With all sorts of exciting openings such as Hutchesons and Ox and Finch taking place in Glasgow, you could be forgiven for thinking that Edinburgh’s restaurateurs have been taking a nap of late.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Much like swans, all looks serene on the surface but their little legs are paddling like fury under the water line.
So, first off, a big welcome to Charwood which has replaced Tusitala Restaurant and Pavilion Bar in Fairmilehead.
Omni Taverns, who operate WHISKI bar on the Royal Mile and WHISKI ROOMS on the Mound, have bought the property and are relaunching it.
Dry rubbed steaks
The new venue will specialize in cooking with both charcoal and wood. Using a wood-burning pizza oven as well as a Josper oven, they will be serving dry rubbed steaks and pizza.
The restaurant opened last Thursday. The newly refurbished bar will opening on Thursday 19th June.
Double burgers
On the burger front, it looks as though Burger is expanding from its Fountainbridge site and opening a second branch in Edinburgh’s West End.
We also understand that Burger Meats Bun, which has been a mahoosive hit in Glasgow, is to open a branch on Edinburgh’s Forth Street in early July.
You can see what all the fuss is about in the video clip above.
New Contini caffe
Also in July, Victor and Carina Contini aim to open their Contini Caffe in Cannonball House on the Royal Mile.
The Continis already run Contini Ristorante on George Street and The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery on The Mound.
Set over three floors, the new venture will include a porridge bar and artisan ice cream parlour, casual Italian caffe and a more formal Scottish kitchen and bar with panoramic views.
‘The Caffe is our third restaurant in Edinburgh and it will have something for everyone,’ said owner Carina Contini.
‘This is a prime location on the tourism map so we want it to showcase the very best Scotland has to offer.’
The project is a partnership between the Continis and the building’s owners, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
More news to come as we get it.
Do you know Enzo?
Finally, we see that Enzo bar and restaurant is due to open in the Quartermile area. That’s all we know as they are being very secret squirrel about it all. The teases.
Also, look out for 48 Below, a new cocktail bar opening on the ever lively Broughton Street, not this Friday but next. It’s at number 48 Broughton Street. Obviously.
Broughton Street veterans may know the space better as the basement of The Phoenix.