Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Balerno

"Edinburgh's Camera Obscura (meaning "dark room") is a fascinating and delightful way to take advantage of the wonderful views of the city from Castle Hill. Located immediately beside Edinburgh Castle, this intriguing attraction is housed in a Victorian rooftop chamber at the apex of the Outlook Tower. Inside this mysterious room you can see moving images of Edinburgh's panorama projected onto the walls by the giant periscope."

"Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a quirky little museum just down the hill from the Castle. It’s one of the most popular Edinburgh attractions and great fun for the whole family. The museum is set over 5 floors and contains hundreds of illusions, many of which are interactive."

"Originally known as Caltoun or Caldoun Hill, Calton Hill offers one of the best and most iconic views of the city of Edinburgh. Granted to the people of Edinburgh by James II in 1456, the hill is now home to a bewildering number of buildings and monuments including the National Monument (an unfinished folly resembling the front of the Parthenon which is dedicated to those who died in the Napoleonic wars), Nelson's Monument (housing a time-ball mechanism by which ships used to set their chronometers), the Dugald Stewart Monument (a beautiful circular temple of nine columns dedicated to the Scottish philosopher), the Political Martyrs Monument, and the City Observatory (to name only a few). Recommended for Parks because: Calton Hill is home to some of the most famous Edinburgh monuments and offers some of the best views of the city."

"If you head for the Balmoral Hotel (large clock tower in New Town) head Northeast and you’ll find your way up Calton Hill. There’s plenty to see up there – from Nelson Monument (see below) to just soaking up in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh!"

"Joseph Pearce's Bar and Kitchen on Leith Walk has been open since 1898.Today it is a welcoming cosy spot described as a "family haven". They serve Swedish-inspired brunch, lunch and dinner and is ideal for casual dining, a refreshing drink stop, or coffee and cake with the youngsters. The elevated section of the bar is child-friendly during the day and they also have an outside terrace where you can sit on a warm day."

"A breath of Scandinavia in Edinburgh, Joseph Pearce’s is relaxed, cozy, stylish, and intimate. White walls and cream-colored wrought iron frame space, which is split between two levels and bordered by comfy booths with cheerful throw pillows. The bar serves your usual draught beer, of course, but there’s also a unique selection of Swedish ciders and aquavit cocktails—both of which you should make your priority here."

"Take one traditional nicotine-stained boozer much patronised by the middle-aged-gent-afternoon-drinking sector. Give it a fresh lick of paint, some quirky fittings and a Scandinavian-style bar menu. Provide a welcoming space for children during the day."

"Average spend: £10 lunchtime deal of chef’s selection tapas for two, 12.30-5pm daily Tapa plates around £5 each individually. Whatta bargain – get six tapas dishes, bread and salad to share between two for just £10 every lunchtime. Tapa staples include griddled chorizo with tomato salsa, Iberico ham, squid with aioli and aubergine crisps drizzled with honey."

"Out of all Edinburgh's restaurants, Tapa lures me through its doors most often. The attraction is the fun and authentic Spanish tapas coupled with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Load up on patatas bravas, meatballs and the most perfect tortilla you will ever eat."

"Inside the doors of Eden Locke's austere Georgian exterior is a hip, pastel space that won't rest until you Instagram it—not surprising, given that NYC-based architecture firm Grzywinski+Pons is behind the design. The lobby is mint green, with intensely trendy details (brass and marble shelves, about a million potted plants, modern wicker chairs) that soften into a friendly, welcoming cafe-bar space populated by day with a young crowd clicking away at laptops. Think of it as your dream Airbnb, but run by pros."

"Uber-hip and perfectly presented, the 4-star exceptionally rated Eden Locke is a design-led aparthotel situated at the heart of George Street. Shoreditch style design can be found throughout the traditional Georgian building, with carefully placed whimsical touches that add interest and will make you smile. The bedrooms are studio apartments with padded leather headboards, retro telephones and oversized clocks, while bathrooms may be small but they do offer huge walk-in showers."

"Best for Budget breaks In a nutshell If you’re looking for a serene place to stay — but still want to be in the centre of Edinburgh — this beautifully decorated aparthotel could be just the spot. Light-filled rooms, pastel-coloured walls and dreamy modernist furniture create a calm and picture-worthy spot. Plus the studio apartments are excellent value for money."

"Rhubarb Restaurant is set in a 17th-century manor house|© Neil Setchfield / Alamy Stock Photo. A restaurant with a story, Rhubarb operates out of the esteemed 17th-century manor hotel Prestonfield House. This romantic pick comes with all the bells and whistles, from the dramatic decor to the ultra-gourmet dishes."

"Rhubarb Restaurant is set in a 17th-century manor house|© Neil Setchfield / Alamy Stock Photo. This stylish and oh-so-glamorous restaurant is set in a 17th-century manor house in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat. Its name alludes to the fact that Prestonfield was the first estate in Scotland to grow rhubarb."

"Set in the splendid 17th-century Prestonfield hotel, Rhubarb is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The over-the-top decor of rich reds set off with black and gold and the sensuous surfaces that make..."

"As previously mentioned this is the newest addition to the list. The 'hidden' restaurant is tucked away between a hairdressers and a post office on Salisbury Place in Newington. Many of their ingredients are sourced from their own walled garden, and these are put together to create a surprise eight-course tasting menu – providing a "sensory exploration of the different regions of Scotland"."

"Not quite as busy as its big sisters, Stockbridge and Grassmarket markets, but well worth a visit nonetheless. The market consists mostly of food traders, bringing you locally produced and sourced products as well as sizzling hot street food that you can enjoy sitting down at one of the tables. On the first Saturday of the month the market also hosts the Vegan Quarter with a variety of vegan treats to choose from."

"Taking place every Saturday from 10am to 4pm on Dock Place, Leith Market is full of foodie delights and unique items from local makers and designers. On the first Saturday of the month Leith Market is home to a Vegan Quarter where, alongside their usual line-up of traders, the Market is filled with delicious variety of Vegan treats from cupcakes to Vegan Meat."

"Each Saturday the Leith Market at Dock Place if filled with foods to tempt any palate as well as a monthly Vegan Quarter on the first Saturday of each month. Each month the market welcomes a variety of delicious vegan treats alongside the regular traders."

"This is a new space in a historic area, just off ancient Canongate in the heart of the Old Town. Envisaged as a community arts and commerce project, the Old Tolbooth Market (daily 11am to 6pm) has a multicultural remit, with a Scottish/Afro-Caribbean street buffet, Jam Rock Jamaican chicken and more. You’ll also find hot Tanzanian hot chilli sauces, flowers, arts and crafts, plus live music and performances."

"A post shared by Edinburgh Food Porn & Reviews (@plateexpectations) on Jul 7, 2017 at 3:45am PDT. Part of a chain of three restaurants dotted across Edinburgh, Maki and Ramen offers soothing bowls of broth with braised bean curd (or try the ‘Hell Ramen’ if you dare!) and then plenty of fresh sushi to have on the side or as an additional course. This is probably the best sushi restaurant on this list for vegetarians, too, thanks to its thoughtful and delectable vegetarian set dishes."

"Scotland is not especially renowned for its culinary highlights. However, if you are staying in Edinburgh, you will be blessed with a very rich food scene extending much further than Haggis and fish and chips. As every major city, Edinburgh has a very broad and multicultural food scene."