Are you the spontaneous type who prefers making an impromptu dinner decision rather than booking a table? A handy new feature from Google might appeal to you then – a feature on its mobile site can now predict how busy Edinburgh’s restaurants and bars will be at any given time, so you can up your chances of getting a table at short notice. Not everywhere is featured yet, but here’s what it suggests for some of Edinburgh’s best.
The Scran and Scallie
This popular gastro-pub from Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack is popular with diners, drinkers and families. It’s bustling all day Saturday but Tuesday nights are actually the busiest here according to Google.
The Witchery
With its dominating position close to the castle, it’s no surprise The Witchery remains steadily busy throughout the week. Sundays at 8pm look like the busiest time.
Ting Thai Caravan
This former pop-up stays popular all weekend. Tuesdays 7-8pm and Wednesday at 9pm are some of the other busy times while Monday and Tuesday afternoons are quiet.
L’Escargot Bleu
Google has only managed to gather data for Saturdays so far for this bohemian French restaurant. 8-9pm are very busy, while noon and 5pm are the quietest hours.
Field
Google is again short on information for this one as it can only predict Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Thursdays are the least busy while Saturday evening 7-9pm is the peak time.
La Favorita
One of the favourite pizza spots of many of Edinburgh’s residents, it’s no surprise this Leith Walk restaurant is always fairly bustling. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights are quite busy throughout the week, so try a Thursday if you want it a bit quieter and avoid peak time on Saturday at 8pm.
Earthy
It’s a popular lunch spot, so no surprise that Earthy is at its busiest noon-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. A fair amount of visitors also pop in during the week, but all day on Tuesday looks quiet.
The Hanging Bat
Edinburgh’s craft beer mecca is of course busy on a Saturday but Tuesday nights are also fairly popular. Oddly, Google thinks it’s closed on a Friday (it’s not).
The Southern
Close to the Meadows, this student-friendly pub gathers plenty of visitors all day on Saturday; 9pm on Thursday is another peak time, according to Google.
See Time Out's guide to Edinburgh's best restaurants.