The Scottish capital is well-known for its tourist offering. There aren’t many cities in the world so jam-packed with history and culture. It’s also a city The Luxury Editor knows well and it holds a special place in our hearts. Who better than us then to be in the know about the best luxury experiences, hotels and bars Edinburgh has to offer? Eat, Do and Sleep in style with The Luxury Editor’s quick destination guide to Auld Reekie.
Eat
SUSHISAMBA
SUSHISAMBA, inspired by the vibrant cultures of Japan, Brazil, and Peru, has brought its imaginative cuisine to Edinburgh. With a menu that features signature dishes from Japanese sushi to Brazilian churrasco and Peruvian ceviches, alongside specialities that incorporate Scotland’s finest local produce, such as the robata-grilled Highland Wagyu Ishiyaki. The open kitchen, fiery robata grill, and shared plate dining style create a dynamic culinary experience, complemented by a curated selection of cocktails, premium sake, whisky and wine. Striking interiors include a wrap-around dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terrace with city views along with SUSHISAMBA’s iconic orange tree sculpture in the bar area. This vibrant destination restaurant is an essential dining experience for anyone visiting or staying in the city.
Le Petit Beefbar
Le Petit Beefbar Edinburgh, located on Edinburgh’s bustling George Street is the only restaurant in Scotland to offer Kobe Wagyu beef from Japan, along with premium beef cuts from around the world, such as 140-day corn-fed Black Angus from the USA and grass-fed Aberdeen Angus from Scotland. Founded by Riccardo Giraudi, whose family has a rich legacy in the beef industry, Le Petit Beefbar is a modern take on the traditional steakhouse, emphasising ethically sourced ingredients in an elegant brasserie-style setting within the InterContinental Edinburgh – The George. The restaurant’s global menu draws inspiration from traditional steakhouse favourites as well as street food from Japan, Mexico, and Europe, featuring a range of carefully selected beef cuts and inventive dishes. The interior design blends classic Georgian architecture with rich colours, offering both intimate and vibrant dining experiences.
edinburgh.intercontinental.com
W Deck
Located on the 12th floor of the spiralling W Edinburgh lies the W Deck, a stunning terrace boasting an exclusive summer cocktail menu and unrivalled 360° views of Edinburgh. This spacious wrap around rooftop bar offers both classic cocktails and innovative twists and head along every Thursday where the W Deck will host some of the city’s top DJs. Throughout August visitors to W Deck can also enjoy uninterrupted views of the nightly festival fireworks over Edinburgh and if the Scottish sun doesn’t make an appearance you can still enjoy the W Deck in one of the glass pods or beside one of the firepits.
The Spence At Gleneagles Townhouse
The all-day dining venue serving the refined Gleneages Townhouse is an elegant affair, set in a former banking hall. Its impressive Grade A-listed surroundings are complemented by a 1920s interior aesthetic and seasonal dishes showcasing Scotland’s larder. Sample courses such as West Coast crab crumpet, with spiced butter and pickled cucumber; spinach and goats cheese filo tart, British asparagus and wild garlic; and peach, elderflower and champagne cheesecake, along with cocktails such as The Gardener (Don Julio Blanco, St. Germain, Cocchi Americano, Suze, mustard seed, apple and Cremant D’Alsace).
The Lighthouse Restaurant at Fingal
Return to the golden era of luxury ocean travel aboard Leith’s opulent hotel ship, Fingal. The Lighthouse restaurant is a celebration of the most glamorous elements of maritime heritage; its ceiling has a shimmery hammered copper effect bringing a gentle reflection that creates a sense of space, and leather booth seating brings a feeling of exclusivity. Take a seat at the Art Deco-inspired bar or head outside to the deck if you’re just stopping by for cocktails, or book a table for dinner — the venue is open to guests and non-residents alike. Fingal’s menu is suitably seafood-forward with the likes of langoustines caught from the West Coast. This restaurant is not to be missed!
Fhior
Gaelic for “true”, Fhior is all about purity of flavour. It’s the work of Aberdonian chef Scott Smith and offers award-winning multi-course tasting menus by night, with an a la carte selection by day. A great deal of pickling and fermenting goes on in house and the kitchen team can be found foraging the nearby coasts, taking advantage of Scotland’s larder and creating dishes that are good for your gut, as well as packed with delicious tastes and textures. Fhior is tucked on Broughton Street in the city’s East End, recognisable by its striking white frontage and Scandi-influenced interior.
