In the foothills of the Pentlands, The Free Company is part regenerative farm, part restaurant and wholly a love letter to seasonal food. Housed in a converted dairy barn, long communal tables host laid-back feasting built from what’s growing just metres away: vegetables from the no-dig market garden, pasture-raised meat and house ferments. The whole family-run operation is closed loop – farm, kitchen and soil working together – earning the restaurant a coveted Michelin Green Star for sustainability. Look out for the pop-up farm shop, too.

We don't know if its the pappa al pomodoro, the freshly grilled seafood or the pastiera that draws us to Locanda de Gusti whenever we're ambling the streets of Haymarket. What we do know, is that it's the familial buzz, the happy-go-lucky energy and the exceptionally warm vibe of this spot which has us keep going back. It's a gem!

Pizza anyone? We wouldn't say no to a classic San Paolo, or a Zielinski if we're feeling spicy, from Pizzeria 1926. A pillowey, perfectly chewy crust, a generous ladle of tomato and topped with the finest buffalo mozzarella; there's a reason this spot holds the only Neopolitan-approved Associazione in Scotland. 

When The Palmerston is not baking their ever-so buttery croissants, it's knocking out some stellar dinners accompanied, serving great wines and pulling the perfect pint of local ale. This spot stole our hearts after the first bite of its pie and buttered cabbage for two, though, really, the whole menu is a thing to behold.