It didn't take long for Angels with Bagpipes to cement itself as one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh, and an exciting addition to The Royal Mile. The doors first opened back in 2010, and ever since, the team have been creating exquisite dishes with the freshest of Scottish ingredients. When you walk in, you'll notice the Old Town setting has created a great atmosphere, but has been blended with a more modern edge, despite being in a gorgeous 17th century building.
There are some truly special cocktails on the menu at Angels with Bagpipes, including classics such as the Rum Old Fashioned and Whisky Sour, through to the Aperol Spritz and Espresso Martini. Some of the signature specials include the Angel's Margarita with tequila, lime, Cointreau and hibiscus, and the Angel's Fizz which is made with Ridgeview English sparkling and creme de mure.
To begin, order the haggis bon bons with whisky sauce, coppa ham and oysters with scotch bonnet and whisky hot sauce to share amongst the table. Smaller plates, which can be great starters, sides or sharers, include battered cod goujons with lemon mayo, beef tartare with egg yolk and potato chips, and a salmon gravlax with a tonka bean mayo. Also on the menu are plates of Scottish crab with lemon and a crumpet, and BBQ tenderstem broccoli with ricotta, chilli and honey.
Your main dish will be one of a few options, unless you're ordering a selection of small plates. Try the chicken breast with potato rosti, asparagus and lovage, or sea trout with mussels, fennel and gnocchi. Last but not least, you'll want to enjoy a tasty dessert – such as the rhubarb cheesecake made with ginger biscuit, the chocolate and banana sponge with pecan and milk crumb, or Isle of Mull cheddar with oatcakes.