Monteiths Edinburgh
Modern Scottish cocktails
Fiona from Edinburgh
I'm a sucker for sparkly lights, like a moth to the flame as soon as I see them, and I blame Monteiths for perpetuating my illusion that all places with sparkly lights are magic.
Inside Monteiths, the atmosphere could be described as relaxed chic, with the décor a modern take on a Scottish country home. There is a fireplace and model of a stag's head along with large cosy armchairs in tartan and tweed in amongst the tables for dining. There's also a small seating area outside for smokers and those brave souls who decide it is ever ok to sit outside in Scotland.
At the weekend, and any day of the week during Festival, the place can get stupidly busy. During the week though there is more chance of grabbing one of the comfy seats. If you are extra lucky, you can get a seat beside the fire and have a browse of the bookshelves.
Mostly I go to Monteiths for their cocktails. The food is good too but pricey - not that the cocktails are cheap, but the prices are fairly standard for the city centre.
The cocktail menu is eclectic, with interesting twists on the classics. My favourites seem to change each time I visit, most recently it has been the Ruby Martini.
For somewhere with a definite Scottish feel but without the tartan tat usually found on the Royal Mile, Monteiths' is the place to go.
Edinburgh Spotter Fiona
About this spot
Our Edinburgh City Guide
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh
Leith Victoria Swim Centre
An architectural gem
The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Pickles
Cosy wine bar
"Pickles" is a tiny wee wine bar in Edinburgh. The bar has a rustic Scottish feel to it, but the main reason I like it is their cheese and wine...
by
Fiona
Diack
Manna House Bakery
Incredible bakery/eatery
"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!
by
Mark
Gorman
Craiglockhart Hill
The overlooked hill
Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!
by
Fiona
Diack
Corstorphine Hill
Not just the zoo
The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!
by
Fiona
Diack
Antony Gormley Sculptures
River statues
The "Antony Gormley Sculptures" are six human-like statues across Edinburgh. Four of them are actually in the river! I love introducing visitors to them...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
The Forgotten Railway Tunnel
Scotland Street
There's a forgotten railway tunnel on Scotland Street in Edinburgh. I like toake people down there to give them a lesser-told history lesson...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Little Free Library
Birdhouse book stops
"Little Free Library" in Edinburgh is a project for neighbourhood book exchanges. It has really caught on here -- look for the birdhouse mini libraries!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
The ‘Heave Away’ Hoose
"I'm not dead yet"
"The ‘Heave Away’ Hoose" tells the story of a young boy who was the sole survivor of the collapse of a tall house in Edinburgh. So many such stories...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Grow Urban
Plant & coffee shop
"Grow Urban" in Edinburgh is an independent plant shop that also has its very own coffee shop! Entering feels like stepping inside a jungle...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
The Cactus House
Henderson Row
"The Cactus House" is one of my favourite little hidden gems (and photo stops). This impressive doorstep is adorned with flowers, cacti and so much more!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Wild West Town
Hidden cowboy street
"Wild West Town" is a mini town in Edinburgh that's just like... well, a town from the American Far West. The ghost town-style feel only adds to it!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Heading to Edinburgh?
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Edinburgh?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 138 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Edinburgh
Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh
As featured on:
