Five Edinburgh restaurants you need to try this Valentine’s

With Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or Palentine’s around the corner, here are some special Edinburgh locations to hide away with those closest to you.

Best vibes: Little Capo

Nestled in New Town, Little Capo arrived in Edinburgh at the tail end of 2024 and immediately went onto my ‘to-try’ notes page. It promises Italian-ish food and has a unique menu that will impress any foodie date. Their small menu caters to your oat-latte-loving vegan or your more adventurous palate, and I can guarantee any plates you get will be Instagram-worthy.

Too much parmesan doesn’t exist

The interior features warm colours, a trendy underlit white-tiled bar, and large mirrors behind their spirits collection. If you want to embrace the romance, you can’t help but appreciate the handwritten menu and elevated comfort food. While still a trendy restaurant, Little Capo won’t break the bank and will make you look like a seasoned local with excellent taste.

Best for sharing: PIGGS

What is more romantic than sharing a bottle of wine and a few small plates while you chat the evening away? Piggs is a small family-run wine and tapas bar with an original location off the Royal Mile and a newer one in Bruntsfield. Both cosy venues warm away the winter chills with great service and delicious, ethically sourced ingredients.

This is a brilliant choice for those who want an experience to share and believe that food is an expression of affection. They say the Spanish love romance, and this restaurant brings you a little closer to that holiday romance feeling. Unless you are a fan of the cold drizzly Edinburgh weather, this spot is a no-brainer.

Most Read

Retiring, religion and legal troubles: The Buffy cast members we probably won’t see back

Scott wildly exposes which couple is getting the most intimate in the All Stars villa

‘He’s next on the hit list!’: Bonnie Blue says she will steal huge pop star’s BF for OnlyFans

Lovely outside seating if you are feeling brave…

Best value for money: Civerinos (Thugslice)

Nobody in Edinburgh is a stranger to Civerinos. But not enough people take advantage of the deal at Civerinos on Forrest Road—Sunday to Monday, £10 per person for unlimited pizza.

If you are trying to be bougie on a budget, this is an option worth considering. Civerinos Slice offers the promise of a fun and lighthearted date night while filling you up with as much margherita (or vegan margherita for those with a strong moral urge or a lactose phobia) as you can handle.

Accompanied by a wander through the Meadows to settle your full tummies, with a lovely opportunity to hold hands (to conserve heat, naturally) and swap stories, this should be on your list.

Naturally, a slice as big as your head

Best Edinburgh classic: Chez Jules

This is an Edinburgh staple. If you are lucky enough to snag a reservation here on Valentine’s, you can ensure you are getting the best bang for your buck. With three courses available for only £12.50 on their lunch menu, you can impress your date with your frugal habits and great taste.

While Chez Jules’ menu promises a lot with steak and mussels, it delivers even more with delicious free bread, salad, and cuts of salami, plus charming red checkered tablecloths. You are packed in with small intimate tables, making you feel as though you have walked into a little restaurant in Paris.

You can easily add to this restaurant experience with a lovely walk down Princes Street Gardens (now that the festive soul-crushing traffic jams are over) and a classic Edinburgh view of the castle.

Garlic butter worth ruining your breath for

Special mention: Somewhere by Nico

This is not technically a restaurant, but before you close the article in outrage, it deserves an honourable mention because the food here is just as good as the drinks. This sleek cocktail bar runs a cocktail-tasting menu that follows a new theme every few months. At the top of Princes Street, it is adjoined to Six by Nico, and the small plates are to die for.

I recently visited for their Murder on the Midnight Express tasting evening with a few girlfriends. Despite going for the cocktails, we fell in love with the snacks (and for my friend, maybe the waiter). Though advertised as small bites, the portions were great and perfect to split and share. The olive tapenade on warm sourdough and the king oyster shawarma kept us going through the extensive rounds of cocktails.

The ambience is perfect for a romantic murder mystery, with low lighting, stunning cocktails, and elevated bar snacks. This option is luxury at a more affordable price point than the restaurant next door. It’s the perfect choice for a student willing to spend a little extra for a truly memorable experience. They also regularly run deals and discounts for those willing to keep an eye out and pounce.

Thats not blood… I promise