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

Restaurant Martin Wishart

What: It's no surprise that the extremely classy, elegant Restaurant Martin Wishart has held a Michelin star for many years now, and it remains top of the list for those who are looking for classic, French-flecked cooking. This is a no-frills restaurant with an old-school charm that gets the important things spot on - the service is measured, the cooking is faultless, and the dining room is chic and modern without being over-designed. Perfect for a work dinner with colleagues or clients.
Where: 54 The Shore, EH6 6RA
Book now: Restaurant Martin Wishart

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

Rollo Broughton

What: We love this super-cool restaurant and wine bar on Broughton Street. It’s female-founded and boasts an all-female team, which is cool in itself, while the vibe is intimate and buzzy, making it a great spot for smaller groups looking to enjoy delicious cocktails and modern sharing plates. Of the latter, think sticky barbecue corn ribs, crispy haggis bon bons, and crackling pork belly with celeriac puree. It’s a great choice if you’re planning an event with a little personality.
Where: 14 Broughton Street, EH1 3RH
Book now: Rollo Broughton

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

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

Scott’s Kitchen

What: Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, and boasting views of Victoria Street from its south-facing terrace, Scott’s 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: Scott’s Kitchen

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’.

Salon Privee 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.

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.

Angels with Bagpipes

What: Angels with Bagpipes serves modern Scottish food, expertly chosen wines and signature cocktails within a 17th century building in the heart of Edinburgh. There are four separate spaces for hire here: the Chanters for groups of 18, the Bar can host up to 14 guests. Or the Halo Room (so named for a pair of angel wings fixed to the wall) holds four. The team will work with you to create your menu, but for a flavour of what to expect, think salmon gravadlax with tonka bean mayo, BBQ broccoli with ricotta, chilli and honey, and haggis bon bons with whisky sauce.
Where: 343 High Street, EH1 1PW
Book now: Angels with Bagpipes

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

Looking to just book a table for a smaller group? Check out our list of the best restaurants in Edinburgh before you book!