(1A Alva Street in Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

Named after its address, there’s no excuse for not finding this sophisticated stone-floored “cellar”... restaurant. A reception desk leads to a smart lounge area off which is a long room divided into cosy booths. The Gaudiesque space then opens up into a maze of plush purple and chocolate brown-coloured sections and rooms, culminating in a small plant-filled conservatory. Menus change monthly and punch well above their weight in terms of presentation and quality. Superb seasonal dishes such as the bestselling filo basket of spicy haggis, and chargrilled chicken in peppercorn sauce are all the more impressive for their low prices. As much as possible - desserts and warm crusty bread included - is made on the premise. Very popular with West End professionals. Fine food and atmosphere, without the faff. Please be aware there may be a time limit on your table for Friday & Saturday bookings. A credit card is required for bookings of 8 or more people. A deposit of £5.00 per person will be taken and will be kept if the booking is cancelled less than 7 days in advance. Opening hours: Mon - Sun 12pm - 3pm & 5:30pm - 10pm [moreless]

(208 Bruntsfield Place in Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

Popular urban village chain Howies is known for its unpretentious, inexpensive Scottish food. So if ...you’re looking for a bargain meal in modern, atmospheric surroundings, head here. What was once a grand Georgian bank is now a very relaxed restaurant serving a down-to-earth mix of families, twenty and thirtysomething locals and business people. Some rather beautiful original features remain in the half-moon space, perhaps most notably the walnut wall paneling, imposing pillars and wooden counter, now the bar. There’s lots of light and colour. Fixed price menus change monthly and always have a free-range chicken main dish, two read meats, two fish and two veggie options. Dessert is no contest: go for the house banoffee pie. It rocks. Please be aware there may be a time limit on your table during Friday and Saturday night bookings. Opening hours: Mon - Fri 12pm - 2:30pm & 6pm - 10pmSat & Sun 12pm - 3:30pm & 6pm - 10pm [moreless]

(10-14 Victoria Street in Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

A stroll from both the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket, Howies is a favourite among Edinburgh familie...s, shoppers, business people and tourists alike. Part of a thriving chain of acclaimed restaurants, this branch is characteristically modern and atmospheric; popular for quick lunches by day, and leisurely candlelit dinners by night. Blood-red walls are hung with Van Gogh-style art, while the floor is filled with slightly rustic tables. It’s not dark though; large windows see to that. Howies well deserves its reputation for fine dining on a budget. Fixed price menus mean you never have to pay more than £10 for a delicious Modern Scottish lunch, or £17 for dinner. Menus change monthly and always have a strong selection of seasonal meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. Superb puddings. Please be aware there may be a time limit on tables booked for Friday and Saturday. Also they do not take any reservations at 8pm on these days. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS VENUE DOES NOT ACCEPT HEN OR STAG PARTIES This branch of Howies is open all day during Edinburgh Festival. Opening hours: Mon - Sun 12pm - 2:30pm & 6pm - 10pm [moreless]

(29 Waterloo Place in Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

The concept behind the thriving group of Howies restaurants is "fine food without the faff." Can’t g...o wrong with that, can you? This particular venue occupies a gorgeous 200-year old Georgian building at the East End of Princes Street and reliably serves up the classic Howies mix of a laidback atmosphere and quality, good-value cooking served by very friendly staff in a bright, light surrounding. A three-course lunch will set you back around a tenner, and dinner under £20. Favourite dinner dishes include Scotch steak, and salmon. Snacks and drinks are served from 10am everyday. Who goes here? Mainly business folk, local MSPs and young professionals. Please be aware there may be a time limit on your table for Friday and Saturday bookings. Opening hours: Mon - Sun 12pm - 2:30pm & 5:30pm - 10:30pm [moreless]

(15-19 Jeffrey Street in Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

Located just off The Royal Mile, in the heart of Edinburgh's old town, Iggs boasts an elegant dining... room and first class cuisine. An exciting fusion of Scottish and Spanish flavours ensure that Iggs ranks among the capital's most popular establishments. Opening hours: Opening Hours Lunch: Monday - Saturday 12 noon - 2.30pm Dinner: Monday - Saturday 6.00pm - 10.30pm Tapas at Barioja, Monday - Saturday 11.00am - late Open All Year Sample Dinner menu: Sample Menu: Starter: Salmon Tartare with a Shot of Gazpacho Risotto of Squid on its own Ink and Ribbons of Courgettes Main Course: Fillet of Seabass, Celeriac Purée, Braised Fennel, Cherry Tomatoes with a Fine Herb Froth Chargrilled Tuna, New Potatoes, Tomatoes, Black Olive, Caper and Nut Brown Butter Manchego Gnocchi with Mild Mushroom and Spinach Cream Sauce Dessert: Ponche Praline Bombe with Orange Syrup Espresso Catalan Cream with Pistachio Galleta [moreless]

(47a Thistle Street in Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

Tucked away on Thistle Street, Iris has been a welcome addition to the Edinburgh restaurant scene. T...his chic little bistro - with its designer wallpaper, banquette seating and rough stone walls – has an intimate, cosmopolitan vibe, and is popular with a discreet and sophisticated creative crowd. The modern European menu is guaranteed to impress, we love the roast duck breast with fresh raspberries and Drambuie; chicken supreme stuffed with langoustines served with a garlic and herb buerre blanc; and the roasted quail with spicy potatoes served with an orange and rocket salad. Ideal for stylish working lunches, and informal evening meals, Iris also has an extensive wine list with up to 17 bottles for under £20. Opening hours: Mon - Sun 12pm - 11pm Iris is a new addition to the Edinburgh restaurant scene and is located in Thistle Street. [moreless]

