Saughton Suite with views of Water of Leith

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

Just outside the city centre you'll find this smart, understated shop conversion with seasonally changing décor and just six large tables. The cooking takes the form of a surprise menu, with a hand-drawn bookmark picturing some of the ingredients the only hint at what is to come. An interesting and individual streak runs through the cooking, with flavour combinations carefully thought through to enhance one another. The skill of the kitchen is most evident in dishes that extract wonderful flavours from seemingly basic ingredients, like kohlrabi with goat's curd.

Comfort food abounds at this relaxed operation from the Tom Kitchin stable, which positions itself as a real neighbourhood pub, but one that also happens to serve great-tasting food. As this is one of the busiest eateries in Edinburgh, you need to make sure to book if you’re to indulge in the hearty joys of haggis, neeps and tatties, or the signature fish pie that packs in plenty of flavour with its generous helping of seafood. Leave room for dessert too, as the sweet-toothed are well looked after with the likes of vanilla rice pudding.

This tiny basement operation in the suburb of Stockbridge comes with dark, moody décor and impressive cooking from the get-go. The menu of rustic sharing plates pushes flavour-packed British ingredients to the fore and the dishes are pleasingly free of superfluous elements, allowing their central components to shine. A carefully curated list includes a selection of natural wines, with those available by the glass listed on the blackboard. Cheery, well-organised service adds to the experience.

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.

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.

Situated on a prime corner site in Edinburgh's West End, this former bank is now filled with a different kind of gold. Culinary delights ranging from house-baked breads and pastries to a full menu of unfussy, European-influenced dishes will ensure you leave satisfied, whenever you decide to drop in. A beautiful conversion has left the interior with polished bistro tables and the feel of a smart dining pub, helped out by the local beers, impressive whisky selection and carefully curated wine list. Look out for the dishes to share, such as Borders venison, red wine and smoked bacon pie.