Private dining in Edinburgh: Best venues for birthday parties, work events and more

Private dining in Edinburgh combines two of our favourite things; some of the best food the Scottish capital has to offer as well as a sense of occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a big birthday bash or have decided to treat your team, private dining brings something a little bit special to the table (if you’ll pardon the pun).

Some of the best private dining in Edinburgh comes with all manner of extras, like a dedicated host for the evening, your own private bar or even seats that overlook the kitchen so you get a real slice of the action. Thanks to the theatre involved, these ‘chefs’ table’ private dining spaces are some of our favourite private dining rooms in Edinburgh. In these scenarios, chefs are likely to chat with guests through each course, ingredients used, and techniques employed, which is a lovely additional touch.

Another benefit of choosing to book a private dining room in Edinburgh is that you often have more flexibility when it comes to the menu you’ll serve to your guests. Typically, you’ll start with a few choices from the chef heading up your event, but these can usually be tweaked or changed in line with your preferences. Fancy an extra palate cleanser course? Shouldn’t be a problem. Throwing a birthday party and need a cake? Just let the kitchen know.

Once you have the space and menu sorted, all is left to decide is the décor. Sometimes, venues might offer flowers or napkin choices, and many of Edinburgh’s best private dining rooms will also allow you to decorate as you wish (within reason) – just ask, what’s the worst that can happen?

When it comes to the very best private dining rooms Edinburgh has to offer, there are all sorts of options. Whether you’re looking for the perfect private dining space for two people or want to go big with a semi-private hire of half the restaurant, we’ve got something for everyone. Use the links below to skip to the most relevant section for you.

Best private dining rooms for work events in Edinburgh

For work occasions, you’ll most likely want something fairly smart, attentive service, great food, and an impressive wine list. The below are a few of our favourite corporate private dining rooms in Edinburgh, although that doesn’t mean they’re not great for other things too!

Bonnar’s At The Scott

What: There’s something undeniably enigmatic about Bonnar’s. Set within an 18th-century house, this glamorous restaurant offers up fantastically inventive Scottish menus. The head chef, Pier Beretta, is ex-Noma, so you can expect local suppliers to feature heavily as well as seasonal ingredients, all enjoyed in the moody but elegant surrounds of The Library. Think gold gilding, elaborate carved food features, and a cosy but elegant atmosphere.
Where: The Scott Hotel, 18 Holyrood Park Road, EH16 5AY
Book now: Bonnar’s At The Scott

Wedgwood

What: If it’s high-end food you’re after, then Wedgwood the Restaurant is perfect. Chef patron Paul Wedgwood is passionate about Scottish ingredients, foraging many of the unusual wild elements on the menu himself. Expect a leisurely pace and attentive service as you make your way through a menu that includes dishes such as Loch Eriboll scallops with cauliflower korma and mains like Avon Valley roe deer loin with sea truffle-weed terrine. The private dining area here is semi-private with access to the main room, so something to keep in mind depending on the event.
Where: 267 Canongate, EH8 8BQ
Book now: Wedgwood

Best private dining rooms for birthdays in Edinburgh

Birthdays demand something special, and all of the below offer a bit more than most. Whether you’re looking for an intimate spot with a few friends or are going all-out on an invite-everyone-affair we’ve picked these restaurants and private dining rooms for their flair.

Taisteal

What: This family-run neighbourhood restaurant is run by husband-and-wife team Gordon and Lucy Craig, who wanted to showcase interesting, experimental flavours using incredible Scottish produce. It’s a lovely choice for relaxed get-togethers, and while there isn’t a set private dining room per se, Gordon and Lucy will be happy to accommodate your private party based on your requirements. The food is a huge draw here, with dishes like lamb belly, shiitake pithiviers, and whipped feta and dukkah on the menu.
Where: 1 Forth Street, EH1 3JX
Book now: Taisteal

