2 Best Restaurants in New Town, Edinburgh and the Lothians

Sophisticated surroundings, spectacular views, and sumptuous cuisine make this restaurant, originally opened in 1925, one of Edinburgh's best spots for fine dining. Head chef Dan Ashmore uses his expertise in great Scottish produce, from venison to sea trout, to serve up a stunning, "mystery" seven-course tasting menu (it comes in a sealed envelope; it's up to you when, or if, you want to take a peek). The paired wines compliment each course perfectly. For lesser appetites, there's also a £55 three-course menu available for dinner or a £35 three-course Sunday lunch.

Clublike but unstuffy, this outstanding basement restaurant, set within the Edwardian splendor of The Balmoral hotel, is made for intimate dining. The food is extraordinary, with a menu that highlights the best of Scottish seafood, meat, and produce in inventive fashion—from Orkney scallops and Gigha halibut to Aberdeen Angus beef and foraged girolle mushrooms. However, the prices make this a place for seriously special occasions; the seven-course menu is £115 per person, without wine. Service is impeccable and friendly, as you would expect for these prices.