The 7 Best Private Dining Spots in Edinburgh for a Night to Remember
Nothing leaves a lasting impression quite like serving your guests a meal they’ll be talking about for ages. While I like to imagine myself a kitchen whiz at home, I’m more than happy to hand over the magic to the real pros at Edinburgh’s top restaurants.
As much as I love being a good hostess, I can’t compete with the hospitality, incredible food, and unforgettable experience of private dining. Yes, it might cost a wee bit more, but when you leave it to the experts, it’s worth every penny.
If you’re planning a special gathering, these are the best spots for private dining in Edinburgh that never fail to impress!
The Dome
– Media from thedomeedinburgh
Address: 14 George St
Contact Details: +44 131 624 8624
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 am
Pricing: $$
The Dome is a perfect blend of timeless luxury, and it’s my top choice for special occasions. Housed in the stunning Graeco-Roman building that was once the Commercial Bank of Scotland, their private dining experience is excellent.
The food is always a treat, including hearty soups, smoked salmon, and arancini. You can customise the menu based on your guest list.
Booking is effortless, and the service is impeccable. Each visit feels like being treated like royalty.
Tips:
- The Dome is family-friendly, and kids are welcome. If you’re dining, they’re allowed at any time. However, if you’re just stopping by for drinks, make sure the little ones are out by 8:00 pm.
- The Dome is wheelchair-friendly, with a lift to the left of the main steps. Most areas, like the Club Room and Grill Room, are on the ground floor, but if you’re heading to the Georgian Tearoom or conference rooms, there’s a lift for that too. Just let them know when you book, and they’ll make sure you’re set up with the most comfortable spot.
Contini
– Media from continibites
Address: 103 George St
Contact Details: +44 330 164 9385
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am to 11:30 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am to 11:30 pm
Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Pricing: $$$
If you’re looking for a touch of grandeur for your next private dinner, Contini on George Street is the place to be. This Italian gem is set in a stunning 19th-century building that was once a grand banking hall, and the decor reflects the elegance of its history.
The private dining area is tucked away in the old bank vault, with space for up to 16 guests. It’s perfect for everything from relaxed brunches to lively dinner parties, thanks to its extensive range of delicious Italian dishes that will cater to all tastes.
Tips:
- In very special cases, the restaurant allows guests to book the entire dining hall for a private party. The whole restaurant can accommodate up to 96 guests, so if it’s a big party you will be hosting, I recommend booking the whole place instead. Just make sure to make your request at least 6 months to a year in advance because tables get fully booked easily here.
- The menu at Contini changes with the seasons, so if you’re planning a private dinner, give them a heads-up on what you want. They’ll whip up a custom menu for you, making adjustments based on what’s fresh at the time.
Hawksmoor Edinburgh
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Address: 23 W Register St
Contact Details: +44 131 526 4790
Operating Hours:
Monday to Wednesday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Thursday, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Sunday, 11:15 am to 9:00 pm
Pricing: $$
Hawksmoor is a real gem, set in the iconic former National Bank of Scotland. For private dinners, you’ll be whisked away to the McLellan Room, where artist Sade McLellan’s etched windows add a touch of class to the space.
It’s an intimate spot for up to 13 guests, with full privacy to make your event feel extra special. You’ll have Wi-Fi, a cloakroom, and audiovisual gear if you need it, plus a bespoke menu and drinks package that you can tweak to your heart’s content.
Tips:
- If you’ve got a bigger crowd, there’s also the Tellers’ Room, which can host up to 48 people. Just a heads-up, the McLellan Room is popular and often booked up well in advance, so it’s a good idea to book the smaller room at least a month or two ahead if you’re a smaller group. If you go for the Tellers’ Room, keep in mind you might need to book a package that caters for over 40 people.
- All private rooms are wheelchair-accessible, by the way. Inform the staff about your seating arrangements and accessibility requests, so that they can prepare for your arrival seamlessly.
