The New Town

Big. Georgian. Energy. This is the ‘top half’ of the ‘city centre’ – the bit north of Princes Street – where you’ll find The Stand’s various comedy venues, the Assembly Rooms and the Rose Street Theatre, along with some phenomenal places for a pint

Words: Peter Simpson

BABA

Middle Eastern mezze are the order of the day at BABA. Expect a highly shareable menu packed with tasty Levantine dishes.

130 George St, @babaedinburgh

Black Rose Tavern

The Black Rose is a Rose Street haven for rockers, moshers, and everyone else who wants to enjoy their pint with some good riffs.

49 Rose St, @blackrosetavern49

Bramble

Arguably the city’s finest cocktail bar. It’s dark, the hip-hop bumps loudly, and the drinks are beautiful.

16a Queen St, @Bramble_Bar

Chez Jules

The chaotic basement bistro is an Edinburgh institution. Classic French dishes and ludicrous value; a three-course lunch for £12 is always gonna get a mention from us.

109 Hanover St, @chezjuleshanoverstreet

El Cartel Mexicana

Some of the best Mexican food in Edinburgh can be found in the cosy (as in tiny) confines of El Cartel. It’s a tight squeeze inside, but the tacos and margaritas make up for it.

64 Thistle St, @elcartelmexicana

Fierce Beer Bar

The Aberdonian brewery have taken up residence at the west end of Rose Street, with their bar serving up some craft beer realness.

167 Rose St, @fiercebeer

Fortitude Coffee

In Fringe terms, Fortitude is a perfect fit – coffee, sandwiches, cakes – all on the literal doorstep of The Stand.

3c York Pl, @fortitudecoffee

Lowdown Coffee

A small but perfectly-formed Scandi-style basement beneath George Street, Lowdown is a calming environment from which to escape the madness of the street above.

40 George St, @coffeelowdown

Nightcap

Great cocktails, a moody yet welcoming interior, lovely bar staff, and an ideal location next door to The Stand.

3 York Pl, @nightcap2016

Noto

Exceptional small plates in a pared-back and super cool setting, we love Noto. We particularly love their crab butter, which is one of the single best things to eat in the city.

47a Thistle St, @notoedinburgh

The Voodoo Rooms

Its performance spaces get plenty of shine in August, but the amazingly ornate bar deserves its own entry. Big leather booths, very fancy ceiling.

19a W Register St, @thevoodoorooms