9 Edinburgh date night spots that will guarantee you a second date

As another academic year begins, I’m reminded of a statistic I heard on the University of Edinburgh open day: 56 per cent of students find a romantic partner here, making it the sixth most romantic university in the country. If that number’s starting to feel more like fiction than fact, don’t worry – here are nine date ideas that might just help you become one of the lucky ones.

1. The Outsider

What’s more romantic than views of Edinburgh Castle?

Starting off strong with one of my favourite restaurants in Edinburgh, The Outsider’s incredible menu and stunning views are sure to impress any date. You can count on it always being busy with a buzzy atmosphere, and its central location on George IV Bridge means you’re a short walk from Cowgate if all goes to plan and you want to continue your night elsewhere.

2. Mowgli Street Food

For when you want your date to feel straight out of a rom-com

Mowgli in New Town is surprisingly good value considering its grand appearance. It’s Indian food that is ideal for sharing, so if you’ve still not found that special someone, do as I did and come with a group of friends to order an excessive amount of food and cocktails.

3. Chez Jules

Don’t be embarrassed to whip out your phone flash to see the menu

Most Read

‘You belong to us’: OnlyFans model dumped in Dubai with broken spine speaks out for first time

I went on a night out with Bonnie Blue – it was uncomfortable and she’s dead behind the eyes

Here’s exactly how to do the AI polaroid trend all over social media right now

If you go to university in Edinburgh and haven’t heard of Chez Jules yet,get online. Great quality food and an equally affordable menu. I have actually only been here once for a date and was ghosted afterwards. Still, the steak frites were amazing.

4. Brunswick Book Club

There’s nowhere better for cocktails in the sun

Most students seem to grimace at the mention of Leith Walk, despite it actually being only a 10-minute journey from South Bridge on the bus. There’s a brunch menu that is served until 5 pm which is ideal for making a hangover a little more bearable, and it also has a great cocktail menu if you’re looking for pre-dinner drinks. They have heat lamps outside so you can sip on one without losing feeling in your fingers – a rare luxury in Edinburgh.

5. Lannan Bakery

Warning: you will want to buy every pastry in sight

Stockbridge is arguably the cutest area of Edinburgh, and Lannan Bakery is the cherry on top of the cake. Going with a date is ideal as I can promise that you will want to sample more than one thing here. There’s no seating inside, so I’d suggest taking a stroll through the picturesque streets, maybe even down to Dean Village if you want the full Stockbridge experience.

6. Flight Club

For fans of friendly competition and mild humiliation

If, like me, you are blessed with a partner or date who has a competitive streak, Flight Club in St James Quarter will quickly become a dream date destination. It’s £13pp for an hour, and it has a range of games to choose from that are all easy to get the hang of if you’ve never played darts before. It gets better, on Tuesdays you can get a free game of darts with a valid student card (you’ll have to book online beforehand). I have been over 10 times and somehow always manage to come last, which I think is a skill in itself.

7. Short hole golf at the Golf Tavern

This is the second and final sports-themed date recommendation on the list, but it earns its place with the enticing deals on offer. The Golf Tavern has free darts and pool every Sunday, and it has lots of student perks like £3.75 Tennents and 20 per cent off food. Book the course at sunset for that added romance factor (and the fading light will mercifully hide any wildly missed shots).

8. Pottery painting at Doodles

Just don’t compare your art to the paintings they have on the wall…

If you feel like getting creative and want a memento to take away from your date, this ceramics painting studio in Marchmont is the place to go. You can BYOB for no extra fee, and it’s just around the corner from the new Sears pizza by the slice if you’re feeling peckish after all that hard work.

9. Everyman cinema

Take this classic date night idea a step further by going to the Everyman in St James Quarter. Getting food and drink delivered to your seat, paired with the ridiculously comfy sofas, is an unmatched experience. They also offer student concessions so you can enjoy your evening without breaking the bank.

I hope you now feel suitably inspired to switch it up for your next conquest – Edinburgh’s got no shortage of places to impress your date.