Mercure Livingston Hotel

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.

Its endearing name gives a clue as to the likeable, friendly vibe at this restaurant in the shadow of the majestic Forth Rail Bridge. Its grey brick walls are enlivened by boldly coloured artwork and, as expected, it’s a small and cosy place. Fresh Scottish ingredients are served in neatly presented, classic combinations; if you get the chance, make sure you try the plump Shetland mussels, which are naturally delicious yet further enhanced by bacon, basil and parmesan.

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.

Honest, intimate and sweet, this is a proper neighbourhood restaurant which focuses on the country's delicious seafood. Kick things off with a choice of fresh oysters or internationally influenced dishes such as squid 'puttanesca' or Thai coconut Shetland mussels. Comforting and flavoursome main dishes pair well with the homely surroundings, where you can relax with some super views of Bruntsfield Links and The Meadows. The concise wine list has a bias towards minimal intervention options.

In 1962, Janet Henderson opened one of Scotland's most famous vegetarian restaurants; decades later her grandson Barrie is running the show in a busy premises by Bruntsfield Links. The appealing, skilfully cooked selection of meat-free dishes are mostly vegan, with options like salt-baked celeriac and their take on classic haggis, neeps and tatties. Friendly service creates a lovely neighbourhood feel, while unfussy plant-based puddings are on hand to satisfy the most sweet-toothed of diners.

In Edinburgh's bustling West End, this unpretentious spot offers an enticing combination of wine bar and seafood restaurant. Start in the ground-floor bar with a glass from the interesting international list, before heading upstairs to enjoy a celebration of Scottish fish and shellfish. The quality of the produce shines through, from Shetland mussels to Skye langoustines, sometimes enhanced by flavours from Jamaican jerk spice to harissa butter. Head to their sister branch in Leith to put your bib on and get stuck in to the 'seafood boil' experience featuring an array of shellfish.

The Pompadour is one of the city’s most famous restaurant names and it sits within one of its best-known hotels, The Caledonian, a historic and eye-catchingly grand property standing proud at one end of Princes Street – if you’re lucky, you may get one of the tables that look up to the castle. The restaurant is run under the auspices of Chef Dean Banks, who has dropped the former tasting menu format for an à la carte focused on showcasing prime Scottish produce in dishes such as champagne-baked market fish.