Haute Dolci - must-visit Edinburgh dessert restaurant

Strawberry Milkshake

You know what they say: life’s too short… to not indulge in a sweet treat or two. Or six, in my case. Don’t wait for a special occasion to savour the sweet burst of chocolate-covered strawberries or the crunch of ice-cream drenched honeycomb – just a few of the treats that await at the dessert haven Haute Dolci.

Perched on high at the top of the St James Quarter in Edinburgh, this must-visit eatery gives elegant diner vibes: white-washed fittings with a cosy, fun undertone. Greeted with smiles and given the prime seat by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Edinburgh’s thoroughfare, my friend Tori and I tuck into the decadent menu. What a shame we aren’t here for brunch, since the front half of the menu instantly intrigues me. But what better way to finish the evening than with a smorgasbord of deliciousness.

Having just come from dinner, the S’mores Chocolate Shooters become my version of a palate cleanser. Perfectly smooth liquid chocolate topped with a crispy-roasted marshmallow? These are the only kinds of shots I ever want to do.

Read about Italian almond cakes, crafted in Scotland

Some staples are absolutely necessary: Chocolat et Strawberries (strawberries drizzled in chocolate) and one of their signature Belgian Hot Chocolates, for instance. But we’re here to experience what makes Haute Dolci’s menu unique and alluring. The Honeycomb Pull Me immediately draws my eye - or should that be called a ‘stacked tower of happiness’.. I’m not sure which part is my favourite: the chocolate sponge, the ganache, the gelato, or the honeycomb. Even the action of pulling the wrapping up to reveal the tower of goodness and watching it ooze down onto the plate mesmerizes me.

Tori’s appetite draws her to the sundae section of the menu and I can’t fault her choice: the Ferrero Special. I never say no to a Ferrero Rocher, but Haute Dolci ups the expectations – gelato, cone pieces, Nutella, and roasted hazelnuts can have that effect.

The mocktail menu feels like the perfect way to round out our indulgence. Sipping on my Mango Tropique, the lovely server brings us some extra chocolate-covered strawberries on the house and you know what they also say… never look a gift horse in the mouth. (Bronwyn Eley)

Haute Dolci - St James Cres, Edinburgh EH1 3AD - 0131 573 7606

Open Mon to Sun 10am - 11pm

Haute Dolci blends French-Italian inspiration with modern elegance, curating spaces where desserts, brunch, and drinks share equal billing. The brand has restaurants in 19 locations including in the UK, Pakistan and Kuwait and plans to expand further