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hand picked restaurants

A classic example of one of several little restaurants in Edinburgh, simply oozing character, this one is located hard by Jackson's Close, a 300 year old listed building on the Royal Mile.

The main restaurant is in the basement, with a handsome party room upstairs. In a city where a great pride is taken in the national cooking Jacksons aims to produce it to the highest possible standard. Any restaurant that produces haggis, that much under-rated dish of the country, to their standard, has to be applauded.

That, of course, is before you get to the wonderful salmon, venison and incomparable Scottish lamb. Try their Finan chowder, smoked fillet of Finan haddock steamed with a crisp white wine set in a rich fennel and saffron stew to start out on a contented evening.

The bright interior lends a cheery outlook, while the sombreros on the walls clearly indicate a Mexican restaurant, but La Cantina, in Commercial Quay, Edinburgh moves beyond the clichéd tortillas and fiery chillies. Splashes of green and red strikingly even out the slightly more conventional furniture, while the food there promises not to burn your insides, unless that is what you specifically want!

Starters of costilla de cerdo, pork spare ribs with a mild and tangy sauce lead on to a fiery main course of albondigas enchipotle, beef meatballs with tomatoes and chipotle chillies, served with house rice and black beans. Ensaladas are other options to enjoy a filling meal there, while burgers, steaks and pastas are great for those in the group who are not so fond of Mexican food. Chill your fired up taste buds with some of their lagers and beers, or opt for their margaritas to sip whilst you savour your meal.

Established by Frederick and Philipe in 1998, Petit Paris seeks to maintain l'entente cordiale, that mysterious umbilical cord that has bound together Scotland and France for several centuries now, not least via a common interest in matters of cuisine as well as rugby. Their Grassmarket, gaily-painted and bustling restaurant, with the customary blends of cellars and ground floor rooms offers traditional French cooking of a high standard.

Should we start with bouillabaisse, a Mediterranean fish soup with crouton, rouille and gruyère cheese or steamed mussels in bacon and cream sauce? The coq au vin is a test of any truly French restaurant and Petit Paris emerges with its head held high, exhibiting the sort of care and skills which are a feature of their daily performance. Or choose the 10oz prime Scottish rib eye steak specially selected from the Buccleuch Estates. Last but by no means least, save space for an irresistible crème brûlée.

Ignite is an attractive and trendy restaurant, serving wholesome Bengali and Indian cuisine on Morrison Street in Edinburgh. One cannot help but take notice of the interiors - tastefully done up in shades of red and burnt orange, with an intriguing display of artefacts - carved wooden elephants, coloured glass lanterns and ceramics.

An eclectic menu offers reasonably priced modern fare, alongside well-loved traditional favourites. The mood inside is warm, relaxing and the staff helpfully explain dishes, spice strengths and suggested accompaniments to diners wanting to order their food.

The set of choices opens with starters like deep-fried crispy aubergines marinated in gram flour, onion and spices, helping set the scene for a tasty meal. Due prominence is given to kebab and tandoori dishes and the bhari combi of fresh mushrooms stuffed with spiced minced lamb or the tender lamb chops are some options that are worth trying.

Mains include an extensive list of kurma, bhuna, rogan josh, dhansak, vindaloo and Madras sauces, ranging from a mild and creamy to a sour and fiery hot base - diners can pick their choice of meat or vegetables to go with it. There are recommended side dishes as well as fresh naan bread and different varieties of pilau rice to accompany a meal.

Vegetarians can choose from a range of specialities such as panchrangi dal or spinach with homemade cottage cheese. Surprises like whole pan-fried sea bass and duck jalfrezie are included as well as more familiar names on the menu. Their wine list is assembled to match the style of food.

The desserts consist of traditional Indian gulab jamoons and kulfi. The restaurant is just around the corner from Haymarket station and is hard to miss - with its location and prices.