Appetite @ Rowlands, 42 Howe Street, Central New Town, Edinburgh 0131 225 3711 www.appetitedirect.com  
Team Appetite have really made the most of this fantastic take away shop which was an Edinburgh institution under Rowland and continues to be so with Nigel. They have a great range of delicious home made proper food and are famous for their curries and salads. There are usually five choices of yummy hot main meals. This is a superb place to get your dinner too, if you’re feeling too lazy to cook. They are also Edinburgh’s leading outside caterers. There’s a family connection so mention you’re in a Dickins flat for even better service. They close at around 4pm.

Chop Chop, 248 Morison Street, Central, Edinburgh 0131 221 1155
This fantastic restaurant is owned by an award winning dumpling maker who works away in the kitchen with members of her family serving. The decor is a bit drab and soulless, but the food is seriously good and remarkable value. Chop chop down to Morison Street! 

Giuliano’s, 18-19 Union Place, Hillside/East New Town, Edinburgh 0131 556 6590 www.giulianos.co.uk
We just love it! You are always guaranteed great over the top Italian service. Plenty to choose from on the menu, busy, ideal post/pre theatre spot. Don’t expect a quiet night as this restaurant which is very popular with birthday parties etc, but it all adds to the party atmosphere.

Original Khushis, 9 Victoria Street, Central, Edinburgh 0131 220 0057 www.khushis.com 
Really delicious, fresh tasting Indian food, we think the best in Edinburgh. It’s always busy and you can’t book but you can have a drink next door and they’ll come and get you when your table is ready. BYOB.

Blue, 1st Floor, 10 Cambridge St, Tollcross, Edinburgh 0131 221 1222
A cool busy bistro, with something for everyone on the menu. Excellent location for a spot of pre/post theatre dining. Lively buzz and great cocktails at the bar.

The Forth Floor, Harvey Nichols, St Andrew Square, Central New Town, Edinburgh 0131 524 8350
This glamorous, lively bistro hosts one of the best views in Edinburgh although a glass screen separates the more exclusive restaurant from the bistro section and they get the best view. Often have a great value set dinner. Superb cocktails at the newly created bar (see below.)

Home Bistro, 41 West Nicolson Street, Central, Edinburgh 0131 667 7010
We love this cosy, homely little restaurant. The service is charming, and food so comforting it’s like a hug from your Mum. The menu is old school British, with stews and bangers alike.

The Shore Bar, The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh 0131 553 5080.
For us city centre dwellers coming down to spend an evening down in The Shore feels like you’ve been on holiday. This bar/bistro has a great vibe with a cool eclectic crowd and a laid back feel. Occassional live music. 

The Olive Branch, Broughton Street, East New Town, Edinburgh 0131 557 8589
Easy going bistro style restaurant serving good reliable food and great fish and chips. Seats outside in the Summer. 

Bell’s Diner, 7 St.Stephen Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh 0131 225 8116
Bell’s Diner is like an institution In Edinburgh, famous for the best burgers in town. A very busy but small restaurant so you definitely need to book in advance.

Chop Chop, 248 Morrison Street, Central, Edinburgh 0131 221 1155
This fantastic restaurant is owned by an award winning dumpling maker who works away in the kitchen with members of her family serving. The decor is a bit drab and soulless, but the food is seriously good and remarkable value. Chop chop down to Morrison Street! 

Kweilin, 19 Dundas Street, Central New Town, Edinburgh 0131 557 1875
The Kweilin Restaurant is an old Edinburgh favourite. This friendly, upmarket restaurant offers a delicious menu in a tranquil, comfortable setting.  Ideal spot for a business lunch, or dinner out with friends.

Wok & Wine, 57a Fredrick Street, Central New Town, Edinburgh 0131 225 2382
Edinburgh’s best contemporary Chinese restaurant. Their Wok bites are the Chinese tapas equivalent and the mood is cool and chilled.

Abstract, 33-35 Castle Terrace, Tollcross, Edinburgh 0131 229 1222
We love this newcomer to the Edinburgh fine dining scene. It's a really well designed, refined but not stuffy, restaurant. The staff our courteous and attentive and the food very impressive. Their lunch deal is the bargain of Edinburgh and a serious treat. We eat here if we have something to celebrate.  

Number One Princes Street, Balmoral Hotel, Central New Town, Edinburgh 0131 556 2414
Probably the best ‘treat’ as far as dining in central Edinburgh goes. The service is impeccable, and with a Michelin Star under his hat Chef, Jeff Bland never fails to delight customers here. The menu is exquisite, with a fantastic deal at lunch time (they are threatening to stop this and we really hope they won’t) Sumptuous seats, a bread and cheese trolley and the presentation of his food is like a work of art. We could run dry on superlatives just thinking about it and it’s where we head when a serious treat is on order.
 