(325 - 331 Leith Walk in Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

La Favorita Restaurant, nestled in the bustling Leith Walk, is known to many locals as the best pizz...eria in Edinburgh. With its bright, fuss-free dining room, friendly Italian staff and award-winning pizzas, it’s easy to see why. The restaurant is family-friendly, with a resident balloon-bending clown on hand at weekends, and birthday cakes at the ready. Favourites from the wood-fired ovens include the Fiorentina pizza with spinach and egg, the Viennese pizza with pork sausage and sliced potatoes and the folded calzones with spicy salami. The ice cream stand is well-stocked whatever the season, and La Favorita’s famous tiramisu, big enough to share, is not to be missed. Opening hours: Mon - Sun 12pm - 11pm La Favorita and its owner Tony Crolla were honoured in 2005 with an award from the Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association. [moreless]

(11 Jackson's Entry, 111 Holyrood Road in Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

This rather chic Thai is tucked away between the Tun and Pizza Express at the bottom of Holyrood Roa...d, which means it's often packed with parliamentarians and journalists at lunchtime, and quieter in the evenings. Its modern look matches its name – fresh, bright and garden-like with pots of ferns and bamboos and colourful paintings. Seating is either at long rows of teak tables along or in hideaway sofa booths in the large bar area. Generous portions are presented for sharing. Neatly divided, the menu is big so to help you choose may we recommend the beef rendang curry, and the really good scallop curry from the seafood specialties list. A small selection of desserts including a wonderfully exotic fresh fruit salad. Super friendly service. Please note - this restaurant does not take lunchtime bookings from toptable. Opening hours: Mon - Sat 12pm - 2pm and 6pm - 10pm [moreless]

(1 Tower Place, Leith in Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

In the lively, bohemian Port of Leith, Malmaison Brasserie reigns supreme as a superlative place to ...meet and eat. The highly chic Art Nouveau French brasserie has sleek, stylish decor and actual port views. The staff are passionate about food, wine and service, and the dining room is lit with that brasserie buzz. Malmaison Executive Chef, Roy Brett has overall direction. What's cooking? Inspiration is taken from great 'French brasserie-style dishes' and further enhanced with a unique contemporary twist. Dishes include char-grilled ribeye with cafe de paris butter and fine beans and salmon fishcake with parsley sauce and buttered spinach. For those of you with a sweet tooth, be sure to try the tarte tartin with creme chantilly. Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 10am, 12pm - 2:30pm & 6pm - 11pmSat: 8am - 10.30am, 12pm - 2:30pm & 6pm - 11pmSun: 8 - 10:30am, 12pm - 2:30pm & 6pm - 10pm [moreless]

(17 Merchant Street in Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, and only a stone's throw away from historic Greyfriar'...s Churchyard and the Grassmarket, Merchants is one of the city's most established and popular restaurants. Here you'll find classic Scottish fare presented with flair and imagination, prepared with the freshest produce and accompanied by the finest wines. Opening hours: Lunch: Monday - Friday 12noon to 2pm *Last orders Dinner: Monday - Saturday 6pm - 10pm * last orders Early evening suppers available from 5:30pm to 7:00pm Bookings required Sample Lunch menu: Sample Lunch Menu 2 courses £10.95 3 courses £12.95 Soup of the Day Smoked Salmon 'I'imbale filled with a light Fish Mousse enhanced with a Horseradish Cream Course Duck Terrine set on an Orange Chutney cordoned with a traditional Cumberland Dressing Ratatouille Tartlet topped with melted Mozzarella served with a Pesto Dressing Traditional Prawn Cocktail _____________________ Speciality Succulent Aberdeen Angus Sirloin Steak served with a rich Brandy and Black Peppercorn Sauce £3.95 supplement _____________________ Breast of Guinea Fowl served with a Smoked Bacon and Mushroom Sauce Roast Lamb served with a Red Wine and Wild Berry Jus Pan fried Fillet of Salmon served with a Lemon and Caper Butter Tagliatelli served with Wild Mushrooms, Chilli and fresh Herbs topped with Parmesan Shavings The above to be served with a medley of Vegetables ______________________ Dessert of the House ______________________ Fresh Ground Coffee and Mints £1.50 Sample Dinner menu: Sample Dinner Menu 2 courses £22.50 3 courses £26.50 Chef's Soup of the day Breast of Quail set on bed of Mash served with a rich Onion Gravy Fresh Asparagus Spears served warm with Lemon Hollandaise topped with Parmesan Shavings Sautee of King Scallops and Spanish Black Pudding served with an Orange Butter Sauce Highland Game Terrine served with an Onion and Sauternes Chutney Filo Pastry Pacrcel filled with Haggis set on creamed "Neeps" cordoned with a Whisky Jus _____________________ Succulent medallions of Angus Beef Fillet topped with crumbed Stilton and a rich Red Wine Sauce Sliced Breast of Duck served with a Rhubarb and fresh Ginger Sauce T Bone of Veal served with a Lemon and Caper Butter Pan seared Fillet of Seabass served with a Soya and Spring Onion Glaze Breast of Pheasant wrapped in Ayrshire Bacon served with a White Onion Cream Sauce Aubergine Slipper filled with Sundried Tomatoes and Mozzarella cordoned with a light Cheese Sauce The above are served with a medley of Vegetables ______________________ Dessert of the House or Cheeseboard Selection (£2.95 supplement) ______________________ Fresh Ground Coffee and Petit Fours £1.50 [moreless]