In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been away from the city for a few months, but April finds me back in Edinburgh and fully intending to play the tourist in my own backyard.
And what a month to do it – Easter weekend, longer evenings, and for this English woman, the rather exciting prospect of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on 18 April. Let’s just say I’m hoping the women’s team fare considerably better than their male counterparts did.
So, whether you’re a lifelong Edinburgh local, or a visitor discovering the city for the first time, here are my picks for April – from hidden gems to proper indulgences.
Residents Rewards
Before you spend a penny, if you have an EH postcode, do check out Forever Edinburgh’s Residents’ Rewards scheme. There are discounts on food and drink, cheaper days out and exclusive events from local businesses. Worth a look before you go anywhere.
www.edinburgh.org/residentrewards
The Cookbook Shop
Recently opened on Haddington Place after a crowdfunding campaign, The Cookbook Shop is a genuinely lovely addition to the city. Founded by Martyn and Liz Bryson, it’s part bookshop, part community space – a welcoming hub for food lovers, writers and chefs, with regular events and workshops on the way. Pop in, browse, and stay for a chat. These are exactly the kinds of independent businesses our city needs.
Vittoria on the Walk
One of my locals, and conveniently close to the Macdonald Road tram stop for any match-goers, Vittoria on the Walk is a family-run Italian that I keep going back to – specifically for the Tagliatelle Vittoria.
I rarely stray from it. It’s exceptional. Wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, a lengthy wine list and that warm, lively atmosphere that makes you feel immediately at home. On Sundays, children eat for just £1 with an adult main – a brilliant option for families.
www.vittoriarestaurant.com
Divino Enoteca
Another Italian favourite and one for wine lovers. Divino is home to Scotland’s only Enomatic machine – a state-of-the-art self-serve wine system – where you can work your way through a curated selection of wines with an antipasto board in the candlelit cellar below. A wonderful way to sample rare vintages by the glass, without committing to a full bottle.
www.divinoedinburgh.com
Gold chocolate & whisky tour
Each month, the team at The Scotch Whisky Experience curate a selection of drams around a unique theme, finishing with a tasting paired with dark chocolate from Edinburgh chocolatier Quirky Chocolate. It’s an immersive evening, available on the 6.30 pm Gold Tour, and if you have that EH postcode, there’s a £5 discount on Sundays.
www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
Colonnades at the Signet Library
Another one for book lovers but not for the budget-conscious, but if you’re looking to treat someone – or yourself – then afternoon tea at the Colonnades is truly something special, brought to you by Heritage Portfolio.
Set inside one of Edinburgh’s finest Georgian buildings, with soaring shelves of rare books and an extraordinary domed ceiling, it’s as much an architectural experience as a culinary one. Handcrafted sandwiches, freshly baked scones and beautifully presented desserts from resident chefs Aung and Mario. Worth every penny.
www.thesignetlibrary.co.uk
The Nook at the National Portrait Gallery
Another Heritage Portfolio gem tucked inside the National Portrait Gallery. Seasonal Scottish dishes – think Cullen Skink, Hot Smoked Salmon Potato Hash, Sticky Toffee Pudding – in a beautiful setting, right by St Andrew Square tram stop.
If you’re heading to the rugby, it’s perfectly placed for some pre-match culture and brunch. The current exhibition, Alfred Buckham – Daredevil Photographer, is on until 19 April and is well worth a visit.
A trailblazer in his field, Alfred Buckham soared above the realms of what was thought to be possible in 20th-century photography and aviation.
https://www.heritageportfolio.co.uk/cafes/cafe-portrait
Fingal
For something truly memorable, head to Leith and board Fingal – Scotland’s first luxury floating hotel and, in my opinion, one of the most romantic dining experiences in the city. Art deco interiors, views across the water, and an Easter afternoon tea running 3–6 April featuring lemon yuzu cake, strawberry and white chocolate ganache, and matcha financier. Magical.
www.fingal.co.uk
Gateway Café, Royal Botanic Garden
For a gentler pace, the Gateway Café at the Royal Botanic Garden is a bright, airy spot serving seasonal dishes made from scratch – soups, sandwiches, daily specials and a salad bar using produce from the onsite Kitchen Garden. The outdoor Deck Bar is lovely, weather permitting. This being Edinburgh, bring a layer just in case.
https://www.heritageportfolio.co.uk/cafes/gateway-cafe
This will be my last column for a little while – I’m heading off on a new adventure – and will be out of the city for a while. But Edinburgh has a funny way of pulling you back, and I fully intend to find my way home. Until then, eat well, explore often, and be kind to the city. I look forward to raising a glass with you again before too long.
