Tower

Set atop the ivory(ish) tower of the National Museum of Scotland, this rooftop restaurant has hosted the odd A-lister or two in its time. Like its sister outfit, The Witchery, The Tower continues to add old-school, destination dining allure to a city booming with newer, hipper contemporaries. It doesn’t have The Witchery’s decadent appeal or immediate proximity to Edinburgh Castle, but it certainly has some real class of its own.

Arrived at through a small lift in the museum foyer, this is a very civilised affair. A well-dressed maître’d meets you at the lift door and leads you towards a stylish interior of oak tables, dark leather, deep-hued suede and ornate cutlery. Scottish fish gets an impressive showcase on the a la carte menu, from West Coast oysters and Isle of Mull crab to Loch Etive trout and their popular Isle of Skye lobster. Rump of lamb and fillet steak are on hand to keep the carnivores happy.

The two-course lunch/theatre supper menu is good value, and while it doesn’t get many points for innovation or choice, the regularly featured salmon and ham hock terrine starters are a popular appetiser to precede a catch of the day main. On a warmer day, afternoon tea sitting out on the rooftop terrace, with some great views over the city skyline, is a particularly special experience.