top of page
From Highland heritage to modern twists on classic fare, this section dives into the flavours, stories, and makers that define Scotland’s culinary identity. It’s a love letter to provenance, seasonality, and the pride behind every plate.


The Ivy on the Square launches a limited-edition Taste of Scotland menu for the festival.
Since opening in 2017, the Ivy on the Square has brought a touch of metropolitan glamour to the capital. Inside this polished brasserie,...

Sharon Wilson
Jul 312 min read


Badger & Co - a feast fit for Toad Hall: new chapter for literary themed Edinburgh restaurant
Cranachan Teacake Badger & Co has started a new dining chapter at its famous Castle Street venue that celebrates the best local and...

Diana Turner
Jul 242 min read


The Spanish Butcher
Brooklyn loft-style space It’s June 2025, and the sun is splitting the sky Iberian style as we approach midsummer—and the first successful year of The Spanish Butcher in Edinburgh. This celebrated restaurant has quickly become known for its signature offering: Galician Blonde, or Rubia Gallega , beef. James and Louise Rusk Patrons James and Louise Rusk have helped bring this exceptional breed into the spotlight. Inspired by culinary trailblazers like Nemanja Borjanović ( Ib

Sharon Wilson
Jun 202 min read


The Three Chimneys: a fresh start for renowned island eatery
Cobost, Skye A long-term feature on the culinary wishlist, on a recent visit to Skye , my partner and I finally made it to The Three...

Diana Turner
Jun 103 min read


Mara’s Picklery in Marchmont, Edinburgh – best spot for fermented food and seasonal dishes
A small eatery located in Marchmont Tucked away in the heart of Marchmont, Mara’s Picklery is a small but vibrant eatery that deserves...

Vivian Maeda
May 82 min read


The Dunstane Feast like a Victorian
The Roseate Indulging in the gorgeous, marvelously Victorian decor, and of course a rather cheeky bottle of Moet & Chandon rosé, it has to be said, The Dunstane @ The Roseate Hotel is making a fabulous first impression. Even better, Anna our gracious host is saying those words we love to hear: Have whatever you want, tonight Bitches, it’s ALL about you! Seated in the grand bay window of what was formerly the drawing room, we’re not only responding “DING DONG!” to the decade

The Social Bitches
May 62 min read


The Mussel & Steak Bar - discovering the best dishes
The Grassmarket What comes to mind when you think of the Grassmarket? Groups on a walking tour, maybe – or perhaps it’s the pubs and bars, leading into Cowgate. Tourists? Definitely! I’ve passed the Mussel & Steak Bar on the corner of West Bow numerous times, heading out to meet friends or simply walking around the city. Honestly, I’ve not given it much consideration, mainly because of the touristy feel to the area. And while they get their fair share of visitors crossing t

Kirsty Wilkins
Apr 212 min read


Dine - where the season is served on the plate.
Ginger Panna Cotta with Rhubarb I have always enjoyed independent restaurants, distinct from street food trucks, chain restaurants,...

Sharon Wilson
Apr 143 min read


The Leddie review by Cate Devine
The Leddie, Aberlady With the current focus in hospitality moving to the quality of service front of house - the director of the Michelin...

Cate Devine
Mar 13 min read


Kyloe - Once again enjoying pleasures of the flesh
Derek and Isaac aka The Social Bitches With a third glass of Crémant de Loire in hand, and a lush stack of braised ox cheek croquettes - plus a café de Paris sauce - fast disappearing, we’re thrilled to be back at Kyloe . Its sumptuous, yet playful decor, touches of carnivorous theatre, and of course legendary Angus beef is a party these Bitches find impossible to resist. Our first visit was an unbelievable fourteen years ago, and since then we’ve indulged in intimate dinners

The Social Bitches
Feb 182 min read


Moss, Stockbridge, where the benchmark is green
Cured halibut, blue spirulina Stockbridge is certainly having a moment, as is Edinburgh, which was voted the Most Exciting Food...

Sharon Wilson
Feb 82 min read


The Gannet by Cate Devine
It’s easy to escape the buzz of metropolitan Finnieston: all you have to do is look out for the rather classy frontage of plate glass...

