Good grub in Edinburgh

The Rough Guide To Scotland has an excellent list of places to eat and drink. If you are a reader Alexander McCall-Smith's Scotland Street series can give you the good places to eat, drink, and shop. Ian Rankin's John Rebus novels aare another source of local Edinburgh lore.

Sarah, Depending on what type of "grub" you're interested in, the Pubs are good for simple meals (along with a pint of course). A couple of Pubs you could consider are Sandy Bell's or Greyfriars Bobby's. I had a really nice dinner at an Italian restaurant in Edinburgh. As I recall it wasn't too far off the Royal Mile. It might have been Ciao Roma but I'd have to check my notes. Happy travels!

Hi Sarah, For something slightly upscale, but not really, you could try: Howie's restaurants. There are two locations in Edinburgh. The one I visited is the Waterloo location, kitty-corner across the street from the Balmoral Hotel (near the base of Calton Hill). Enjoy your vacation.

Had two FABULOUS meals at the Olive Branch.

Sarah Burger King downtown-not kidding. There is a reason why the Scots are the heaviest drinkers in the world. I do think there are some nice restaurants for seafood in Leith-but really don`t remember anything else as passable when we were there 4 years ago. Hopefully its gotten better-but definitely be prepared to pay for better quality food. Alcohol is reasonable though. Mike DC

Try the Mussel Inn in New Town for sea food. It's great. If you want more upscale, Creelers on The Royal Mile is excellent as Fisher's again in New Town. They served an Arbroath Smokie that was fantastic! More sea food at The Shore in Leith if you're down that way. Also, Edinburgh has lots of international food--Italian, Turkish, Spanish tapas etc. And of course, curry. I'd ask at your B&B for local recs. I haven't eaten at Sandy's Bells, but I've enjoyed an ale or two there and they have live music. Here's a link to the NY Times restaurant listings. It's got all the expensive ones too. Someday I'm eating at the Witchery. ; ) http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/europe/britain/scotland/edinburgh/restaurant-listings.html?&pg=1

Clarinda's Tea room if you're near the bottom of the Royal Mile and need a little something to get you to the top. Someone reccommended we stay away from Deacon Brodies but we liked it anyroad and The Witchery.

Have to mention First Coast on Dalry Road near Haymarket Station, It was a gem that I found at the end of a wet day. Fireplace, warm, delicious food; excellent service!

You can have tea or lunch on the Royal Britannia-very nice and the yacht is definitely worth a visit. We also enjoyed the Witchery for lunch.