WhirlyBird is the newest all‑day modern tavern to land on Victoria Street — a bright, beautifully designed café‑bar‑restaurant led by operator Ash Bairstow and chef Lucia Gregusova. With Scottish ingredients at its core, a clever drinks list and a relaxed Old Town atmosphere, it’s a polished newcomer bringing fresh energy to one of Edinburgh’s busiest streets.

The Hoxton Edinburgh has launched its new Hedonistic Brunch Series — a monthly celebration of exceptional wines, indulgent brunch dishes and laid‑back Sunday vibes. With Bellavista sparkling wines, an abundant Italian feast and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s one of the city’s most exciting new weekend rituals.

Set within the greenery of Royal Terrace Gardens, The Cottage is a historic Edinburgh landmark transformed into an intimate dining experience. With a faultless seasonal tasting menu, elegant wine pairings and a serene communal dining space, this new restaurant delivers one of the city’s most memorable meals.

Brasas is the fiery new chapter from The Peruvian at Edinburgh Street Food — a menu built on glowing coals, open flames and bold Peruvian flavour. Expect smoky rotisserie chicken, tender lomo saltado, and sides kissed by the grill. Carlo has taken ESF’s favourite Peruvian stall and turned the heat all the way up.

Dishoom Edinburgh is shining a golden spotlight on the short‑lived Alphonso mango season, offering six weeks of limited‑edition dishes and drinks that celebrate India’s most prized summer fruit. From mango kulfi to bowls of glistening Alphonso cubes with melting vanilla ice cream, this is sunshine served tableside — and a seasonal moment you don’t want to miss.

Machina Coffee Roasters has opened Edinburgh’s first dedicated barista training hub — a fully immersive space designed for hands-on learning, equipment testing and industry collaboration. With world‑class machines, expert trainers and a focus on elevating Scottish hospitality, this new showroom is set to transform how businesses approach coffee.

Flùr has brought serious New York energy to Bonnie & Wild, serving super‑thin, crisp‑based pizzas and deeply comforting pasta dishes. From the moreish Ziti with ragu Genovese to perfectly blistered Margherita slices, this is one of the most exciting new arrivals in the St James Quarter.

Love to Cook in Crieff is the newest culinary gem from chef and pâtissier Sam Heeney‑Governo. From hand‑crafted sourdough and French pastries to hands‑on cookery workshops, this beautiful new space brings professional‑level teaching to the heart of Perthshire. I joined Sam for her Perfect Sponge masterclass — a deep dive into the art of the Genoise — and left inspired, well‑fed, and ready to take on the Bake Off tent.

The second Eating and Waiting to Eat supper club at Sabzi brought together great chat, bold flavours, and true family hospitality. With communal plates, warm introductions, and dishes that sparked conversation, this collaboration showed exactly why Carlos and Kevin’s events are set to grow — and why you should book the next one.

Mirin on Leith Walk is a compact, creative Asian‑fusion restaurant serving bold, flavour‑packed small plates. Portions are small and prices punchy, but the inventive dishes and unusual ingredients make it a memorable Monday‑night find in Edinburgh.

Haldi is one of Southside Edinburgh’s best‑kept secrets — a tiny, understated Indian restaurant run by the ever‑welcoming Madan, serving tremendous food that keeps locals coming back. From knockout Chicken 65 to smoky butter chicken and nostalgic Malabar prawns, this is a neighbourhood gem worth seeking out.

T42 Tearoom is a peaceful Marchmont hideaway offering homemade bakes, a sunny terrace and one of Edinburgh’s best‑value afternoon teas at just £15pp. With Shibui Tea served in beautiful china and a whimsical Scottish‑Alice interior, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and savour a few gentle hours.

Take Five’s bao workshop in Edinburgh is a joyful, hands‑on experience where you knead, colour, fill and shape your own bao buns. Creative, calming and delicious — the perfect foodie morning in Quartermile.

Celestia Indian has pivoted beautifully from fine dining to flavour‑packed, traditional Indian dishes — and their Celestial Lunch Menu is one of the best bargains in Edinburgh. Stunning interiors, generous portions, and prices that feel almost too good to be true.

Sitting at the entrance to Gullane, The Main Course has been feeding locals and visitors for years with its unfussy, family‑friendly Italian cooking. Some starters miss the handmade touch, but the mains shine with generous portions, bold flavours and genuinely warm service. A neighbourhood spot with heart, even if the décor could use a little polish.

Norah might be new to Newhaven, but it already feels like a neighbourhood favourite. With its understated seaside frontage, warm cottage‑style interior and a menu built on seasonal Scottish produce, this breakfast‑brunch spot delivers comfort food elevated with real care. From cloud‑soft pancakes to a pitch‑perfect bacon roll, Norah is quietly exceptional.

Ondine at Seaton House Hotel delivers the kind of dining experience that stays with you - calm, coastal elegance, beautifully sourced Scottish seafood, and dishes cooked with absolute confidence. From XL Orkney scallops to perfectly roasted monkfish and one of the best steaks I’ve had in years, this is St Andrews dining at its finest.

January might be dreich, but the Queens Arms delivers pure comfort: proper pub food, cosy booths, brilliant service, and plates so generous you’ll forget the weather entirely. From steak pie to whale‑sized fish and chips, this Frederick Street gem proves why Edinburgh does pub dining best.

Celebrate Burns Night 2026 with a hand‑picked selection of whiskies from all five Scottish regions. From smoky Islay drams to elegant Lowland malts, these bottles pair beautifully with haggis, neeps and tatties and bring the spirit of Rabbie Burns to your table.

Hotel Gotham Newcastle delivers a stay with real cinematic swagger — luxurious rooms, impeccable service, and design details that nod to its fire‑station past. With Siren restaurant and Fire bar on the ground floor, plus some of the most comfortable beds you’ll ever sink into, it’s a five‑star escape that makes exploring Newcastle feel effortless.