally necessary - the average high in August in Edinburgh is only 65 degrees. Booking early is essential, however.
There are a number of wonderful driving tours you can do, depending on your interests and the time available. To discuss the hotels and touring options in greater depth, feel free to contact the Travel Office at (800) 375-4685, (630) 734-4610 or reservations@andrewharper.com.
Best Regards,
The Travel Office