These are Edinburgh's most talked about bars, cafes and restaurants from the last 12 months.
We took a look back at all the different food and drink spots in Edinburgh that have been in the news over this year, and with the St James Quarter opening it was a big year for the capital's foodie scene.
Taco Libre
The small and unassuming Mexican eatery is tucked away on the corner of Shandwick place and can only seat around ten to 15 covers at a time but the restaurant has taken the capital by storm. Receiving stellar reviews from food critics across the country Taco Libre is loved for it's authentic mouth watering dishes, unique interior and friendly staff. Plus, the prices don't break the bank either.
Civerinos on the Prom
Opening in April this year the popular pizza spot was the fifth restaurant opened by the brand this time in found Michele Civiera's home neighbourhood Portobello. Differing from the city centre locations Civerinos on the Prom is kitted out with deckchairs on the sand and campfires making it one of the most unique settings in the city for a slice.
Bonnie and Wild
Possibly one of the most anticipated arrivals to come to the capital Bonnie and Wild opened up in the St James Quarter earlier this year. Located on the fourth floor of the shopping centre, the restaurant is branded as a Scottish food market place. The eatery has a large number of covers, plush bar and all sorts of different food stalls. Customers can order from wherever they choose and will be given a buzzer to collect the food when it's ready. The variety includes seafood, gourmet burgers, Chinese cuisine and more.
The Alchemist
Another hot spot to come to the capital this year also located in the St James Quarter is the Alchemist. With their impressive instagrammable cocktails complete with dry ice and a touch of magic and their delicious Asian fusion food menu the Alchemist is perfect for dinner and drinks.
Shrimp Wreck
Portobello locals have been spoilt for new additions this year with the Shrimp Wreck also coming to the promenade. The seafood shack is located right on the beach and has a newly opened seating area to shelter from the strong sea breeze. The instant hit offers seafood chowder, fish finger sarnies, lobster rolls, and shrimps of course! Sadly the new addition was robbed less than two months after opening but have recovered since and received an overwhelming amount of support from the community.
Down the Hatch
Down the Hatch has hit the headlines time and time again this year due to their quirky collaborations and mouth watering burgers. Collabs so far include Daddy Rack Tennesse Whiskey and Bross Bagels. Revellers also went wild for the Canadian diners take on the iconic Scots munchie box at the start of the year and they often come up with fresh takes on Scottish favourites.
Bross Bagels
Another popular spot in the city with Canadian roots that has become something of an institution and an Edinburgh Live favourite. With multiple spots across the city the bagel bar has had pop ups outside the St James Quarter and Leith Arches as well as their stores in Leith, Bruntsfield, Portobello and Stockbridge. Who can resist a Big Apple with melting cheese, pastrami and pickles.
Six by Nico
Staying on our top list after making it through lockdown with Six by Nico at home many Edinburgh locals were ecstatic go back in for the real deal. The immersive dining experience features a tasting menu centred around a theme and wine paired with each course. If you haven't been yet Six by Nico is a immersive fine dining experience in the heart of the New Town. Perfect for catching up with friends over eight courses in the new year.
Chez Jules
A couple of doors down Chez Jules is another Hanover Street hot spot known for the brilliant value three-course lunch menu for just £9.90. The French Bistro caused a stir last year with their protests outside parliament and after running a takeaway through lockdown also remains a firm favourite for locals across the city. The French onion soup and Steak Frites with peppercorn sauce is a delicious combination and perfect for a quick bite to eat after shopping in town.
El Perro Negro
This year the capital was finally treated to our own El Perro Negro after it opened up in Bonnie and Wild. The popular burger bar took Glasgow by storm and has won best burger in the UK two years in a row for the sublime Top Dog Burger. Head down to El Perro Negro in the new year to get a taste of the juicy signature burger with indulgent combinations such as bone marrow butter and Roquefort sauce. You won't be disappointed we promise.
Thai Express
Thai Express is another popular chain to choose Edinburgh to open its first Scottish location. The stylish diner features a double decker bus and booth seating for a seriously cool setting to enjoy lunch. The chain is known for its ethos of quick, fresh, Thai cuisine cooked in front of your very eyes.
Blossom Tree Cafe
Joining the list of successful Edinburgh restaurants expanding this year us Blossom Tree Cafe in Currie as the well-loved cafe opened their second spot in the Gyle Centre. The cute diner is known for its real home baking and comfort foods.
The Palmerston
Breathing new life into the location that was once Cafe Noir on the corner of Palmerston Place, The Palmerston has been a popular arrival to the Haymarket area. The stunning interior is an ideal setting for the skilled and divine cuisine served. It's only been open a couple of months but The Palmerston has already been named by the National Geographic as one of Edinburgh's top restaurants.
Laila Edinburgh
The stunning city centre location stands out on historic Cockburn Street with its adorable pastel pink exterior. It's one of the most instagramable cafes known for its delicious brunch menu and quirky coffees. Its a hot spot with tourists, locals and foodies with thousands of tags on TikTok and Instagram of diners enjoying the Old Town Cafe.
The Cocktail Mafia
Edinburgh isn't short of hidden gems and boutique bars but there is always room for another one. The Cocktail Mafia tucked away on Charlotte Lane has a vast and varied menu of divine cocktails and even non-alcoholic ones too. Described as a "playground for your senses" the cocktail bar opened just weeks ago. Those with a good eye for detail will notice a familiar looking style as the bar was designed by bespoke Edinburgh interior design studio Ja Coco.
Casablanca
An addition to popular House of Gods hotel and bar on Cowgate sister spot Casablanca was another addition to the city's food and drink scene in 2021. Located just next door Casablanca has the same exclusive indulgent style with elegant interiors that are made for misbehaving.
Bread Street Kitchen
Gordon Ramsay opened up his first restaurant in the capital this year. The 7000 square ft eatery is located in St Andrews Square and has had some brilliant reviews so far. Locals were divided over the prices as the Kitchen Nightmare chef was charging an eye watering £16.50 for fish and chips. However Edinburgh foodies have raved over the posh take on comfort food classics.
Aurora
Tucked away on Great Junction Street Aurora remains one of Edinburgh's best kept secrets. The intimate dining experience only seats 18 and offers a six course tasting menu (alongside bread and petit fours) with the option of an additional cheese course. You can select a vegetarian option but other than that you are in for a total surprise. Aurora first opened in 2017 and was named “Best Newcomer” at the Edinburgh Restaurant Awards that year. If you haven't been already its a must visit for 2022.
Butta Burger
After such a tough couple of years for hospitality it is really encouraging to see so many popular Edinburgh restaurants branching out with second locations and Butta Burger is another to add to this list. The eatery create their burgers from 'the finest dry aged scotch beef', with all the their cuts aged for 35+ days which 'adds a real depth of flavour'. It's no surprise this popular burger joint is already on their second location.
Johnnie Walker Visitor Centre
Technically not a bar or restaurant but there is one inside boasting stunning rooftop views of the city the Johnnie Walker Visitor Centre located in the old House of Fraser building on Princes Street is one of the capital's most talked about arrivals this year. Although marketed as a tourist attraction, locals have loved the whiskey experience for one of Scotland's most iconic brands. The centre has the Bothy Bar and the 1820 Rooftop Bar which both offer bespoke cocktails. A lively and welcome addition to Edinburgh's West End.
Here at Edinburgh Live we can't wait to see what's in store for the city's vibrant food and drink scene in 2022. If you think we've missed any top spots out that deserve a mention let us know in the comments.