Martin Wisharts, 4 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh 0131 553 3557
This is the destination restaurant in Edinburgh for real ‘foodies’. It’s the winner of many awards, has two Michelin stars and is the Good Food Guide’s restaurant of the year 2006. Discreet and unpretentious this restaurant should not fail to delight although sometimes we find the atmosphere a little stiff.

Rhubarb @ Prestonfield, Prestonfield House, off Prestonfield Road, Newington 668 3346
James Thomson has given Edinburgh the most spectacularly opulent hotel in the shape of his refurbished Prestonfield Hotel. This is the stuff of heady romantic treats. Make sure you leave enough time to luxuriate in one of the drawing rooms with a drink before and/or after dinner.

The Kitchin, 78 Commerical Quay, Leith, Edinburgh 0131 555 1755.
Quickly rising to star status, husband and wife team Tom and Michaela Kitchin want to showcase the best of Scottish produce. Tom has won Chef of the Year 2007 and the restaurant is also Restaurant of the Year. 

The Witchery, 352 Castlehill, Royal Mile, Old Town, 225 5613
Another romantic treat destination by James Thomson. This is one of Edinburgh’s most popular treat restaurants with locals, regulars and visiting celebs. It has two rooms the sultry upper room and the glamorous secret garden below. Great pre and post dinner menu. 

Skippers, 1a Dock Place, Leith, Edinburgh 0131 554 1018
This restaurant is an Edinburgh institution. It serves superb fish in a charming and romantic atmosphere as it has done so for years. Best to book.

Fishers in the City, 58 Thistle Street, Central New Town, Edinburgh 0131 225 5109
This is the bigger and buzzier new relation of the Leith stalwart. Never disappoints and good for an occasion dinner. Best to book.

Sweet Melindas, 11 Roseneath Street, Bruntsfield, Edinburgh 0131 229 7953
Gorgeous, cosy little restaurant in the Marchmont area. The menu is mainly fish, but there are vegetarian and meat options too.  They have a special offer on Tuesday evening’s when you pay what you think the meal is worth! Definitely worth a visit.

Original Khushis, 9 Victoria Street, Central, Edinburgh220 0057 www.khushis.com  
Dine in a seriuosly sumptuous environment in the new, swish Khusis. Really delicious, fresh tasting Indian food, we think the best in Edinburgh. BYOB.

Saffrani, 11 South College Street, Central, Edinburgh 0131 667 1597
Small, little, tucked away restaurant with an exciting, authentic menu and delicious food. Perfect for dinner after the Festival Theatre.

Suruchi, 14a Nicholson Street, Central, Edinburgh 0131 557 6583
This popular restaurant has an amusingly written menu and good food. It is also perfect for dinner after the Festival Theatre which is right opposite.

Petit Paris, 40 Grassmarket, Old Town, Edinburgh 0131 226 2442
Charming restaurant in the heart of the Grassmarket. Fantastic venue for lunch, they do an excellent offer of a ‘menu £5’ which is worth every penny. Fast and friendly service, always busy, and a strong feeling of actually being in France! Charmant.

Café St Honoré, 34 Thistle Street Lane, Central New Town, Edinburgh 0131 226 2211
Fabulous French restaurant with loads of character, with its bistro style décor and an Edinburgh institution. Frequented by business men and ladies who lunch this is an excellent occasion restaurant and feels just like being in Paris.

Giuliano’s, 18-19 Union Place, Hillside/East New Town, Edinburgh 0131 556 6590
We just love it! You are always guaranteed great over the top Italian service. Plenty to choose from on the menu, busy, ideal post/pre theatre spot. Don’t expect a quiet night as this restaurant is very popular with birthday parties etc, but it all adds to the jolly atmosphere.

Vittoria, 113 Brunswick Street, Hillside, Edinburgh 0131 556 6171
This is one of Edinburgh’s best neighbourhood restaurants. It’s always busy and feels genuinely Italian. There’s a great pavement area to sit in when the sun is out.

La Favorita, Leith Walk, Leith, Hillside, Edinburgh 0131 554 2430 
This is a sister restaurant of Vittoria’s (see above.) It’s quite load and very busy but serves an excellent wood fired Italian pizza, probably the best in town.

