Thanks to its prime site, bang on the Royal Mile, this contemporary café can get terribly crowded in August. But it's well worth trying for a table; the quality of food on...

Everyone from the Kaiser Chiefs to Kylie has stopped to browse at this massively popular Edinburgh institution. Clothing here spans the last 100 years, with everything from...

Edinburgh's three generic cuisines are Chinese, Indian and Italian. Given the volume of phone book they occupy, stand-outs are relatively rare; 2007 debutante Bella Mbriana, by...

Scotland's only photographic bookshop stocks coffee table-friendly tomes featuring everything from landscapes to celebrity portraits.

This modern neighbourhood restaurant, named after its blond-wood interior, has been a real asset to the area since opening in 2000. The menu takes an eclectic approach: dishes...

Right at the heart of Edinburgh's gay scene, the welcoming, laid-back Blue Moon offers good food and drink. The staff are cute and sassy: ask here if you have any questions or...

A convergence point for the city's aspirant music, art and club scenes, the Bohemian Bongo moved to the former Edinburgh University students' union building in 2003. More or...

From its crystal chandeliers to the luxury lingerie on sale, the vibe at Boudiche is deeply decadent. Brands include La Perla Black Label, Damaris, Spoylt and Elle Macpherson...

This small and simple one-room pub has one of the largest and most interesting ranges of single malt scotch in the city. The Port Ellen distillery on Islay, for instance, was...

This brick-lined basement space makes the most of the enthusiastic local support for innovative new music, providing the shot in the arm that the city's music circuit has...

Scotland's oldest independent bottler, established in 1842, has a fine selection of whiskies, encompassing both rare brands and more recognisable names. The company is also...

An island bar dominates this attractive and elegant Victorian pub, where the walls are decorated with Royal Doulton tiles of famous inventors. It gets very busy after work, and...

Nestled in Tollcross, this indie cinema is a real treat, picking four films a week from the edges of the mainstream. Chat up the friendly staff at the bar which was totally...

It's been around since 1871. It looks as if it was decorated by a mad maiden aunt from the Victorian era. It has a good wine list, an excellent bar menu (the open sandwiches...