Gaucho Edinburgh

What: For a glamorous private dinner, combined with excellent Latin-inspired cooking, head to Gaucho on St Andrew Square. If you're hosting an intimate occasion, hire the Wine Room (with space for up to 14 guests seated) or for larger group drinks, choose the Bar, which accommodates up to 40 people standing. Depending on your preference, there's a classic, three-course menu featuring classic Gaucho dishes, or a sharing-style menu, with a range of starters like mac and cheese, and juicy steak cuts. 
Where: 4a St Andrew Square, EH2 2BD
Book now: Gaucho Edinburgh

Hard Rock Cafe

What: One of the most iconic, recognisable names on this list, Hard Rock Cafe feels a natural location for birthday parties. The back room here offers an exclusive location for up to 25 of your best friends to celebrate, enjoy a cocktail (or several) and tuck into American classics. Plus, you can get in touch with the team to book a cocktail masterclass too. That being said, it’s also a great choice for kids' parties, offering up tons of small-appetite friendly plates and shareable dishes.
Where: 20 George Street, EH2 2PF
Book now: Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh

Scotts Kitchen

What: Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, and boasting views of Victoria Street from its south-facing terrace, Scotts Kitchen can cater for both indoor and outdoor private events. There’s no hire fee, so all you have to do is hit the minimum spend, and the team will work with you to create your perfect event for up to 34 seated guests. Book for your next birthday, work do or group gathering, and sit back to enjoy fantastic service.
Where: 4-6 Victoria Terrace, EH1 2JL
Book now: Scotts Kitchen

Timberyard

What: Timberyard is a family-run restaurant smack bang beside Edinburgh Castle, and the recipient of a Michelin star as of 2023. This brick and stone warehouse has a few different characterful areas to hold a party or wedding, with a maximum capacity of 74. The menu changes regularly, and can be tailored to your requirements, but expect gorgeous treatment of seasonal Scottish ingredients.
Where: 10 Lady Lawson Street, EH3 9DS
Book now: Timberyard

Best private dining rooms for two in Edinburgh

Hello, hopeless romantics. Looking for a private table for two? This is the only option we know in Edinburgh, aside from your kitchen table, but it’s a pretty special one. We think this dinky table is the perfect spot for an anniversary treat or a pretty impressive place to ‘pop the question’.

Rhubarb at Prestonfield House

What: So, here you have it, the best private dining for two in Edinburgh. This tiny turret room is accessed off a little stone staircase and looks onto a manicured garden of lawns and topiary trees. You’ll be treated to complete privacy with a bell to call your dedicated waiter on, should you need their services. Expect classics to have been given the all-star treatment, like delicious, solid dishes like a smoked partridge and tarragon crumpet with liver parfait
Where: Priestfield Road, EH16 5UT
Book now: Prestonfield House

Best private dining rooms for big groups in Edinburgh

Organising a big group for dinner can be a bit like herding cats, so we’ve done all we can to eliminate at least one of the stresses: The venue. All of the below hold a minimum of forty guests and offer a relaxed base to build your get-together from.

Fishers in the City

What: Fishers in the City is a local favourite and hidden neighbourhood gem for intimate special occasions in Edinburgh. Having served locals and visitors for over ten years, the restaurant is experienced when it comes to hosting memorable group dinners of up to 36 people. Using produce from the Scottish coast, the menu celebrates seasonal seafood, featuring octopus with chorizo, king scallops with parsnip puree, and halibut fillet with wild mushroom risotto. 
Where: 58 Thistle Street, EH2 1EN
Book now: Fishers in the City

Hotel du Vin

What: Hotel du Vin offers a range of private dining rooms, each suited to various types of events. The largest is The Burke & Hare, which seats up to 36 guests around a central table, complete with an art collection and an atmosphere that’s equally suited to professional dining and social celebrations. The menu draws inspiration from classic French bistro fare, presented in a variety of set menus at different price points. Think beef cheek Bourguignon, confit duck leg, and apple tarte fine. Plus, you’ll find a range of drinks packages too.
Where: 11 Bristo Place, EH1 1EZ
Book now: Hotel du Vin