Read our guide to the best restaurants in Edinburgh
Do
Spa day at One Spa at The Sheraton
As the ‘finest urban spa in Europe’ One Spa at the Sheraton in Edinburgh offers re-energising and relaxation of the mind and body at the heart of the city. Simply because this spa is located in the midst of the city’s bustling business district is not to say it isn’t the ideal place to let off some steam. With unrivalled facilities including fully equipped fitness suites, a high-quality spa, plus their amazing outdoor heated pool set amongst the rooftops, One Spa is one of the best in the capital.
Shopping on Multrees Walk
Multrees Walk is the definition of luxury retail and is home to Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols luxury department store and Louis Vuitton boutique. From directional fashion brands such as Reiss and Kurt Geiger, to more established luxury brands such as Burberry and Coach, Multrees Walk is the best place in the city to satisfy any shopping cravings. Its central location and clean, open space makes it a really pleasant place to promenade whilst partaking in some luxury retail therapy.
Private Whisky Tasting at The Scotch Whisky Experience
For a true taste of Scotland book a bespoke whisky tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile for you and your party. With decades of experience in the industry and one of the largest collections of Scotch, this really is the only place for a bespoke tasting. For something extra special, book their ‘Outlander’ tasting experience and descend down to the stunning Whisky Experience vaults to try out four rare and aged whiskies from Scotland’s now non-existent ‘ghost distilleries’. A truly exceptional dip into the national drink.
Sleep
W Edinburgh
W Edinburgh, opened in November 2023 and has revolutionised the city’s hospitality scene. Located in the vibrant St James Quarter, this Marriott Bonvoy property combines Edinburgh’s rich history with modern luxury. The hotel features three distinct buildings, Ribbon Building, James Craig Walk, and Quarter House, each offering a unique perspective of the city. Its innovative design includes references to the city’s cultural, historic, and geographical aspects and the unique rooftop W deck rewards visitors with the finest unfettered 360-degree views of Edinburgh and beyond. Inside, elements of fire, water, and local materials create a compelling narrative. W Edinburgh has also introduced exciting dining experiences and social spaces, including Scotland’s first SUSHISAMBA restaurant celebrating Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine, the signature W Lounge ideal for all-day dining, and a secret speakeasy bar, João’s Place serving creative cocktails and premium spirits. Read our expert review here.
Prestonfield House
Prestonfield House is a unique 5-star hotel that seamlessly blends opulence, theatricality, and luxury within one of Edinburgh’s most charming historic buildings and has been operating since the 1950’s. This exclusive haven, presided over by James Thomson, marries the serenity and seclusion of a country estate with the vibrancy of urban Edinburgh. Set within 20 acres of beautiful, manicured gardens, with views across the nearby majestic Arthur’s Seat guests can enjoy the tranquillity of the green open space. Yet just a mere five-minute jaunt from the heart of Edinburgh, those seeking to explore the city can easily do so. Each of the 18 lavish bedrooms and five romantic suites showcases individual features and character, adorned with one-of-a-kind antique furnishings and distinctive feature beds with the antique theme flowing throughout the hotel. The destination restaurant, Rhubarb, presents guests with the choice of private dining rooms, lavish salons, and grand public spaces – not to mention the fine seasonal cuisine they serve. The level of service and hospitality is impeccable, personal yet professional. Read our expert review here.
Gleneagles Townhouse
The century-old Perthshire spa resort brings its famous quintessential Scottish luxury to the heart of Edinburgh. In 2022 the brand completed the refurbishment of the iconic former Bank of Scotland HQ, a Grade A-listed building on St Andrew Square. The boutique property has a small number of bedrooms decorated in a modern style, but reflecting a timeless Georgian townhouse elegance. Guests and the general public can mingle in The Spence, an art deco all-day dining establishment, or in the rooftop bar. The bank’s old vault accommodates the wellness area, including a cryotherapy chamber and infrared sauna.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh (5 Star)
Taking up residence in the Old Town’s India Buildings, the Virgin Hotel is homey, plush and contemporary, bedecked in hues of cream. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of pops of red around the place — in the in-room Smeg mini-fridges, on doors and forming the arrival carpet into the lobby. Do stop to look up once inside — the glass cupola ceiling and atrium are quite something when viewed from ground level especially. Dine in the Commons Club for a little old-world glamour, order food and drinks in Eve for a funky feel and spend time in the Victorian Funny Library. Dogs are welcome at the property too and get their own food menu.
For more luxury hotels in Edinburgh, read our luxury hotel guide.