Cate Devine
Nov 18, 20243 min read


Dulse expands with a second restaurant in Leith
Dean Banks Popular Edinburgh restaurant Dulse by Dean Banks Group is bringing its offering of fresh, local seafood to the shore. Next...

Sharon Wilson
Nov 8, 20241 min read


Fingal -Edinburgh’s best-dressed foodies step aboard
The Social Bitches on Fingal Boasting the regal blue, red and gold of its sister ship Britannia, and of course, being fabulously lit, arriving at Fingal is a breathtaking experience. Add to that its five-star credentials as a hotel, along with two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, and we say: Thank god we’re currently - and always - SO well-dressed. Sure enough, we’re greeted by a handsome man on reception who insists we’ll be the best-attired by far [ We hear that a lot,

Sharon Wilson
Oct 24, 20242 min read


Ardfern - Sunday brunch
Buttermilk Fried Chicken A significant birthday called for a meal somewhere special and Sunday brunch at Ardfern was chosen. Mrs Bite and three foodie friends were eager to try Roberta Hall McCarron’s latest venture. Opened earlier this year, Ardfern (named after a village in Argyll and Bute) follows hot on the heels of Roberta’s two other successful restaurants The Little Chartroom and Eleanore which opened in 2018 and 2021 respectively. Roberta has a passion for sailing s

Sharon Wilson
Oct 23, 20242 min read


East Meets West at Six by Nico: Istanbul-Inspired Menu unveils New 'Versus Series' concept
Renowned for its culinary storytelling and immersive dining experiences, Six by Nico has unveiled its latest themed menu, Istanbul,...

Sharon Wilson
Sep 24, 20242 min read


The Dipping Lugger reviewed by Cate Devine
David Smith - Head Chef at The Dipping Lugger When I was young, family holidays in Ullapool meant dad buying my brother and me simple...

Cate Devine
Sep 23, 20243 min read


Nor’ Loft Rooftop Bar & Champagne Lounge - Fondue
Made with smoked Cheddar and Menabrea beer Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut is the house Champagne. Nor’ Loft is the rooftop bar of the Market Street Hotel opposite Waverley Station. Take the elevator to the seventh floor to an open-plan lounge with large windows overlooking the city. A flickering fire, eclectic designer furniture and views of the Edinburgh skyline make this champagne bar a classy cocoon to escape to. Bite was invited to sample the fondue on offer through Septe

Sharon Wilson
Sep 16, 20242 min read


The Crusoe Hotel, Lower Largo
The Crusoe Hotel is located in the fishing village of Lower Largo tucked between Leven and Elie on the Fife Coast. It sits in and I mean...

Sharon Wilson
Aug 22, 20242 min read


Under the Table - The Social Bitches V food
The Social Bitches & Paul Donoghue Circa our third saucy bottle of Vinho Verde, we’ve been struck by two undeniable truths. First, we’re already deeply in love with Under the Table’s Scottish fare / Mediterranean influence. And second, how fabulous would it be to literally devour the entire menu? So, in the spirit of one’s fatty-boom reputation, we say: Let gluttony be thy guide … But this voracious tale begins many hours earlier [ when it was still lunchtime ] with these

The Social Bitches
Aug 19, 20242 min read


Killiecrankie House by Cate Devine
Turning off the old A9, beyond historic Pitlochry and Dunkeld and the site of a certain famous 17th-century battle, and down a sweeping...

Cate Devine
Aug 6, 20244 min read


Cold Town - Rooftop Bar in Edinburgh Grassmarket
Cold Town is an Edinburgh-based microbrewery, and their bar, Cold Town House, can be found at the edge of the Grassmarket in the shadow of E

Diana Turner
Jul 26, 20242 min read


Dùthchas - it’s all about the detail
It’s been a month since my visit but the glow remains in my heart. Opening the tiny Leith restaurant, previously the much-loved Aurora,...

Tracy Griffen
Jul 23, 20242 min read


Skua - back to your roots
Mackerel This shoebox-sized restaurant has a red neon sign alerting diners to a basement setting that housed the Blue Parrot Cantina for...

Sharon Wilson
Jun 21, 20243 min read


Somewhere by Nico launches in Edinburgh with Land of OZ theme.
Six courses, six cocktails, six weeks. This is the genius of Nico Simeone whereby the entrepreneur patron always has a new story to tell...

