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Whilst hardly in the realm of fine dining Clamshell is an essential fixture in the Royal Mile and many a potential diner who has been delayed for one reason or another in his attempts to find sustenance elsewhere has been saved by the ministrations of Clamshell.

Not only is there an off-licence, the quality of the fish and chips is above average and there's a pretty fine range of pizzas. You may even see the odd tuxedo, but by chance rather than intent.

Nestled within the heart of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden in Arboretum Place, The Gateway Restaurant offers commanding views over the beautiful horticultural expanse and beyond. At this refreshing venue, guests can choose from a range of Scottish specialties for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea.

Head chef Ben Harrison is responsible for the fine food served here and is passionate about sourcing ingredients from local suppliers. Whether you desire a light lunch or a more substantial meal, the attractive menu offers Connage Clava brie tartlet with cranberry and thyme dressing, potted Perthshire ham hough with mustard picallili dressing, and classic chicken Caesar and the Garden's green salads. More substantial fare consists of char grilled chicken on foccacia bread and steak burger on toasted muffin with beetroot and horseradish relish. Alternatively, try chef's mixed fish platter with freshly milled black pepper, capers and lemon. Satisfy the sweet tooth with steamed sweet potato and ginger pudding or homemade coconut ice cream. A glass of fine white or red wine enhances the pleasure of dining in such pleasant surroundings.

An elegant contemporary ambience with oriental touches and a delightful view looking out over the Pentland Hills makes Sampans at the Holiday Inn Edinburgh a pleasing venue for a business luncheon or leisurely evening meal. Located in Corstorphine Road, its pan-Asian menu offers a wide range of dishes typical to the region.

At Sampans, chef Keith Liu oversees a menu inspired by the cuisines of Malaysia, China, Thailand, Korea and Japan. For lunch or dinner, guests can choose from dishes such as vegetable pot stickers, cream cheese wontons, chicken satay, chicken with snow peas, boneless duck with vegetables, sweet and sour pork, beef with mushrooms, shrimp with cashew nuts, Malaysian chicken curry and lemon pepper chicken. Chef's recommendations include Fuji beef, seafood sizzling platter, tender shrimp and chicken in a red ginger sauce, prawns and scallops, string beans in black bean sauce and pepper steak with soy bean chicken. A variety of teas, coffee and cold drinks satisfy your thirst.

The Howard is a traditional Scottish Georgian town house hotel, in the heart of Edinburgh's classical New Town. It was acquired by The Town House Company in 1995, marking a further stage in the progress of this outstandingly elegant hotel, the preferred haven of discerning visitors who stay regularly in the town.

As might be expected the process of dining takes on a special quality. The cuisine is visibly Scottish traditional, although you can be served dinner in your room by your personal butler, should you so wish. Napery and tableware is a joy to see and use.

A changing menu can produce such dishes as a cream langoustine bisque with lemon Chantilly and black olive breadsticks, or a ham hock and roast sweet pepper terrine with provençal beans and rocket.

Main courses offer saddle of Borders lamb with braised shoulder and savoy cabbage, or a vegetarian dish of dolmades with grilled halloumi, confit vine tomatoes and warm minted yoghurt dressing. Seared fillet of Scottish Aberdeen Angus, with oxtail and foie gras bon bon and purple sprouting broccoli naturally features, all served with consummate skill and care.

A hot rhubarb crumble soufflé is accompanied by chilled sauce Anglaise, and for the true cheese men there is always a selection from the cheeses of that Edinburgh legend, Ian J Mellis, with homemade chutney and walnut bread.

Yet another of the pleasures of staying at The Howard is a leisurely contemplation of their outstanding wine list, producing a result the memories of which stay with you for an appreciable time. A selection of single malt whiskies invokes more than a few of Scotland's finest, providing a fitting end to many an enjoyable evening.