Classic castle views or panoramic city vistas? Or perhaps both? Whatever your occasion, a table with a dramatic outlook can make your date night meal or catch up drinks with friends, extra special. Here are just five of our favourites that we keep in mind when we need to impress!
Forth Floor @ Harvey Nichols
An Edinburgh classic, the Fourth Floor restaurant and Brasserie on the highest floors of the luxury Harvey Nichols store, is popular with visitors and locals alike. Fresh, bright and contemporary, the Fourth Floor offers not one, but two restaurants with floor to ceiling windows and terraces (for those occasional sunny days), looking out onto the leafy St Andrew Square gardens. Not only that, but the cocktail bar on the same floor has a picture window which perfectly frames the Forth river – a wonderful perch from which to sit a sip a martini on a Friday evening.
harveynichols.com/restaurant/edinburgh-dining/
Skybar @ Doubletree by Hilton
Only open on the first Thursday of every month, the Skybar at the Doubletree by Hilton in the Old Town, is a infrequent but must-do experience! With themed monthly events including regular live jazz music, and unrivalled views of Edinburgh Castle, the Skybar is truly something very special. Whether it’s a classic cocktail or something with a bit more fizz, the setting couldn’t be more extraordinary. Our recommendation is to arrive early, as the bar’s capacity is only 90 and the events are very popular.
Twenty Princes Street
We all know Edinburgh is beautiful, and where is there a more prime location than right on Princes Street, looking out towards the Old Town? Twenty Princes Street in Hotel Indigo offers just that. The triple height windows allow the restaurant area wide vistas over the city centre towards the castle – a pretty unmissable Instagram opportunity for those so inclined! The interior also offers something pretty distinctive with wooden parquet-style flooring, elegant light fixtures and art-deco inspired design details.
Read our review of Twenty Princes Street on TLE
www.twentyprincesstreet.co.uk/
Chaophraya
Following on from the Glasgow restaurants success, Chaophraya moved to the capital and set up camp atop a city centre office building. Sounds very average so far, until you travel up the lift, ascend the glittering staircase and enter the restaurant. Be prepared for jaw-dropping views, not just from one side, but on both sides of the restaurant. Enjoy contemporary Thai inspired dishes in an opulent but comfortable setting, with dramatic views out over the castle and over the Firth of Forth and Fife beyond. In terms of impressive vistas, Chaophraya has pretty much cornered the market.
Samphire @ Orocco Pier
So technically this one isn’t in Edinburgh itself, but it still offers iconic views in a classy setting, and is not far away from the city at all. Orocco Pier in South Queensferry has for a long time been a standard excursion for those looking for good seafood and even better views. Just a short train ride away, the Samphire restaurant at Orocco Pier observes the Firth of Forth and the incredible architectural feats of the Forth Bridges. Now there is soon to be another bridge added to the outlook, it makes the short trip even more worth while! There aren’t many more spots as fitting as this to enjoy a dish of fresh Scottish oysters from.
