Edinburgh is made for romance, all candlelit closes and castle views, and its restaurants know how to set the mood. Whether you want gothic drama, a private booth or a cosy corner table, these are the spots to book for a special date night.
Here are our most romantic restaurant picks and where to find them.
Where to Eat: Romantic Restaurants in Edinburgh
- The Witchery by the Castle (Castlehill) – The city’s most famous romantic restaurant – gothic, candlelit and dramatic, right beside the Castle.
- The Voodoo Rooms (W Register St, City Centre) – Opulent, ornate rooms above a grand bar, moody and atmospheric for an evening à deux.
- Rhubarb at Prestonfield (Priestfield Rd) – Lavish country-house dining with private booths and peacocks on the lawn – pure occasion.
- Howies (Victoria St & Waterloo Pl) – A relaxed, cosy Scottish bistro with an intimate feel and good-value set menus.
- ROLLO (Broughton St & Raeburn Pl) – A warm, stylish neighbourhood restaurant that makes an easy, unstuffy date-night choice.
What to Expect
Romantic dining here ranges from the theatrical splurge of the Witchery and Rhubarb to the cosier, more affordable charm of Howies and ROLLO. The smarter venues need booking well ahead, and a request for a quiet corner or booth rarely goes amiss.
Who It Suits
Couples marking an anniversary, a first date or just a special night out. For drama and a big occasion, book the Witchery or Rhubarb; for a relaxed, intimate meal that won’t break the bank, Howies and ROLLO are lovely.
Practical Tips
- Book ahead and ask for a booth or quiet corner when you reserve.
- The Witchery and Rhubarb are bucket-list splurges – go all in on the atmosphere.
- Howies set menus are a great-value way to have a romantic night out.
- Prestonfield is a short taxi from the centre but feels a world away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most romantic restaurant in Edinburgh?
The Witchery by the Castle is the classic answer – gothic, candlelit and dramatic. For a lavish country-house feel with private booths, Rhubarb at Prestonfield is equally special.
Where can I have a romantic meal in Edinburgh on a budget?
Howies and ROLLO offer cosy, intimate settings with good-value set menus, making them ideal for a romantic night out without the splurge.
