Edinburgh on Valentine’s Day has a structural advantage over most British cities – the Old Town itself is theatrical and atmospheric in a way that does not require any special effort to produce a romantic setting. The closes, the candlelit restaurants, the castle backdrop at night – the city does a lot of the work before you have even booked anywhere. That said, knowing the right places makes a significant difference.
The Witchery by the Castle
The restaurant at the top of the Royal Mile, adjacent to the castle entrance, is the most requested Valentine’s booking in Edinburgh and has been for decades. The combination of the location, the theatrical Gothic interior, the wine list, and the quality of the cooking make it the city’s most complete occasion dining experience. The Secret Garden dining room is the more intimate of the two spaces. Book in October. This is not hyperbole – Valentine’s at the Witchery requires October forward planning.
Restaurant Martin Wishart
The Michelin-starred restaurant in Leith is the serious gastronomy option if the Witchery’s theatrical aesthetic is not the preference. Martin Wishart has held a star since 2001 and the Valentine’s tasting menu represents the serious end of Edinburgh’s dining offer. The Leith waterfront location – a 15-minute walk from the Royal Mile or a short taxi – adds to the sense of a proper occasion.
Timberyard
The Lady Lawson Street restaurant in a converted Old Town warehouse is Edinburgh’s most interesting tasting menu option in terms of local ingredient sourcing and cooking approach. Less obviously romantic than the Witchery but better for people who value food innovation over candlelit atmosphere. Valentine’s booking fills up – January reservation.
The Old Town Walk
The closes of the Royal Mile at night on Valentine’s Day have a specific atmosphere that no restaurant can replicate. Advocates Close, Anchor Close, and the view from the top of Calton Hill with the city below and Arthur’s Seat above – these are free and among the best Valentine’s activities in Edinburgh. Combine one of the above restaurants with an evening walk through the closes before or after dinner.
A Night at The Balmoral
The clock tower hotel at the east end of Princes Street is Edinburgh’s best Valentine’s overnight option. The clock is famously set three minutes fast to prevent train passengers missing their departure – a detail that is somehow appropriate for a romantic occasion. The afternoon tea at Number One, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, is an alternative to a full dinner that is worth considering.
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