The Apartment

This popular neighbourhood bistro has long enjoyed a faithful following. Once the sister restaurant of The Outsider on George IV Bridge, new owners have taken over in the last few years, but the feel – and taste – of the place remains similar to what went before it.

A splash of colour has been added – contemporary wall art, some bright throw cushions – warming the place up a bit. Like the décor, the staff are of a perky persuasion, offering a warm smile and decent service throughout.

The menu has a Mediterranean-meets-modern-British bistro feel, with the fish, chicken and lamb skewers perennially popular. Daily specials like braised lamb or hake and langoustine keep things interesting, while regulars like the steak are generally well executed. Like The Outsider, it’s not cheap, though a more reasonably priced lunch selection is available.

Culture lovers have a fondness for the place, given its close proximity to the King’s Theatre, so it pays to book ahead when there’s a big show on.