In the run up to Startup Summit we thought we’d share some of the reasons why we keep coming back to Edinburgh. Whether you’re into architecture, music or an insatiable gourmand, be sure to make time to enjoy one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.
Where to eat
Edinburgh boasts arguably more restaurants than its population could ever require, with a range of international cuisines on offer to suit everyone and every budget. If you like to keep things cheap and wholesome the original Mosque Kitchen off West Nicolson Street is a must. You’ll fill your boots for a fiver with rice, vegetable and meat dishes that form the staple diet of just about every student in town.
For a serene atmosphere with great food hit Osteria del tempo perso to order their dish of the day or to Harajuku Kitchen for some cracking octopus balls in Bruntsfield. For the serious sushi connoisseur Kenji in Stockbridge will change your life. Their Dragon rolls are a thing of beauty and the wasabi prawns ain’t bad either.
Edinburgh is also empress of the affordable set-lunch menu, with our favourites being the renowned Chez Jules - where salad, bread, olives and cold meats arrive at your table before you do - and Michael’s Steak and Seafood with an incredible view onto Calton Hill.
But if all you fancy is an indulgent take away straight to your hotel then call on A Passage to India and order their chili-garlic chicken with lemon rice and peshwari nan via Deliveroo.
Where to walk
If there’s one thing you really shouldn’t miss out on in Edinburgh, it would be its graveyards. Yes you read correctly. From Greyfriars Kirkyard to old Calton Burial Ground, Edinburgh’s graveyards are not only beautiful oases of calm in the city, they are choc-a-bloc full of some of Scotland’s most influential philosophers, scientists and philanthropists from the city’s golden age of enlightenment.
For those of you who prefer keep company with the living however, then a breath of air in the 70 acres of Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden or a relaxing stroll along the water of Leith from Dean Village to the Gallery of Modern Art can be enjoyed at anytime of year.
Where to pose
If you can’t tell the left leg from the right leg of your skinny jeans before you’ve had a flat white and cardamom bun in the morning then head to söderberg for some nordic nosh. Or if brunch is more your deal darling, grab an acai bowl at Urban Angel, tuck into the butcher’s breakfast at Cown & Sons or savour some stylishly presented porridge before a complimentary Italian lesson in the lavatories at Contini George Street.
For those of you who like to live, eat and breathe everything startup then head to the shore in Leith where you can listen to 80s cassette music while enjoying your coffee at The Hideout, or indulge in a healthy slice of cheesecake at Printworks. You’ll no doubt bump into some of our Startup Summit speakers on their way to a staff yoga meeting while you’re there.
When the day is done, enjoy an IPA from the tank above your table at Indigo Yard or order a beer and a side of truffle fries at Brandons of Canonmills. For something a little more posh spice enjoy the view of St Andrew Square and Edinburgh Castle from Harvey Nichols forth floor brasserie and, for a late night musical interlude, slip on your tap shoes and make your way underground to The Jazz Bar on Chambers Street - but arrive early mind, if you want to share a booth with that special someone. For a night cap head to the Last Word Saloon for a dram or continue the party like it’s 1925 at Panda & Sons.
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