Graduation – your final moments in the enchanting city of Edinburgh, soaking up those final walks along cobblestone streets, glowing 11 pm sunsets, and the towering castle overlooking it all.
As my final weeks of university draw to a close, I have realised that I do, in fact, need to plan my graduation weekend. While incredibly bittersweet, planning that final ceremonial meal can be a source of great excitement and slight panic for many.
We are undeniably spoiled for incredible, world-class dining in Edinburgh – from Michelin stars to family-run gems. Yet I think a graduation dinner is a particular type of special meal; it must be elegant enough for the occasion, yet warm enough to match your inevitably sentimental mood (low lighting in case I start emotionally crying – essential). And if you’re a farmers market lover like me, I think finding a spot that has local food would tie up this final moment up with the perfect bow.
So with that, here are my top spots for graduation dinner: Elegant, locally sourced, and nostalgic.
Fin and Grape – aka. Seafood and Wine! This little gem in Bruntsfield has some of the most truly talented chefs in the city. Locally sourced Scottish fish, cooked to perfection, with an ever-shifting menu based on seasonality and creativity. Fin and Grape has the quality of fine dinning food, but feels like you’ve been invited to someone’s seaside dining room for a classy dinner party.
Tucked away on Stephens Lane in Stockbridge, Moss is about as farm-to-table as you can get. The eternity of their menu comes from their farm in Angus – even the chairs dotted around this tiny restaurant are made from trees on the farm (plus they boast an exclusively British wine list)! From an ex-Noma Chef, the food here is nothing short of a sensational journey through Scotland’s countryside.
If creative dishes with local produce served on rustic plates, linen napkins, and low candle-lit lighting sound like your heaven, look no further than Timberyard. Hosted in a converted 19th-century warehouse, Timberyard has been a trailblazer in the Edinburgh sustainable and artisan restaurant scene for over a decade.
Now, if you think your Dad might be a bit put off by buckwheat and sea moss, Cafe St Honoré is your classical, elegant French restaurant that truly cannot steer you wrong. Turn the corner off of Thistle Street (again, the best restaurants are always tucked away) and you’ll feel like you’ve suddenly stepped into Paris. Plus, you can find Head Chef Neil at the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market every week …
Final honourable mention (to continue on the French train) – L’Escargot Bleu on Broughton Street, which I’m convinced has the best escargot and beef tartare this side of the channel…
As a closing note, your final evening, wherever you choose to dine, will be memorable because of the people you are sharing it with, and everything you’ve accomplished to get to that moment. But, if you want some places that really shine forward with the best produce, artisan craft, and intimate, authentic vibes, then these are your spots.
Photo by Zane Persaud on Unsplash