Looking for new Edinburgh restaurants and bars in 2018? Buckle up, we have a lot to get through.
First up, it looks as though Bruntsfield is set to become something of a culinary hotspot in the capital.
Tom Kitchin has announced that he is to open a restaurant in the area. Apparently, it will be a different offer from his existing outlets: The Kitchin, Castle Terrace and Scran and Scallie.
The Compass Group have also promised to open a Chophouse on the former Tribeca site on Bruntsfield Place.
As you know, in Edinburgh, Compass already operate Sygn, Monteiths, The WestRoom and White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar. These are in addition to the two existing Chop House outlets at The Arches and in Leith.
Bruntsfield: new culinary hotspot?
They will both be joined by Bodega. The casual taco joint is expanding out from its Leith Walk address and launching a branch on Leven Place.
Just a short stroll away, El Cartel Mexican is launching a second branch in the former chippie on Teviot Place.
Ahead of the pack is Black Ivy. We covered their opening by Bruntsfield Links at the beginning of November.
What is driving this great migration? Well, Bruntsfield has lots of residents with considerable chunks of spare change rattling around their pockets.
The area’s schools are highly rated and this attracts families who are prepared to pay a premium for housing.
These are the same people who will happily fork out to eat out a few times a month.
This blogger also suspects that all the new national and international chains which have appeared in the city centre – especially on and around St Andrew Square – have had an effect.
Why compete with chains with very deep pockets when you can set up shop in an affluent neighbourhood and draw in the customers before they venture into the city centre?
New Edinburgh restaurants and bars in 2018: Fazenda
One company which is prepared to fight for its market share in the city centre is Fazenda.
Offering ‘an authentic gaúcho dining experience’, Fazenda Bar & Grill brand aims to launch an outlet on George Street in early 2018.
They already operate in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. A fifth location in Glasgow is also being sought.
Taking a slight detour from new Edinburgh restaurants and bars in 2018, our next venue is coming together in South Queensferry.
It’s an area which is seeing a lot of investment in the wake of the new bridge.
Buzzworks Holdings is expanding from its West Coast base to launch an outlet of its popular Scotts restaurant and bar at Port Edgar Marina.
Situated between the Forth Road Bridge and the new Queensferry Crossing, Port Edgar has berths for around 300 boats and is home to a yacht club, a rowing club and several cruise boat operators. It is also home to Scotland’s largest water sports centre.
As is often the way with new restaurants, the planned spring opening has been pushed back to the summer.
New Edinburgh restaurants and bars in 2018: BrewDog
Next in our round-up of new Edinburgh restaurants and bars in 2018, look out for BrewDog’s second Edinburgh bar on Lothian Road.
Currently taking shape in the old Clydesdale Bank on Festival Square, the brew boys are aiming for an opening in early 2018.
Thirsty visitors can look forward to 25 taps of craft beer, an outside seating area and integrated bottledog.
We have mentioned this before but we couldn’t do a summary of new Edinburgh restaurants and bars in 2018 without mentioning Roy Brett.
The chef patron of Ondine seafood restaurant has intimated that is bringing a new project to the boil at Newhaven Harbour. More news as we get it.
Keep checking back to the 5pm Dining blog for new Edinburgh restaurants and bars in 2018.