Edinburgh has an incredible dining scene that showcases unique restaurants for all types of occasions. From fine dining gems to cool hotspots, if you’re looking for the perfect date night venue, the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh offer a memorable dining experience.
Tap into your Scottish roots with an elegant whisky bar serving hearty haggis burgers and locally caught haddock and chips, or take a romantic culinary tour of the Highlands at a historic Edinburgh townhouse restaurant that specialises in Scottish Grouse and pheasant. There’s a flower-strewn indoor garden with a lively cocktail bar, a Japanese restaurant serving showstopping sushi and sashimi with sake pairings, and a gourmet steakhouse offering premium dry-aged beef that’s butchered in-house.
Make your next date night one to remember. Book your table at the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh on OpenTable now.
Read on for the 12 most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh to book ASAP
For exclusive Scottish-inspired menus at one of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh – head to The Court in New Town
The Court in Edinburgh is a refined dining destination that blends modern Scottish cuisine with international influences in a sophisticated yet inviting setting, making it one of the city’s top romantic restaurants for a special evening out. Highlights from the menu include the roast cod loin served with pancetta and a Marsala wine jus, as well as the 20-hour braised oxtail paired with butter mash and wilted greens. Starters such as the kedgeree, featuring smoked haddock, spring onion, peas, and a poached hen’s egg, offer a contemporary twist on traditional flavours. For dessert, the invisible sticky toffee pudding with miso toffee and whisky ice cream is an indulgent favourite. Paired with an excellent selection of cocktails, craft beers, and wines, The Court promises a memorable dining experience in the heart of the city.
For sensational small plates at one of Edinburgh’s best romantic restaurants – book a table at The Black Grape in The Royal Mile
Set within a stylish and contemporary space, The Black Grape in Edinburgh is a vibrant dining destination known for its eclectic small plates and expertly crafted cocktails. Drawing on global influences, the menu offers something for every palate, with standout dishes such as the harissa-spiced lamb cutlets, seared scallops with pea purée, and the signature truffle and Parmesan fries. Perfect for sharing, the diverse selection encourages a sociable dining experience, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed date night. The drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring creative signature cocktails like the blackberry and thyme spritz, alongside an extensive wine list. With its lively atmosphere, chic interiors, and emphasis on bold flavours, The Black Grape is one of Edinburgh’s top romantic restaurants for a fun and memorable evening.
For delicious dry-aged steaks at one of Edinburgh’s most romantic restaurants – visit Chop House Market Street in Edinburgh
Built inside a historic archway and offering up a selection of stunning dry-aged beef, Chop House Market Street in Edinburgh is a must-visit for meat lovers. Inspired by traditional British chop houses serving premium meat cuts butchered in-house, Chop House Market Street is a cross between a steak restaurant and an elite cocktail bar. The menu features high-quality British produce, such as the 500g Châteaubriand to share or the 250g fillet steak. Beef cuts are aged in-house for at least 35 days and then cooked to perfection over the restaurant’s charcoal grill. The grilled steak burger is also a big hit, as is the BBQ lobster served with herby fries. Signature cocktails include a spicy Scotch Bonnet margarita and a prosecco mojito. The trendy nightlife vibe and great city views make this one of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh for a fun date night.
For a chic garden-party vibe at one of the best date night restaurants in Edinburgh – don’t miss Copper Blossom in Edinburgh
Beautiful natural decor and elegant dining combine at Copper Blossom – one of the best romantic restaurants in Edinburgh for a truly charming date. The dining room is filled with stunning flower arrangements and has plenty of natural light for a sunny, garden-party feel. You can also sit outside and enjoy nature on the gorgeously floral terrace. The food here is ideal for sharing, with the small plate menu featuring dishes like crispy duck spring rolls and sticky pork belly lettuce wraps. If you’re in the mood for a hearty main, try the bacon cheeseburger or the chicken Milanese. Summery gin cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to a get-to-know-you date. Meanwhile, the weekend brunch menu offers classic combos, like eggs benedict with an Aperol spritz or smashed avocado crumpet with a mixed berry mocktail. The bar is open until late every day, giving the restaurant a buzzy yet relaxed vibe.
For locally sourced Scottish steak for two – head to Forage and Chatter in Edinburgh
Forage and Chatter boasts a truly unique concept, by using locally foraged ingredients and herbs, the restaurant is also known for its attentive front-of-house team and was awarded Best Service by Restaurant Guru in 2023. The menu is small but inviting, with standout dishes like the beef tartare and mushroom starter and the hake and mussel main served with cauliflower and parsley blanc. Finish your meal off with some delicious Scottish cheese served with chutney. Forage and Chatter’s location in Edinburgh’s fashionable West End gives it an upmarket vibe while still feeling relaxed and welcoming. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s one of Edinburgh’s most romantic restaurants to visit if you share a passion for high-quality and sustainably sourced food.