Sharon Wilson
Jun 10, 20242 min read


Cromlix by Cate Devine
The sedate drive along the tree-lined avenue in all shades of green that leads to Cromlix sets the quietly dignified tone of the boutique...

Cate Devine
Jun 3, 20243 min read


Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Brasserie & Bar - heavenly inspiration
Mrs. Bite and Harvey go way back. The famous store opened its Edinburgh branch in 2002 shortly before the first issue of Bite magazine...

Sharon Wilson
May 28, 20242 min read


Creel Caught -Champagne & Oysters with Scotland's national chef
The Social Bitches with National Chef Gary MacLean Having shamelessly jumped the queue at Bonnie & Wild, we’re here for an experience physically impossible to resist: a cheeky pop-up champagne & oyster bar. Darling! Helloooo! An absolute must at the Edinburgh Seafood Festival, it’s also an opportunity to meet Scotland’s National Chef, the fabulous Gary Maclean. Not only a man with a generous pour, Gary’s an ambassador for Scottish seafood; an advocate of healthy eating, work

The Social Bitches
May 21, 20242 min read


The Bonnie Badger crowned East Lothian Pub & Bar of the Year at National Pub & Bar Awards 2024
The Bonnie Badger in Gullane The National Pub & Bar Awards announced that Broc Bar at The Bonnie Badger in Gullane has officially been...

Sharon Wilson
Apr 8, 20242 min read


The Gailes - a stunning resort on the Ayrshire coast
The Gailes Hotel & Spa, Irvine. I’m captivated by a beautiful big sky of cerulean blue complemented by a few cauliflower cumulus clouds....

Sharon Wilson
Mar 30, 20243 min read


The Magnum - Gluttony Absolute
Derek & Isaac For around twenty years, the Magnum has dazzled as a neighbourhood pub and top-notch bistro. The Social Bitches, meanwhile, are here on our very first visit, feeling ravenous and dangerously close to sober. Fortunately, it’s champagne on arrival, soon followed - spoiler alert - by an orgy of sumptuous food, wine and absolute gluttony. Now on our cheeky third glass, we’re loving the fabulous service and vibe, as we attack the bites menu. Gorgeous Deep Fried Came

The Social Bitches
Mar 13, 20242 min read


A delicious gastronomy lecture at The Brasserie at The Scholar
Chef Ed Fortune When I think of university food, I picture a canteen-style menu with simple dishes. Be prepared to be pleasantly...

Vivian Maeda
Mar 5, 20242 min read


Dine - polished brasserie-style dining
Beef Featherblade The Dine family of restaurants comprises three neighbourhood-style venues in Craiglockhart, Murrayfield, and Canomills....

Sharon Wilson
Feb 26, 20242 min read


The Walnut - a cracking meal
Signature Pudding The Walnut came under new ownership a few years ago after gaining a reputation for serving seasonal food at very reasonable prices. It’s situated in an unassuming street halfway down Leith Walk between McDonald Road and the Leith Police Box. The restaurant is cosy, warm, and welcoming especially on a night when the wind is biting. Some of our party arrive by tram as there is a stop at McDonald Road. A mere 22 covers and a menu of three starters, mains, and

Bite
Feb 3, 20242 min read


The Scan & Scallie: Celebrating Ten Years of Scottish Pub Classics
The Scan & Scallie, one of Edinburgh's most popular venues, is celebrating its tenth year. This gastropub, known for its modern twists on...

Sharon Wilson
Feb 1, 20242 min read


Le Petit Beefbar - The Social Bitches - Sunday Roast, Jazz & Day Drinking
The Social Bitches looking fabulous despite the hangover Eyes like pinholes and praying for death, the Social Bitches are suffering a typical Sunday hangover. But saving us from this insidious beast: the promise of Black Angus beef, live jazz, and even more to drink. Which is how we’re now fabulously dressed, and perusing the cocktail menu of super stylish Le Petit Beefbar . In desperate need of hydration, we soon have a Rosemary Mimosa in hand and a cheeky Riesling en route.

The Social Bitches
Jan 5, 20242 min read
bottom of page