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May 13, 2014

Steeped in history and with magnificent architecture, Edinburgh’s Old Town is a wonderful place to walk around and explore but did you know there are some restaurants that let you experience the beauty of the city whilst enjoying a delicious meal?

Here are our hidden gems; our top 3 views from restaurants in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Tower Restaurant

Head just past Greyfriars Bobby and you’ll find Tower Restaurant in prime location above the National Museum of Scotland.

Its name gives a clue to the delights that wait for you; at the top of the building and with floor to ceiling windows, the restaurant looks over the stunning historic architecture of the Old Town and gives you a different perspective of the castle than the other restaurants featured in this blog.

The al fresco dining area lets you get an even better panorama of the ‘higgilty piggilty’ rooftops and is highly recommended when the weather allows.

Sky Bar, Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre

The Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre houses the Bread Street Brasserie and Monboddo and on the first Thursday of every month the Sky Bar is open to the public.

Head to the top floor and through the corridors of the hotel to what was once a penthouse suite and then you’ll find what has been called “Edinburgh’s best kept secret”.

The Sky Bar name is apt as out of these three venues, it has the highest location and gives you a much wider panoramic of the whole city and beautiful views of the changing sky above. Of course, you also get great views of the Castle from a much higher perspective and it allows you to see the castle in the context of the city as a whole.

The Pompadour by Galvin

The Pompadour by Galvin is one of the most luxurious dining spots in the capital. Helmed by multiple Michelin star and AA Rosette awarded brothers Jeff and Chris Galvin, it is located in the five star Waldorf Astoria hotel and serves French dishes created with the freshest Scottish ingredients. The plush interior of pastel green shades, white linen tablecloths and a crystal chandelier make it the perfect location for a special occasion meal – and their table overlooking Edinburgh Castle is said to be the best restaurant table in Edinburgh.