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This popular and closely designed hotel seems to attract those who love international fusion food. Situated in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, it's just minutes from the financial shopping areas and the Conference Centre. The venue offers easy access to all theatres, tourist amenities and the historic old town. The highly documented Point Restaurant and Monboddo bar offer a relaxed and informal ambience with modern and classic interiors.

Kick off your meal with peat smoked haddock, white crabmeat and petit pois tartlet with horseradish crème fraiche, or truffled duck egg, smoked cheddar polenta, with organic rocket and white truffle oil. For more filling options you can try crispy panko crumbled pork belly, honey and thyme roasted roots, and mustard fruits, or lightly grilled fillet of hake sautéed jersey royals and salsa verde. Warm poppy seed and banana bread, caramelized banana with vanilla ice cream, and dark Belgian chocolate and walnut brownie with bitter chocolate sauce and clotted cream are among the crowd pullers in the pudding section.

Calistoga Central is Edinburgh's only restaurant specialising in Californian cuisine, a style that should not under any circumstances be confused with American. Instead Gordon Minnis, the owner, describes it perfectly as 'light, fresh and healthy'.

It is considered that fusion cuisine was invented in California, not too surprising when you consider the fascinating ethnic mix there, and the selection at Calistoga demonstrates that, perfectly illustrated by starters that could include dishes as diverse as salt cod and cilantro wontons with lime aioli, and confit of turkey terrine with cranberry relish. The choice of main courses is equally as inventive; how could you possibly resist the temptation of gilt head bream with soft noodles, tamarind and mussels, or collops of beef fillet in a chilli stew with red rice, guacamole, sour cream and crispy tortillas. From a field of five desserts choose a pumpkin crème brûlée, closely followed by an iced banana parfait.

Wine tasting dinners are serious stuff at Calistoga Central, starting with tutored wine tasting for £31 that includes a 3 course dinner and coffee, topping out at £46 to include canapés at the tasting, 3 course dinner, cheese with Starboard and coffee, which must be helpful in sorting out the men from the boys.

A stylish and chic restaurant located on George Street, Le Monde offers a cosmopolitan ambience that is a blend of various European cultures. This is reflected in the décor of the restaurant as well as the range of international cuisines served. Classic and elegant, the atmosphere of the restaurant caters to people with varying taste, and the interiors have been designed accordingly. Guests can either enjoy breakfast or snacks in the airy, Italian inspired Milan room, a lunch meeting in the vibrant atmosphere of Vienna or an intimate dinner in the cosy setting of the Parisian room. All three, are embellished with beautiful wall paintings, ornate chandeliers and comfortable seating.

The food prepared by Chef Glyn Stevens reflects the same variety, with a mix of Scottish and innovative international cuisine. It consists of prosciutto, mozzarella and basil, an Italian ham and cheese dish; and char grilled vegetables and gorgonzola, marinated in olive oil with tomato sauce and melting cheese. Besides this, there are also other choices of cuisines, for those wanting to experiment.

The restaurant also serves an extensive wine list sourced from various regions of Europe.