From presents to presentations, a private room is often essential to enjoying an evening of fine dining so we’ve done the hard work for you and compiled our top ten of Edinburgh private dining venues.
Forth Floor at Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols is known for style and creativity and this is no less evident in its contemporary private dining venue with adjoining cocktail bar.
With tailored fine dining for up to 24 guests prepared by Executive Chef Stuart Muir and his team, the area boasts a retractable projection screen for business branding or a private movie, before the frivolities of making your own cocktails or taking a master-class at the bar.
Contact Details
Harvey Nichols, 30 – 34 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AD
Telephone +44 (0)131 524 8388
Harvey Nichols Edinburgh
David Douglas Room at The Royal Botanic Gardens
The windowed walls at one end of the David Douglas Room, with its panoramic views across The Gardens, make a tranquil space for an evening celebration.
The secluded venue can accommodate up to 40 guests for dinner and offers access to the restaurant decking and the Garden beyond for a gentle evening stroll or privately booked tour throughout the grounds, on a balmy summer or crisp cold evening, weather permitting.
Contact Details
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR
Telephone: 0131 552 1974
Website: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Hunter Room at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Having recently undergone a major refurbishment, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society at 28 Queen Street is a truly luxurious venue and, sitting on the top floor of this wonderful building, The Hunter Room could be said to be its crowning glory.
The airy wood paneled room has breathtaking views across the city to Fife and is furnished with a burr walnut dining table, which can seat up to 18 guests for dinner.
Contact Details
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JX
Telephone: 0131 555 2266
Website: Scotch Malt Whisky Society Edinburgh
Whisky Collection at The Scotch Whisky Experience
The amber glow of the world’s largest whisky collection in The Vault of The Scotch Whisky Experience creates a mellow background to an intimate evening of fine dining.
Up to 10 guests can enjoy a private whisky tour, drinks reception or whisky tasting in the McIntyre Gallery, with stunning views across the city, before dining on a specially created 5-course menu in this truly unique location.
Contact Details
The Scotch Whisky Experience, 354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE
Telephone: 0131 220 0441
Website: The Scotch Whisky Experience
The Boardroom at The National Museum of Scotland
Housed inside The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, the Boardroom is one of a suite of three rooms offering spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle.
The room has been cleverly designed with a table that seats up to 24 or can be reduced to accommodate a more intimate party of 12. On a fine evening, guests can enjoy aperitifs or digestif on the private roof terrace with 360 degree views across the city.
Contact Details
National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Telephone: 0131 247 4113
Website: National Museums Scotland
Gatehouse Suite at Edinburgh Castle
Built in 1888 as a cosmetic addition, the wood paneled Gate House, situated above the drawbridge entrance to Edinburgh Castle, provides a luxurious setting for up to 20 diners.
The intimate suite of rooms, reached by a spiral staircase within the grounds of the Castle, also boasts an outside terrace with stunning views across the south of the city to the Pentland Hills.
Contact Details
Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
Telephone: 0131 668 8686
Website: Edinburgh Castle
The Court Room at The Merchants’ Hall
The Court Room of the Merchants’ Hall is both grand and welcoming, with large oil paintings set to a background of crimson décor, an ornate plaster ceiling and a magnificent fireplace.
The inviting space, which can be set for up to 40 on oval tables, or 21 on a single table, is warm yet airy and can be used in conjunction with the adjoining Crush Hall for a celebratory after dinner reception for additional guests.
Contact Details
The Merchants’ Hall, 22 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EP
Telephone: 0131 220 9283
Website: The Merchants’ Hall
The Drawing Rooms at The Assembly Rooms
The recent restoration of the Assembly Rooms on Edinburgh’s George Street saw an investment of over £9 million in modernisation, resulting in contemporary facilities discreetly hidden to allow the original character of this wonderful building to be retained.
The towering ceilings of the drawing rooms, a mirror image of each other, create a sophisticated space for dinners for up to 50 guests, with a neutral modern palette allowing themes to be easily incorporated.
Contact Details
The Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR
Telephone: 0131 220 4348
Website: The Assembly Rooms
Salon Privée at Prestonfield House
Emphasis is very much on private in the Prestonfield House’s smallest dining room, the Salon Privée, which provides dining a deux.
Overlooking the rose garden, this is one of the lesser known Edinburgh private dining venues, with a table for two hidden inside a stone turret, creating a secluded, romantic setting for celebrating anniversaries, before a gentle stroll listening to the peacocks in the grounds, or after dinner drinks on the terrace. Proprietor James Thompson has created an atmosphere of opulence and eccentricity that is irresistible.
Planning a private dining event for more then two, but still want to soak up the Prestonfield ambience? Never fear, the hotel has a range of beautifully decorated event spaces for medium and large groups.
Contact Details
Prestonfield House, Priestfield Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5UT
Telephone: 0131 225 7800
Website: Prestonfield House
Douglas Room at The Royal Scots Club
The Douglas Room of The Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh’s New Town, has been sympathetically refurbished to provide an elegant dining space with dining for up to 44 guests.
Located on the first floor, the room overlooks Queen Street Gardens, and combines a feeling of grandeur with the warmth and the welcome of a members’ club.
Contact Details
The Royal Scots Club, 29 – 31 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6QE
Telephone: 0131 556 4270
Website: The Royal Scots Club