Help inviting mom out for a fancy dinner in Edinburgh + vintage clothing

This place - Purslane is my favourite casual fine dining restaurant in Edinburgh. It's in Stockbridge which a very nice (and trendy) part of Edinburgh. There are several vintage stores there too - have a look on google and you'll see several pop up. There are also some good charity shops. It's an affluent area so the donated stuff can be very good indeed.

I used to shop at Armstrong's on the Grassmarket for vintage clothes when I lived in Edinburgh- it's quite big and has a wide selection.

My favourite place to eat in Edinburgh is Howie's (which has a few locations) which I think could qualify as semi-fancy. We also had a really nice meal at Fishers in the City in the New Town on a recent visit.

I'll second Cat's recommendation of Howie's. We enjoyed dinner at their Waterloo location in 2023. No jacket required.

My son is a university student in Edinburgh and he only wears used clothes these days. He tells me that Armstrongs is really good (already mentioned above). He also says that there are good shops along Leith. I can try to get more specifics.

+1 for Howie's Waterloo Place, my second home when visiting Edinburgh. :)

Another semi-fancy restaurant I enjoyed there was Cote Brasserie, on Frederick Street in the New Town.

If you're heading out to Leith for vintage shopping (or to see the royal boat), the Port of Leith Distillery has nice food and drinks with crazy views over the harbor. Also in Leith but without the views is The Little Chartroom. I haven't eaten there but enjoyed a delicious brunch next door at the affiliated Ardfern.

Another vote here for Howies. A negative vote for Fishers in the City. Other good choices include Rollo's, The Tollhouse, Scran & Scallie and Bread Street (although many people think Gordon Ramsay restaurants are overpriced, I disagree in this case).

The Dome is a gorgeous restaurant that gets excellent reviews, though I've not eaten there. But it's certainly a special occasion environment, yet with reasonable prices. Vintage seems fitting for The Dome.

It's actually relatively difficult to get a bad meal in Edinburgh.

Howie’s (the one below Calton Hill) gets another thumbs up from me.Always reliable and a nice ambience inside, attractive dining room.
I’ve only eaten once at The Dome and it was good but check the most recent reviews (though I don’t always have great faith in those either…food is such a personal preference) - but for sheer wow factor, it’s the business.

I need to add The Herringbone at the corner of South Trinity and Ferry Roads. It's outstanding, and it's reasonably priced. (Not the one on London Road; it's a bar, and it's crap.)

ETA: Bistro COCO in New Town. It's exceptional.

Fancy restaurants I ate at in Edinburgh (besides the aforementioned Howie’s)… I found all of them in the RS guidebook.

The Wedgewood - seafood and other things
Le Bistrot - very good French food
The Lighthouse - high tea (a splurge but fun, and plenty of food)

Everyone, so sorry for the late respons! Thank you soo much for all your recommendations! I think i'll go with Howie's and try some of the other suggestions on the remaining days. Again - thanks! If you have any other advice for visiting Edinburgh, please let me know. I'd really appreciate it.

@Skyegirl thanks! Ill look up Purslane. Stockbridge isn't on the list, but perhaps we should see that part as well.

@Cat VH: Oh yes, i've seen Armstrongs. I looked at their instagram, but bit unsure if they have anything plus size. Howie's on the list! Looks like most recommend that.

@jeanm: Howie's it is!

@Emily: Yes please, thank you! I'm a bit unsure if Armstrongs have plus size clothing but i guess i'll see.

@NancyG: Uuh, i'll check oput Cote Brasserie. It sounds fancy! Thank you!

@G3rryCee: Thank you! I'll look into those places. Who dosen't love a view!

@jphbucks: Oh my, i think it's gonna be Howie's :D I have The Tollhouse on the list, but i'll check the other ones as well. We have five days in Edinburgh, so lots af time to try more places. Bistro COCO sounds like my alley.Thank yoou!

@scotlandmac: Oh that's good to hear! I'll make sure to write Howie's on Calton hill on the note. We do like a wow factor, that's for sure! Thank you.

@CindyB: I'll be sure to check these out, thank you!

Howie's takes online reservations. Enjoy your trip with your mother!

Thank you jeanm! Really looking forward to it!

I hate to post this, but I need to. Went to Howies last night and had a very disappointing experience. I think they're reading their press clippings.

Bistro COCO is my new go-to in Edinburgh. Outstanding.

Sorry to hear that, jphbucks, but I wouldn’t give up on Howies just yet. Any restaurant can have an off night.

Not surprised to hear that you like Bistro Coco—that’s the place that opened in the space formerly occupied by Educated Flea, where I had a couple of wonderful dinners. The chef is the same, and he is also the owner of this newish spot.

Oh sorry to hear jphbucks. Which one did you go to? Will def. try Bistro COCO then!

Vintageme, we were at the Waterloo Place Howies location. There was nothing outrageously bad, just everything was mediocre.

In addition to Bistro COCO, Rocco is another place where we had excellent food. Don't discount it.

Sometime I hope to try Martin Wishart, even though it's Michelin starred. But the menu just looks so doggone delicious.

Martin Wishart and The Kitchin both with Michelin stars and both in Leith are indeed excellent. However, I have to say that I still prefer Purslane

Also try a.nice lunch or.afternoon tea on the Royal Yacht Is a great experience we thought.