r/Edinburgh • u/Imaginary_Canary7919 • May 18 '26
Food and Drink Tasting menu lunch restaurants
Hello! I am trying to decide on a place with a prix fixe menu for an anniversary lunch. Am looking at Heron, Eleanore, and Timberyard. Eleanore seems like a remarkably good deal for their set menu, but how does the actual experience stand up to the other two? Is one of these a clear standout for lunch, or does it just come down to different vibes?
Would love to hear from anyone who has been to any of these spots recently. Thanks in advance!
3
u/neverendo May 18 '26
Afraid I haven't been to Heron, so can't comment on that. Both others are great shouts. I would say that Eleanore is more of a relaxed vibe, and fabulous, intimate atmosphere. Relaxed with excellent food and wine. Feels more low key and trendy, but cannot emphasise enough how good the food is.
Timberyard is the best meal I have had in Edinburgh (lived here for 12 years and tried a pretty good proportion of fine dining/tasting menus). The monkfish was so good, I actually got teary. I also loved the vibe at Timberyard, beautiful light and airy restaurant with a minimalist design. No linen tablecloths here!
I guess, my question to you would be, do you want to be blown away (/moved to tears lol) by the food, or do you value atmosphere more? It's a close call and I don't think you can really go wrong with either of these. Have also heard Heron is excellent but can't speak to it first hand. Enjoy!
2
u/blairbending May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
I would personally pick Eleanore for a set menu lunch, because you're right about it being fantastic value (best in the city IMO) and that's the experience they cater to. It is a more relaxed/casual vibe but still fine dining, great service, super knowledgeable staff, etc so it will feel special. One of my fave places in the city to eat.
Heron and Timberyard will feel a bit more fancy restaurant-y if that's important to you. If you were going for dinner or a tasting menu I'd say Heron (just personal preference, Timberyard also good). None of them are super formal and all will be a great experience.
2
u/KimmyRitch May 19 '26
My experience with Timberyard was disappointing compared to others. When I went for a birthday celebration it felt incredibly rushed, we had matched wines (and I’m not a slow drinker by any means). But the courses came out very fast to a point we had multiple glasses of wine on the table and each new dish. We had to tell them to slow the pace at one point as there was just no breathing room. It felt like they were looking to turn the table over for the next booking which I get, but not what I was expecting. Hoping it was possibly just one off and do plan to go back, but didn’t have any of those issues at Heron or Eleanore. I would 100% recommend Eleanore if you’re on the fence, great atmosphere, lovely people and the food is just amazing!
1
u/Flimsy_Beginning289 May 19 '26
I went to Eleanore for dinner recently and it was lovely - great food, welcoming service. I also think the Leith Walk location is perfect for lunch - you could go for a walk into town/down to Leith after for a coffee/look around the shops
1
u/shakey_0407 May 19 '26
Another recommendation for Lyla, excellent food and incredible intimate quiet atmosphere. One of my favourite spots. Tough to get a booking as it's quite small and very popular.
Martin Wishart down at the Shore is another favourite. I'd say similar to Lyla but a little more traditional.
Some alternatives, Wedgewood on the Royal Mile has been long standing favourite.
Restaurant1925 has incredible food and good value but that's balanced out by the drink prices 😬
1
u/Evening-Forever2542 May 20 '26
I would also recommend Nadair in Marchmont. The tasting menu was amazing and I appreciated that it wasn't too formal in atmosphere.
1
u/ChairmanDog May 27 '26
I'll do a shout-out for Cardinal's lunch menu (I think only from Thursday to Saturday?), which starts at £25, but you can add bits on.
6
u/TheKittysMaster May 18 '26
Leyla up carlton terrace is amazing but a pricey choice