My wife and I will be spending a few days in Edinburgh before taking off to the highlands. Kind of a last minute adventure trip, so the only definite plans we've made so far is the first three days in Edinburgh, and then off in the rental car to the highlands to see what happens. As you lot always are full of good, helpful recommendations I thought I'd start here. Any suggestions on (in this order) 1) Eateries: restaurants, pubs with good beer and pub food, etc.; 2) Must see places in general, any gems you may have found along the road not-so-well-traveled 3) Accommodations: nice budget hotels, B&B's, guest houses, etc.; (in the highlands, as my accommodations for Edinburgh are taken care of).

I would really like to hear about places to eat. I don't care if it's at a three star establishment, or some road-side eatery along the way that surprised you for whatever (good) reason. Any suggestions you might have are more than welcome. Thanks for the help!

Oh yeah, wine shops in Edinburgh that perhaps hold tastings and offer good prices would be great as well.

The Champany Inn in Linlithgow is nice. It's 15 miles from Edinburgh. Great restaurant and great rooms. Wine list is superb, but not cheap. Whisky and Armagnac list takes some beating, too.

Whenever we visit Edinburgh we alway go to the Khukuri - it's a Nepalese restaurant. Like Indian, only different.

On the beer front, look out for Deuchar's IPA. Best beer in Scotland by miles. Pick up a copy of The Good Beer Guide if you can.

Visit Edinburgh Castle. If you're going to visit a distillery, Glenkinchie is close to Edinburgh; alternatively head up to Speyside and have a blast.

Thanks Dave, exactly the kind of suggestions I was looking for. I've heard of Deuchar's IPA and that's definitely on my to do list. Also, The Champany Inn looks like something fun to do outside Edinburgh. Although I'm doubting between the restaurant and the chop and ale house. Anyway, thanks again, this is great!

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Originally posted by absinthe24:
Thanks Dave, exactly the kind of suggestions I was looking for. I've heard of Deuchar's IPA and that's definitely on my to do list. Also, The Champany Inn looks like something fun to do outside Edinburgh. Although I'm doubting between the restaurant and the chop and ale house. Anyway, thanks again, this is great!

Both are good. The chop house offers a much more limited menu and wine list; most of the wines are South African as that is where the chef/owner is from.

If you eat in the main restaurant I STRONGLY recommend the Chateaubriand - whole chunk of beautifully grilled beef tenderloin, carved at the table. Serves two with good appetites. I had it with a 1980 Grange - cost me a bl**dy fortune but it was fantastic.

If they aren't too busy, ask if you can see the cellar.

One other thing: If you stay overnight they do the best breakfasts I've had anywhere. You won't need lunch.

Fresh - and I mean fresh - squeezed orange juice (very rare in the UK)
The full fry up - bacon, sausage, black pudding, mushrooms, tomatoes, eggs - the works.
I think they even have kippers.
Plus the usual toast, cereal etc. And it's included.

I wish I could remember more of trip but spending the entire hogmanay 2000 killed lots of brain cells. The whiskey tour was informative if you don't know much about the processes. The pub crawl is also fun if you have a few days.

Don't miss Martin Wishart in leith....absolutely stunning...check out the website at:
www.martin-wishart.co.uk
PS: michelin gave it a star!!!

Thanks bonedocnine, I had never heard of this place. I will definitely try and check it out! Thanks again Dave, I appreciate all your advice. We leave in two days, so if anyone has any further suggestions, I will be forever grateful!