MAYHEM

Hoot the Redeemer: Perennial favorite for it’s basement bar imaginative vibes and mixology cocktails (and ice cream machine!)

Panda and Sons: One of the literal best bars in the world hidden in a panda themed barbershop. It will make sense once you go.

The Virgin Hotel Bar: Excellent interior design, but without the service to match.

NOSH

Baba: Lebanese small plates that are hit or miss on flavor in a loud environment.

Brasserie Prince: Hotel Balmoral’s casual outpost of bistro classics frequented by well-heeled older tourists.

Chaophraya: Upmarket Thai with a covered terrace featuring unrivaled castle views. Go for sunset!

Cote: French chain featuring bistro classics a la carte and in set menus.

Cucina: The hotel restaurant of G&V Royal Mile with delicious food, even if it is quiet.

Dishoom: Delightful Indian small plates for those who don’t love Indian. Does not take reservations and often sees long lines outside.

Divino: Excellent Italian in a tucked away location just off of the tourist main.

El Cartel: Tacos and small plates in a smaller spot in the middle of New Town.

Fishers In the City: Seafood-centric menu for a more refined crowd. Hit or miss dishes.

Hawksmoor: Steak house staples with a small chain twist. Located in a former bank for a grand ambiance.

The Ivy: Reliable chain restaurant with an abundance of choices and special promotions.

Maison Bleue: French/North African fusion on a touristy street with excellent service in a romantic setting.

The Outsider: Romantic setting with some castle views. Extensive menu, but specialization in moules frites. Most amusing wine menu on earth.

Rabble Taphouse & Grill: Trying hard to be trendy with price tags and lagging service to match.

Radici: Stockbridge Italian with a cozy vibe and delicious dishes.

Red Squirrel: Bustling, yet cozy pub with large wine pours and burgers that do the trick on a rainy night.

Tattu: A wonderland of theatrical culinary courses with an atmosphere to match.

Tigerlily: New town standard to see and be seen with a mish mash of a menu.

Wedgewood: High end tasting menu with private rooms for groups. Excellent.

SNOOZE

Cheval, The Edinburgh Grand: Posh apartments (some with massive terraces) turned hotel in New Town. Situated in the same building as great restaurants and a gym.

The George: Purported upmarket hotel with a beautifully decorated lobby and exceptionally noisy rooms.

G&V Royal Mile: Former Missoni hotel in the thick of Old Town tourism. Nice rooms and service.

Hotel Indigo: A literary themed sleep with an excellent proximity for shopping and the train.

Kimpton Charlotte Square: Reliable Kimpton quirkiness in repurposed townhouses.

Motel One Princes Street: Basic accommodations across from the train station.

Nira Caledonia: Pretty townhouse with small rooms in a far flung location to the central city.

Sheraton Grand: A corporate standard that has declined over the years with a lively bar.