Edinburgh hosts some of Scotland’s best wine festivals, and with hundreds of bottles to taste, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. From planning your route to protecting your palate, these expert tips from Wine Events Scotland’s Diana Thompson will help you sip smarter, taste better and enjoy every moment of the fair.

Cardinal on Dundas Street is Chef Tomas Gormley at his most refined — a calm, contemporary space serving bold, precise and beautifully crafted dishes. From scallop with lemongrass and leek to smoked lobster and a playful run of petit fours, this is one of Edinburgh’s most exciting fine‑dining experiences.

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.

The Bonnington Leith is the definition of a proper local — friendly staff, hearty comfort food, a cracking winter menu, and the capital’s biggest Pisco selection. Carlo Carozzi brings his Peruvian roots to this understated neighbourhood gem between Canonmills and Leith.

Last Sunday, I uncovered Simply Greek—a dreamy blue-and-white taverna opposite the Edinburgh Playhouse. Their take on the Sunday roast is pure sunshine: dips like tzatziki, mezze favourites such as keftedakia and dakos, and a dish of the day (ours was chicken and chips). Pair it with a glass of Dafnios Liatiko or a mastiha cocktail, and you’ll feel transported straight to Plaka in Athens.

Kyloe’s Unlimited Steak Frites has quickly become Edinburgh’s weekend ritual. For £35, diners enjoy endless ribeye steaks, crisp chips, and peppercorn sauce, with wine and brûléed sweetcorn adding to the indulgence.

A behind-the-scenes look at Walkers Shortbread HQ in Aberlour, complete with a festive dinner, factory tour, and crumb-filled celebration of Scottish tradition.

Detroit Slabshop is serving up unapologetically indulgent Detroit-style pizza in Edinburgh. From crispy frico crusts to gooey cookie slabs, this review dives into every delicious detail.

Sears Pizza isn’t posh, but it’s packed with personality. From Buffalo wings to truffle fries and £2 slices, this Edinburgh gem hits the spot for quick bites and retro charm.

A scenic four-day loop from Edinburgh to Oban and Inverness, filled with lochs, castles, seafood, and soul-soothing stops. This itinerary blends practical travel tips with poetic storytelling for a truly memorable Scottish escape.

A cheeky, dram-fuelled wander through Edinburgh’s finest whisky spots—perfect for Whisky Week 2025. Expect tasting notes, hidden gems, and a route that’s as scenic as it is spirited.