Black Ivy

What: Looking to host something extra special? The Clubroom at Black Ivy is one of the best private dining rooms in the city for just that. With beautiful views over the park, floral hanging arrangements, chandeliers, and luxurious touches, there are very few people a space like this wouldn’t impress. Throw some serious quality food and drinks, tailored drinks packages, and the option of a buffet into the mix and you’ve got a belter.
Where: 4 Alvanley Terrace, Bruntsfield, EH9 1DU
Book now: Black Ivy

Hawksmoor Edinburgh

What: Everyone's favourite reliable steak restaurant has proven to be a smash hit in Edinburgh, and as well as the cavernous main dining hall, Hawksmoor also offers not one but two private rooms for special celebrations. The larger of the two is the Tellers' Room - once the heart of this old banking hall, with room for up to 46 guests to get stuck into steaks, quality cocktails and that famous sticky toffee pudding. We’re also big fans of the 13-seater McLellan Room, especially for business lunches.
Where: 23 West Register Street, EH2 2AA
Book now: Hawksmoor Edinburgh

The Secret Garden at The Witchery

What: If you’re willing to take a punt on the Scottish weather then The Secret Garden at The Witchery makes for a truly magical experience. This enclosed courtyard looks onto a private terrace that can be utilised when the sun decides to show its face. Guests will love filing down to the restaurant through a historic Edinburgh close, past the pulpit reception and down the stone steps to find this special dining room. The windows are large French-style ones and the ceiling is intricately painted, just in case you needed more reasons to look into private dining at The Witchery.
Where: 352 Castlehill, EH1 2NF
Book now: The Secret Garden at The Witchery

Best private dining for small groups in Edinburgh

When looking for a spot for just a few friends, it’s nice to know that there are cosy nooks and corners to make the perfect backdrop for parties. All of these small private dining rooms in Edinburgh host a maximum of 20 people, but some have space for as few as six.

Ardfern

What: With space for up to 30 guests, Ardern is a cool private dinner spot for small to medium-sized groups. The menu changes with the seasons and features an array of shareable small plates, like hash brown with creamed corn and black garlic, BBQ prawn skewer with baby gem and kohlrabi, and crispy polenta with smoked garlic mayo. There's also a huge wine list with up to 100 bottles to choose from, as well as creative cocktails and a beautiful Basque cheesecake for dessert. 
Where: 10-12 Bonnington Road, EH6 5JD
Book now: Ardfern

The Little Chartroom

What: Just next door to Ardfern is its (older) sister restaurant, The Little Chartroom. While there is no private dining room, the restaurant can be hired exclusively or shared semi-privately for group dinners. Offering a concise, sophisticated menu made using some of Scotland's finest produce, The Little Chartroom is somewhere worth saving for an extra special occasion. Choose either a three or five course set menu (with optional wine pairing) spanning ox tongue with haricot beans, wild garlic agnolotti, and dark chocolate and raisin mousse.
Where: 14 Bonnington Road, EH16 5JD
Book now: The Little Chartroom

The Kitchin

What: Tom Kitchin's eponymous Leith restaurant is a standout setting for an intimate dinner. The private room for up to 20 guests is luxuriously furnished, and you’ll be given a dedicated server for the evening. Menus are designed bespoke by Tom himself, but to give an idea, the menu has included the likes of Peterhead monkfish tail and tempura cheek with braised white asparagus, and desserts such as dark Valrhona chocolate mousse with crispy chocolate pistachio pasta filled with pistachio.
Where: 78 Commercial Quay, EH6 6LX
Book now: The Kitchin

Celebrating a special occasion with a loved one? Check out the most romantic restaurants in Edinburgh or organise an afternoon tea at one of these luxury venues.