For a high-end surf ‘n’ turf experience at one of the best romantic restaurants in Edinburgh – try Kyloe Gourmet Steak Restaurant in West End
Kyloe Gourmet Steak Restaurant in the West End is a premium steakhouse that works with farms and butchers to source the absolute best in high-quality meat. The restaurant ethos is based around supporting regional businesses and using sustainable ingredients to maximise flavour in the kitchen. Popular steak options include a choice of rumps, fillets, and rib eyes with a selection of sauces. Meanwhile, the cut-of-the-day option gives you a choice of premium Aberdeen Angus steak or succulent British wagyu. Make your date extra special with an oyster platter starter followed by a dreamy châteaubriand for two. Kyloe Gourmet Steak Restaurant also offers a premium wine list, with a global selection of fine vintages. The classic steakhouse vibe is intimate and timeless, making it one of the best romantic restaurants in Edinburgh for an anniversary dinner or a special date.
For one of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh for shareable tapas and sangria – head to La Casa Leith in Leith Walk
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If you love traditional Mediterranean food, La Casa Leith in Leith Walk is the perfect date night spot for you. La Casa is family-owned and has a friendly, local feel that brings a little taste of Spain to Edinburgh. The menu is based around Spanish tapas-style dining designed to share and mix and match. It’s one of Edinburgh’s best romantic restaurants if you prefer to try a variety of different dishes when you eat out. Caprese salad made with sweet tomatoes and salty mozzarella and drizzled with olive oil is a great cold option. Meanwhile, the pan-fried chorizo sausage and the spinach and feta filo pastry blend Spanish-style dining with Greek Mediterranean influences. A jug of sangria to share is the perfect accompaniment. The Mediterranean flavours, rustic decor, and traditional Spanish bar tiles will make you feel like you’ve been transported to sunnier climes – if just for the night.
For a French fine dining date after a romantic stroll in Edinburgh’s beautiful Old Town – visit La Garrigue in Old Town
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French restaurants know how to do romance, and La Garrigue in Edinburgh Old Town is no exception. The menu is inspired by traditional southern French cooking and specialises in recipes from the Languedoc region. The menu du jour is seasonal and changes regularly, while the à la carte menu features dishes like roquefort cheese soufflé and the confit duck and lingot bean cassoulet. To finish your meal, try a French cheese plate supplied by renowned Scottish cheese experts I. J. Mellis. You can also enjoy a double espresso with a splash of brandy as a digestif. As well as brilliant food, La Garrigue has an impressive wine cellar, full of excellent vintages from the Languedoc region. The relaxed, smart casual vibe here is perfect for a leisurely lunch date.
For an anniversary or a romantic milestone at one of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh – don’t miss No11 in New Town
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If you’re celebrating a special anniversary and want to pull out all the stops, No11 in New Town is a sophisticated fine dining spot that ticks all the boxes. Scottish classics on the menu include cock-a-leekie soup served with fresh, crusty bread and a Highland beef fillet served with langoustines. The smoked grouse breast with haggis and butternut squash, meanwhile, harks back to classic Highland cuisine. No11’s wine list features a global selection of premium vintages to accompany your meal. You can also toast your date with a bottle of high-end French champagne. Located inside a historic Georgian townhouse, No11 is one of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh if you’re looking for a truly luxurious dining experience.
For Scot’s whisky at one of the best Scottish restaurants in Edinburgh – try Whiski Rooms in Old Town
In the bustling Royal Mile area of Old Town, Whiski Rooms is one of Edinburgh’s best romantic restaurants for whisky lovers. Working with local suppliers to source the freshest seasonal ingredients, the restaurant’s kitchen team is committed to serving premium Scottish cuisine. Try the breaded local haddock with chips and mushy peas and the haggis burger made with local beef. Round things off with the Whiski Rooms’ famous sticky toffee pudding with salted caramel sauce. The menu offers whisky pairing suggestions from the bar’s 300-bottle stash for each course. Meanwhile, the stag motif and wood panel decor give you a taste of lordly Scottish elegance.
For one of the best date night restaurants in Edinburgh for sushi and teppanyaki – don’t miss Yamato in Edinburgh
If sampling some traditional Japanese food sounds like your ideal date night, Yamato is the place to go. The restaurant focuses on serving beautifully presented Japanese dishes, from sashimi with local Scottish seafood, salmon and hand-dived scallops, to sushi classics, like a dragon roll filled with avocado and tempura prawns or snow crab nigiri. Don’t miss the teppanyaki specialities, like yellowtail cheek or sirloin steak, cooked on a traditional iron griddle, as well as the house specials such as the sake marinated fried chicken. Share a bottle of premium sake with your meal, or sip on Japanese beers. The stunning presentation of each dish speaks to Japan’s precise and world-famous dining culture, while the sleek, modern decor makes this one of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh for fans of global cuisine.
For showstopping shellfish with champagne – try Café Royal in Edinburgh
Café Royal is an oyster bar that serves a fantastic range of shellfish and traditional Scottish dishes, with a focus on sourcing premium, local produce. Located inside an elegant Victorian building, this stylish gastro pub is one of the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh thanks to its ornate decor. If you love shellfish, a platter of Scottish rock oysters in mignonette sauce and seafood platters that features mussels, prawns, oysters, and soft-shell crab. Mussels in a white wine sauce are also a menu highlight. Diners who are more into the turf than the surf can go for Balmoral chicken with pepper sauce and mashed potatoes or a gamey venison haunch. Wash your oysters down with a glass of champagne or sample a local craft ale. The exquisite decor here is enhanced by ceramic murals painted by historic British artist John Eyre, lending the entire restaurant a sophisticated old-world feel.
Explore more of the best romantic restaurants in Edinburgh and book your next date night on OpenTable today.
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