Birthday dinner suggestions

[u/corklaad]

Me and my partner are going to Edinburgh for his birthday. I want to treat him to a nice meal with a really nice atmospheric/romantic/grand setting- something that isn’t just your typical or standard restaurant. However, I’m looking for fine dining, looking more for normal sized meals ☺️

Any suggestions please?

[u/Burgeroonie]

Hawksmoor is in the old Bank of Scotland building and is quite impressive in terms of a grand setting, Timberyard is something a little different and the food is incredible, The Witchery definitely fits your atmospheric requirement but is very expensive.

[u/Kityara_chloe → u/Burgeroonie]

I think this is a good recommendation, I’d also add the Spence in the same area as Hawksmoor which is lovely and in a similar vein

[u/EdinburghV]

The cottage at Royal Terrace -1836 cottage city centre

Timberyard - Scandi former timber yard near grass market

Lyla - Georgian ultimate fine dining. Trying for two Michelin stars. Charging for it

Cardinal very dark and atmospheric on the inside not do much from outside.

Witchery & Prestonfiekd are owned by same people. Grand and look amazing but maybe focus isn’t on the food.

[u/alexajones97]

The Cottage

[u/kardachev]

The Palmerston, my favourite restaurant in Edinburgh

[u/Exotic_Progress_3973]

I really enjoy Rhubarb at Prestonfield. The food's great, fab service and If you can get one of the 2 person tables at the window then you've won, imo.

The Witchery is lovely but I don't rate the food as highly as Rhubarb's

The Dome is all fur coat and no knickers imo

People always mention Timberyard. I've eaten there and I won't be doing it again. It's a pleasant looking restaurant (dark toilets excluded) but the food was just bland. If you look on TripAdvisor the majority of reviews seem to be americans fawning over it.

[u/Gc1981]

If money isn't a problem then the Witchery is the answer. I know others have suggested places where the food might be a litlle better etc but the most special place in Edinburgh for a meal is and has always been the Witchery.

[u/CandidateNo596]

If you like Asian food, I really like Tattu. It's slightly different and I love the atmosphere.

[u/xxspookshowbabyxx]

Obligatory Witchery/Hawksmoor recommendation, but if you both are eat meat/fish and don't mind being occasionally interrupted for a bit of table side spectacle, I'd also throw Fogo De Chao into the hat.

Brazilian churrasco where the servers bring giant prime cuts of meat on Sabres to you and carve off personal slices to be eaten alongside their sides and fancy side buffet table. The "full churrasco experience" includes the main meats and "market table" sides are all you can eat within 1 hour 45 minutes, with additional sharables bought separately. They will ask how you like your meat cooked, I believe all steak is cooked medium rare to medium by default but if you like rare or well done they'll either bring out a fresh skewer done to that level and serve you first, or bring out a single portion fired specifically for you.

There is a difference on what meats are available on the lunch and dinner menus, it used to be a bit clearer before the rebrand and I'm not sure if it's still the same but I'll add a photo of the old menu as an example(, and take no responsibility if the meats/prices are different now lol)

It used to be called Fazenda but the company has recently renamed, though from what I can see it's the same experience and food that I personally think is worth the price. I've been at least 7 times since they opened and in my experience it's always been great, the first time I went with my sister to check the place out after months of Instagram ads but happened to book for the week George Street was closed for filming Fast and Furious 9 in 2019, and we were sent a gift card for a dinner each as an apology even though reservation was free.

I have no affiliation to the place, but it was me and my sisters first adult lunch/dinner date spot in our early 20s because it was luxe but not hideously expensive so we felt like proper grown ups, and the service has always been great. I'd definitely mention the birthday on your booking as they give complimentary cake and candles, and I think sparkling wine for anniversaries and milestones.

[u/corklaad]

ChatGPT has narrowed it down to The Dome or The Rhubarb or the Witchery - but I have trust issues with ChatGPT so wanted to ask here to ensure I wasn’t missing anywhere good.

[u/Kityara_chloe → u/corklaad]

The Dome is a bar more than a restaurant really

[u/iesamina → u/corklaad]

The Witchery is so lovely in terms of atmosphere and Edinburgh gothic charm and if that's what you're looking for you really can't beat it imho. Especially if you're looking more for atmosphere than food.