Photo of
June 21, 2019

What is elegance, exactly? It's hard to define, but we bet that you know it when you see it.

Essentially, it seems to be some magic combination of design and delicacy, with a sprinkle of decadence thrown in for good measure.

And it's safe to say that certain Scottish restaurants excel at the art of elegance. To prove it, here are seven examples of them being just as swish as can be...

This delightful Champagne sorbet from Damm 27, Edinburgh...

Fizz-infused sorbet scattered with pink crystally bits? Don't mind if we do. Looks like newly launched dining spot, Damm 27, has got off to an impressively elegant start...

via @damm27

via @damm27

This gorgeous peacock cocktail from Bo & Birdy, Glasgow...

This pink confection from Bo & Birdy at the Blythswood might be blushing, but it certainly isn't bashful. Made from Rhubard & Ginger Gin Liqueur and garnished with a peacock feather, it is Art Nouveau decadence with bells on...

via @boandbirdy

via @boandbirdy

This uber-stylish starter from Rogue, St. Andrews...

Over on the Fife coast, Rogue bar & restaurant has managed to make its heritage beetroot & black crowdie entrée look like a delicate floral arrangement. Would you dare to eat it? Yes, you would...

via @roguestandrews

via @roguestandrews

This other artful starter from Ishka, Edinburgh...

Is it just us, or does this seared pigeon & berry jam dish from Ishka look like a crackling cerise Catherine Wheel? Whoosh...

via @ishkaedinburgh

via @ishkaedinburgh

This delicate glass bird cocktail from The Spiritualist, Glasgow

Tweet, tweet — conjured up by magician mixologist Kat Whyte for The Spiritualist, the 'Tequila Mockingbird' is served in a mouth-blown glass bird by Jakobsen Design. And seriously, what could be more elegant than a glass bird cocktail...?

via @the_spiritualist_glasgow

via @the_spiritualist_glasgow

This fabulous French toast from Twenty Princes Street, Edinburgh...

Think that French toast can't be elegant? Twenty Princes Street Grill & Smokehouse will soon prove you wrong with its chic haggis & black pudding entrée. Sounds wicked, looks heavenly...

via @twentyprincesstreet

via @twentyprincesstreet

And finally, this divine dessert from Tower Restaurant, Edinburgh...

Tower Restaurant's rooftop skyline view now has stiff competition in the eye-popping stakes. That's because diners may find it hard to tear their gazes away from this delightful chocolate concoction...

via @toweredinburgh

via @toweredinburgh

Fancy trying one of these treats for yourself? Most are still available at the restaurants listed (and if not, you can expect equally swanky alternatives). 

So why not browse our 5pm dining offers and treat yourself to an extra elegant meal this summer?