The Citadel

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.

Next-door neighbour and sister restaurant to The Little Chartroom, Ardfern is named after a village in Argyll & Bute that brings back fond memories for owner Roberta Hall-McCarron. Describing itself as a café, bar and bottle shop, it has an appealing brunch menu, a relaxed air and a wine list that will delight enthusiasts. You’d be a fool to miss the evening’s small plates, however, which pack in plenty of flavour and have both a heartiness and a pleasing familiarity to them. The hash browns with whipped feta and jalapeño ketchup are a particular treat.

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

Yet another terrific eatery in the foodie haven of Leith, this instantly likeable restaurant unsurprisingly offers a fabulous feast of fish. From whole sole to the signature sea trout pastrami, the cooking is fuss-free and cleanly executed to show off the natural flavours of the ingredients. At lunch, share plates from the ‘Big Snacks’ selection, which at dinnertime become starters to be enjoyed before larger offerings such as a half lobster with smoked fish agnolotti. The team are one of the most welcoming around, so you’re sure to be well looked after.

One of the newer restaurants in this Edinburgh enclave, Dogstar occupies a former pub that’s now a buzzy space run by an engaging team whose cheery service will enhance any experience. The seasonal menu can change weekly or even daily, but expect dishes suited to sharing that show off an array of prime produce (sometimes cooked over coals), including stand-outs like fresh, sweet local surf clams with sea laver, rosemary and fino sherry. The carefully curated wine list offers a good range without breaking the bank.