Fishers in the City

Fishers in the City makes for an effortlessly elegant setting for a Christmas celebration in Edinburgh. Tucked into a former warehouse on Thistle Street, the space blends exposed stone and warm lighting with a contemporary polish that feels festive without trying too hard. It’s the kind of place where a long lunch with colleagues or a joyful dinner with friends can unfold slowly, over glasses of wine and plates passed across the table.

The menu is tailor-made for festive indulgence, with Scottish seafood taking centre stage. King scallops arrive with parsnip purée, charred grapes and crispy Parma ham, while mains like grilled lemon sole in café de Paris butter or halibut with wild mushroom risotto are perfect for a celebratory spread. For something warming on a chilly Edinburgh evening, the Madras coley and king prawn curry with basmati rice and raita is rich, fragrant and crowd-pleasing. Dessert might be sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and ice cream or, for something a little more seasonal, the white chocolate and blood orange cheesecake hits the citrus note perfectly.

Groups are very much at home here. The restaurant’s layout allows for semi-private areas and larger table configurations, and the team is well-versed in hosting festive events that strike just the right balance between relaxed and well-organised. Service is warm and seamless: polished enough for work parties, relaxed enough for catch-ups with old friends.

Being in the city centre, Fishers is as convenient as it is charming. A short walk from Princes Street, it's easy for guests to get to and from, and there’s something special about seeing Edinburgh's Christmas lights twinkling on the way home. Add in the award-winning reputation, attentive staff and the sheer quality of the food, and you’ve got a venue that quietly delivers everything you want from a Christmas party: excellent hospitality, fantastic flavours and a festive atmosphere that feels both refined and joyful.