Gaucho Edinburgh
– Media from gauchogroup
Address: 4a St Andrew Square
Contact Details: +44 131 278 3410
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Saturday, 12:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Sunday,12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking to host a private dinner with a serious steak fan base, Gaucho is a solid choice. They take pride in serving top-notch Argentinian free-roam, grass-fed Aberdeen Angus beef—so you’re guaranteed to serve up some crowd-pleasers.
What I love about Gaucho is how they tailor their private dining menus to suit your needs, from meat-heavy canapés and entrees to mains. If you’re after something different, they’re more than happy to accommodate other dietary preferences.
Tips:
- The restaurant is known to be very strict with dietary restrictions. Don’t forget to inform your staff about all your guests’ dietary needs because once the menu has been finalised and confirmed, you can no longer make any other changes. You will still be informed of any allergens used in the menu, but tell them ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
- This spot is perfect for dining out with your fur baby, but heads-up: you’ll need to let the management know about your pup when making a reservation. Keep them on a leash and ready to relax on the floor (no chairs for pets here).
The good news? They’ve got unlimited water refills for your furry companion, so hydration is never an issue!
Angels with Bagpipes
– Media from angels_food_
Address: 343 High St
Contact Details: +44 131 220 1111
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Pricing: $$
Set inside a lush 16th-century building, Angels with Bagpipes will leave a lasting impression in your heart, especially if you want to explore Scottish cuisine. A private dining experience here will feel like home but with fine dining meals!
Their private room can fit up to 12 guests, which is perfect for small to medium gatherings with friends and family. I highly recommend spending a Christmas dinner here since their festive dinner spread is quite popular among locals.
Tips:
- The restaurant operates on a small-plate basis, so don’t be surprised if there are several courses served in small portions. That’s really the concept!
- Reservations are highly encouraged, as the dining space is relatively small and gets packed quite easily. You can book the private room at least 6 months in advance if you really want to secure a date.
- Don’t skip out on the oysters when they’re in season. They’re a popular choice among locals!
The Tollhouse
– Media from the.tollhouse.edinburgh
Address: 50 Brandon Terrace
Contact Details: +44 131 224 2424
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Pricing: $$
The Tollhouse has been a favourite of my husband’s since his first family dinner there with his parents. He’s still raving about the top-notch service, delicious Scottish fare, and their commitment to supporting local farmers, fishmongers, and butchers.
Their private dining room, tucked on the lower level, is perfect for intimate gatherings of up to 10 guests and even opens onto a lovely terrace. It’s the ideal spot for a cosy celebration with a touch of Tollhouse charm!
Tips:
- Grab one of their gift vouchers for friends or family. Even if they don’t make it to a private dinner, it’s a cracking way to treat them to a proper Scottish meal here.
- Since the restaurant’s private dining area is on the lower level, expect restricted mobility when accessing the room if you or your guest is in a wheelchair. The staff members can assist you in getting to the room with ease, just make sure to inform them in advance about accessibility matters. It’s a good thing disabled toilets are on the lower level, too!
Cardinal
– Media from cardinal.scot
Address: 14 Eyre Pl
Contact Details: +44 131 305 2049
Operating Hours:
Wednesday to Thursday. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm to 1:45 pm, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Pricing: $$
Chef Tomás Gormley and his team bring a touch of Scotland’s finest to your table, crafting bespoke private dining experiences at Cardinal. With a deep respect for Scotland’s seasonal bounty, the team creates bold dishes that celebrate local flavours.
Their menu features a 16-course tasting spread, featuring ingredients sourced from sustainable suppliers and farms. They’re also known for cooking their dishes on coals, giving your meal a little smoky flavour that you can’t really find anywhere else.
Tip:
- They offer a more concise tasting menu in case the signature 16-course one is too much for you and your group. You can’t really customise what they’ll serve unless it’s for dietary restrictions and allergens.
What’s written on their menu is what they will serve, so if you want to know what you’ll be eating, I highly recommend checking out their menu samples online here first.