The Best Restaurants For Christmas Dinner In Edinburgh

Always taking the Christmas crown for Edinburgh, you can’t walk by The Dome during December without your jaw dropping to the floor in awe. Classy glistening lights dance around the columns, gargantuan wreaths beckon inquisitive passers by, and that tree! With Christmas dinner already in full swing at The Grill Room (complete with dairy free, gluten free, and vegan options) it is wise to book in advance. From haggis wrapped in filo pastry accompanied by mustard and whisky cream sauce to the traditional roast turkey with kilted sausages, sage and onion stuffing, and rich pan gravy, expect the full works, and then some. Top it off with a homemade sherry trifle or mince pie and you will be happier than lovers under mistletoe.

The wildly fun sister of renowned Edinburgh eateries The Kitchin and Castle Terrace, The Scran And Scallie is an absolute cracker. There’s no denying that deftly talented superstar chefs Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack make a stellar dynamic duo. Those who favour rustic chic gastropub vibes and relaxed feels will surely have the holly jollies. Choose from a beautifully delicious set Christmas menu, which includes game terrine, turkey ballotine, North Sea Hake and artichoke barigoule, complete with Frangipane mincemeat tarts and brandy custard.

‘Vegetarians have to miss out on the festive food banter’, said no one ever. David Bann is the crème de la crème of veggie restaurants in Edinburgh. A creative culinary haven with smouldering décor and smooth contemporary vibes, this year’s Christmas menu is on top form. Go wild over the ravioli parcel with hazelnut, red cabbage and thyme and fall head over heels for the parsnip, Bramley apple and Strathdon Blue cheese mousse or roulade of walnut, leek and spinach. A brilliantly boozy affair, dessert options include whole orange jelly with pineapple and rum sorbet and whisky pannacotta with warm pear.

A perfectly merry gastronomic affair, dinner at The Printing Press is sure to infuse you with endless cheer. Drawing upon the fruits of Scotland’s tantalising larder, each ingredient is as perfect as the next. The former home of Scots novelist Susan Ferrier and with ties to one of Scotland’s most revered publishing houses, this contemporary bistro bar pays homage to Edinburgh’s resplendent literary heritage, as seen through charming details such as typewriters and Scottish novels. From Norfolk bronze turkey with chestnut stuffing and cranberry sauce, and herb gnocchi with sprouts, pears and walnut, to Christmas pudding with spiced brandy butter, the menu speaks for itself.

Charming and exceedingly romantic, every bite at The Grain Store is an unprecedented culinary adventure. The perfect little cubbyholes, myriad of tiny candles, and multiple rooms make this beauty an ideal place for a romantic meal for two. Oh, and the wine selection is out of this world. From the leek and winter mushroom risotto with piedmont truffle to free range roast turkey with chipolatas, chestnut stuffing and roasted potatoes, every dish is made from the finest locally sourced produce. Close to the castle, this fine eatery ticks every box.

Once glance at the Tigerlily Christmas menu will send the most unenthusiastic Christmas-goer into a flurry of festive emotions (which only multiply when they witness the magical décor and chic fancy vibes). With so many delicious options to choose from, there’s plenty of room for every palette. Tigerlily knows how to go all out — think caramelised pear, roast turkey wrapped in bacon and slow braised Scottish beef rump. The star atop the tree also happens to be the countless conglomeration of creative Christmassy cocktails, especially A Christmas Caorunn and Chata’n Up Mrs Claus.