As we find ourselves moving through an incredibly tough period for independently owned businesses once again, the importance of supporting local cannot be underestimated. In the spirit of seeking out the best in our city whilst supporting small businesses, we are pleased to share our guide to some of Edinburgh's best venues.
The Palmerston - 1 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh EH12 5AF
The Palmerston boasts a menu that changes daily in response to the availability of produce, alongside a sophisticated and extensive wine list. Sustainability, seasonal variation and the championing of local produce are key, which sees this operation consistently serving up some of the best food in Edinburgh.
Above: Pastries and bread baked by The Palmerston, baked fresh daily Tuesday-Sunday. Available until sold out.
Timberyard - 10 Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DS
Championing locally-sourced Scottish produce in a pared-back, Scandinavian-influenced manner, Timberyard has rightfully earned its place as one of Edinburgh's top restaurants.
Polentoni - 38 Easter Road, Edinburgh EH7 5RG
A firm favourite amongst locals, Polentoni serves exceptional quality sandwiches and baked goods prepared fresh each day, alongside some made-to-order offerings at affordable prices. Previously a dine-in/takeaway establishment, these days Polentoni offers a hole in the wall takeaway service. The selection rotates, and ingredients are simple and authentic. You'd be hard pressed to find a better sandwich in Edinburgh.
Taco Libre - 3 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4RR
Taco Libre serves no frills, authentic Mexican food. The service is fast and the food fresh. The venue is small, casual and practically filled with neon lights.
The Tourmalet - 29 Buchanan Street, Edinburgh EH6 8SQ
Taking its name from the highest road pass in the French Pyrénées, and stage of the Tour de France, the Tourmalet is full to the brim with cycling paraphernalia. Situated just off Leith Walk, The Tourmalet is a friendly, grungy local pub that boasts an extensive array of German beers.
The Howdah Tea & Coffee Company - 5 Deanhaugh Street, Edinburgh EH4 1LU
Located on the main street in Stockbridge, Howdah is a warm and welcoming space. With a wide range of specialty teas and coffees, and helpful, knowledgable staff, it's almost impossible to go wrong here.
27 Elliots - 27 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh EH9 1NX
Eleanore - 30 - 31 Albert Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HN
Fortitude - 66 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 5AZ
Mistral - 10 - 12 Bonnington Road, Edinburgh EH6 5JD
Talbot Rice Gallery - University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL
Situated within Edinburgh University's Old College Building on South Bridge, Talbot Rice Gallery is one of Edinburgh's leading public galleries showcasing contemporary visual art.
Ingleby Gallery - 33 Barony Street, Edinburgh EH3 6NX
Founded in 1998, Ingleby Gallery has since firmly established itself as one of the country's leading private art galleries. Maintaining an ambitious program of established and emerging artists, the space is completely transformed with each exhibition.
Edinburgh Printmakers - Castle Mills, 1 Dundee Street, Edinburgh EH3 9FP
Housed in the restored Castle Mills building, Edinburgh Printmakers is home to two galleries and one of the largest printmaking studios in Europe. As a leading contemporary art space, the gallery showcases work from some of the most exciting established and emerging printmakers.
Stills Gallery - 23 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh EH1 1BP
Fruitmarket Gallery - 45 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DF