Le Partenope, 96 Dalry Road, Dalry, Edinburgh 0131 347 8880
This excellent, friendly neighbourhood trattoria feels genuinely Italian. Superb value lunch menu and the food is excellent. Great place to take the kids. It’s very popular so wise to book. Fish is their speciality.

Vincaffe, 11 Multrees Walk, Central New Town, Edinburgh 0131 557 0088
This popular restaurant is run by the Valvona and Crolla family. It has a great buzzing atmosphere and the food is delicious, if somewhat expensive. Popular with the Harvey Nichols shopping crowd. 

Centrotre, 103 George Street, Central New Town, Edinburgh 0131 225 1550
This stylish restaurant is located in an old bank building and run by former Valvona and Crolla stalwarts. The food and service are always excellent but the sound can reverberate around making it a bit noisy. Great for breakfast too.

The Kingswark, 36 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh 0131 554 9260
Lovely, ‘ye oldie’ style pub down in Leith. Famous for their mussels and delicious fish and chips. Good value for money and great atmosphere.

The Barony Bar, 81 Broughton Street, East New Town, Edinburgh 
Great character pub on one of Edinburgh’s most popular streets. A fire is always cracking in the winter, great selection of ales, good buzz and reasonable pub grub. 

The Canny Man, 237 Morningside Road, Morningside, Edinburgh 0131 447 1484
This treasure trove of a pub is not only a feast for the eyes, but is also a feast for the palate. It’s packed full of curious and eclectic paraphernalia, this unique spot oozes character. They offer delicious smorgasbord lunches, and also have an excellent wine list. A must do experience whilst visiting Edinburgh.

Appetite @ Rowlands, 42 Howe Street, Central New Town, Edinburgh 0131 225 3711
Nigel Kennedy has really made the most of this fantastic take away shop which was an Edinburgh institution under Rowland and continues to be so. They have a great range of delicious home made proper food and are famous for their curries and salads. There are usually five choices of yummy hot main meals. This is a superb place to get your dinner too, if you’re feeling too lazy to cook. They are also Edinburgh’s leading outside caterers. There’s a family connection so mention you’re in a Dickins flat for even better service. They close at around 4pm.

GY’s, 27 Roseneath Place, Bruntsfield, Edinburgh 0131 229 9922
One of our favourite Chinese take aways’. GY’s have a huge menu of delicious Chinese food, and the best thing- they use no MSG in any of their dishes. They also deliver direct to your door, so it’s the perfect accompaniment for a lazy night in.

Ndebele, 57 Home Street, Tollcross, Edinburgh 0131 221 1141
We always look forward to being in Tollcross so we can nip into Ndebele for lunch or supper. It’s South African and always has a couple of delicious hot main meals, great salads and sinful cakes. Their dates balls are worth risking a parking ticket for.

Kebab Mehal, 7 Nicholson Square, Central, Edinburgh 0131 667 5214
Kebab Mehal sells the best value for money Indian food in Edinburgh in a rough and ready central location. Don’t expect table cloths and candles but you are sure to be in for an interesting experience with a varied and eclectic crowd. The menu is straight forward uncomplicated, and the food is always delicious and it’s open late.

Dusit Thai, 49a Thistle Street, Central New Town, Edinburgh 0131 220 6846
This elegant central restaurant is the best Thai in town. The food can be sublime with tantalising combinations. It’s a quiet space and romantic.

Thai Lemongrass, 40 Bruntsfield Place, Bruntsfield, Edinburgh 0131 229 2225
This attractive restaurant is extremely popular so try and book. Interesting menu with delicious food and lovely, attentive service.

David Bann, St Mary’s Street, Old Town, Edinburgh 0131 556 5888
Stylish and beautiful restaurant serving exciting vegetarian food. Always busy but a great place to have a ‘natter’ with friends are tables are well spaced. Lovely service.

Kalpna, 2-3 St Patrick’s Square, Central, Edinburgh 0131 667 9890
Fantastic Indian vegetarian restaurant, in the heart of the south side. It’s lunch buffet is legendary (you won’t need any supper!) Excellent menu and delicious tasty food, never disappointing. Charming service.

Black Bo’s, 57 Blackfriars Street, Old Town, Edinburgh 0131 557 6136
Intimate, bohemian, laid back atmosphere in this great restaurant with a cool bar next door. Non vegetarian is available on request so you can go with all your friends.

Susie’s Diner, 51-53 West Nicholson Street, Central, Edinburgh 0131 667 8729
Self service, popular restaurant in the University area. Huge helpings of cheap, wholesome food and nice people. Mexican and Middle Eastern influnces.