The Gifford

A big red door indicates that you have arrived at this rustic warehouse conversion, in which the chefs practise a culinary ethos that centres around the local, the seasonal and letting the produce speak for itself. It takes a lot of skill and no little ability to take just a few prime ingredients and fashion dishes that are so well defined and satisfying, and the kitchen here pulls it off with aplomb. You can warm yourself by the stove in winter or sit in the walled courtyard in the summer. The lovely service team are on the ball and the music’s great too.

Edinburgh’s finest row of Georgian townhouses is the setting for this elegant seafood restaurant, where only the very best produce will do. Start in the stunning first-floor bar for an aperitif and finely crafted snacks prepared at the island counter, before moving to the understated dining room for a tasting menu based on delicious, sustainably caught fish and shellfish, be it wild halibut or Scottish langoustines. This produce drives the eye-catching dishes, which deliver subtle yet complex blends of flavours and textures. If you’re staying the night, luxurious bedrooms are available.

When American chef Rodney Wages visited Edinburgh on holiday, he fell in love with the city so much that he decided to move himself, his family and his restaurant here. And that's how Avery, which once graced the streets of San Francisco, came to be located in a classic Georgian townhouse in Stockbridge. Rodney has wholly embraced his Scottish surroundings, taking the country's bountiful produce and treating it with a Californian lightness, while providing bold, distinct flavours – like Orkney scallop dressed with pineapple jus. The drinks flight combines wine, sake, sherry and, of course, a w

Named after the fine Italian '00' flour that’s used for making pasta, this relaxed and comforting restaurant could quickly become your go-to in Edinburgh’s New Town. British, Mediterranean and Italian cuisines all influence the menu, which provides plenty of flavour and value for money. The small plates selection is mightily appealing, but it's the seriously good homemade pastas like bigoli cacio e pepe that most catch the eye.

Following the success of aizle, Stuart Ralston took inspiration for his next restaurant from time spent in New York, naming this small plates spot after his NYC roommate, Bob Noto. It’s been a hit ever since, offering well-conceived dishes at sensible prices that are ideal for sharing. The culinary influences span the globe, with a particular focus on a range of Asian cuisines, be that through duck bao buns or a luscious chocolate and miso dessert.

There's such a pleasant feel to this neighbourhood restaurant, courtesy of a bright, clean look that’s matched by warm and unstuffy service. The skilful cooking is founded on fine Scottish produce, whether that be excellent sea trout or the finest berries from Fife. The tasting menu will allow you to make the most of the chefs’ talents, and all fits together like a well-crafted jigsaw. Ask for a table by the window if you want to watch the world go by around the Port of Leith, or opt for a seat at the spacious counter.

For over 20 years, Martin Wishart has been welcoming diners to his eponymous restaurant in the historic and characterful port of Leith. Over the years, he has continually tweaked and reassessed the food and the décor, and the bright, modern style of the dining room is a great match for the current cooking. The kitchen shows great skill in marrying top Scottish produce like grouse and Orkney scallops with classic French technique, resulting in dishes that deliver the flavours they promise, with nothing unnecessary on the plate.