For those in the know, The Cottage at Royal Terrace is something of an Edinburgh gem. Built in 1836 and designed by architect William Playfair, The Cottage at Royal Terrace was designed as accommodation for the resident gardener. Today, it's a charming building, with nearly two centuries of history, that makes for a unique place to lunch or dine. Chalk-white walls, moody table lamps, and sleek wooden tables balance rustic charm with modern comfort, complete with leafy garden views and a peek into the semi-open kitchen.
There are several things that make The Cottage at Royal Terrace even more special. First, it has a communal dining set-up, so meals here feel connected to community, locals and food lovers alike. It's also helmed by Peter Adshead, whose impressive career spans Michelin-starred dining rooms and Edinburgh’s premier five star hotels, and whose guiding hands ensure dining experiences here feel authentic but elevated.
As for menus, diners are welcomed to enjoy a two or three course set lunch for a very reasonable £25 or £20 respectively, a longer, five-course tasting menu which runs until 6pm, or the full seven-course tasting menu during the evening. Though exact dishes change throughout the seasons and depending on what produce is most available, you can find a sample menu on the website. Dishes on the menu at the time of writing include Isle of Wight tomatoes with Kalamata olives, Cabernet Sauvignon vinegar and nasturtium, halibut with Shetland mussels and gooseberry, hogget with smoked yoghurt, pea, and hogget jus gras, and chocolate tart with miso caramel and creme fraiche.
The restaurant also offers a very popular pre-theatre menu, and it caters to dietaries as well (though it does ask for 48 hours' notice). There is also a very tranquil garden that is perfect for hosting intimate lunches and pre-dinner drinks.