While the festive season goes full pelt, groups of friends or family may need a place to celebrate. Here are a host of restaurants The List rates as among the best for special meals.
CITY CENTRE
L’Ariosto
92-94 Mitchell Street. City Centre 0141 221 0971
www.lariosto.com
From the tall (ioor“.'.a, :lw r-ffei; rant and dapper ‘.'.r;.itc-rs. finer-u r; a sea”; grandeur at l 'Aviosto. it“: lit-ft. focuses on strong ::< "'rw air w»; of Italian flavours. froi: sealand mat to slightly charred cutlets I)“ .val.
Largest grout; not»! rzg At t» .2
Private (lining roe/"7 Y-fi-s, fr ,v ;,l~.«>;r. (51‘
Balbir’s
7 Church Street, West End
0141 339 7711
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venture of Balbir Srittr‘ri Srirtrrr. a veteran Indian restaurateur. (iii-Ul‘tfl an 2001'). it offers lflll()‘.£li".,-".. si-r'.:rxg home» style and coriternr orar. t'i. iiarr cuisine. using fresh Iliilffttlls’rl Fir: food colouring and substituting gnu»: wrth ir)‘.'.r~<:ho|est<:roi rapt-six -:: ’rvl. largest group peowg A: v ,‘i’i
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The Buttery
652 Argyle Street, West End 0141 221 8188 www.eatbuttery.com After all these years. firs .-', Glasgow institution :gar- ': rll‘u: a meal feel like a spehzai r-.->v‘7 Elements. from {fl-i: l:r-:,-r" fresh lilies to want: is ;« :z: i/l‘Ir'l’l and delicate appetisers. 2:712:35“: f.; diners feel like Vll’s. Erie limiter.
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La Garrigue
114 THE LIST ‘-1 [w
Urban Grill
Ho Wong 82 York Street, City Centre
221 3550
www.ho-wong.com
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Mai mison 278 West George Street. City Centre 0141 5721001 www.malmaison.com
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Urban Grill
61 Kilmarnock Road, Southside 0141 649 2745 www.urbangrill.co.uk
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Viiiarie Lilli r. 1; 'r ‘ "ash. stylish iiiarfiiatfai‘. shit: l)(l.' and restaurant. A large r-atiiig area 'iperis off the more :ritiiriate liri'rtlis of the fair. wrth dark .;-’ :i'iii :~-'iriai:f lighting creating a in :.'.i: up {:t"‘.<ttlti.'ir>i<?. .la/.* and a T]""]t' riis tirain impr; add to the f,’r;;!‘z.‘;ilfilili’:<l €:lll"‘l. as does a ll‘.(,‘!lll that "’r.'lr r-iitrzrti;si;r‘. classic dishes. l your;liorwrrrgAtriiif hill
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EAT&DR|NK
Le Cafe St Honoré
34 North West Thistle Street Lane, New Town
0131 226 2211
Here's a bit of the belle epogue hidden dowr a cobbled New lown lane. complete \.'.rith chequered floor tiles. artfully aged paint‘xiork and aproried ‘.'.'£tli(?"f§. l xpc-ct briny oystersstrewn with crispy bacon and fresh pesto. or (‘l!f;l) skinned duck playing superbly against earthi'i, s.'/eet beetroot.
.’ arges.‘ group two/«rug About 41(1- [Uh/(1‘30 ufir‘i'ig roorri? Yes. for about if}
The Vintner’s Rooms
Fishers Bistro
1 The Shore, Leith
0131 554 5666 (www.fishersbistros.co.uk) lloased in one of l eith's landmark buildings. fishers includes a darkly charismatic circular bar as well as an airy ii? rather tightly packedi dining room 7 make sure you specify which you'd prefer when booking. ‘lhe accomplished cooking ranges from coriteiriporary Scottish dishes to others with l ai Eastern influences, largest group hooking About 130 l’rvate (ii/ring room?’ No
La Garrigue
31 Jeffrey Street. Old Town
0131 557 3032 www.lagarrigue.co.uk
At any time of year. the fresh. unfussy decor of l a (.‘iairigue gives the :mpressiori of southern l rance balminess. But this restaurants food makes rt a real treasure. A dish such as p; n fried sea bream on chickpea riiash is a master class in cooking. largest group book/rig About 4:") l’rrvate (lining room? Yes. for about if)
The New Bell
233 Causewayside
0131 668 2868 www.thenewbell.com
A blissful bolthole in the upstairs of a 17th century inn. with low ceilings. Persian rugs. and mellow walls. the New Bell offers a blend of charm and chut/pah. Service is personal and prompt. and the food is Scottish at its best; line ingredients done new justice by thoughtful treatments.
Largest group booking About 60 Private dining room? No
Prego
38 St Mary’s Street, Old Town
0131 557 5754 www.prego-restaurant.com
Behind its modest exterior, Prego's magnolia walls and tawny wooden fixtures are complemented by discreet service. The separate room wrth a wood-burning stove can be commandeered for groups. The menu features a selection of good guality traditional Italian classics.
l argest group booking About 40 Private dining room? Yes. for about 20
Thai Me Up in Edinburgh
4 Picardy Place, New Town
0131 558 9234
www.tmeup.com
Edinburgh's love for Thai cuisine is incr‘easingly matched wrth venues that indulge such cravings. Thai Me Up in Edinburgh does dishes such as a whisky—marirraterl chicken wrapped With l'hai herbs that may prevent it from being a beacon of authenticity. Nevertheless. rt gives diners a glimpse of true passion With each beautifully sculpted dish that leaves the kitchen. Largest group booking About 40 Private dining room? No
The Vintner’s Rooms
The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith 554 6767 www.thevintnersrooms.com
Our 2006 restaurant of the year in Edinburgh offers a warming fire and welcoming bar — as well as an air of accomplished preparedness. This is one of Edinburgh's most classically attractive and historic dining spaces. enhanced by first-class service and exceptional cuisine.
Largest group booking About 70 Private (lining roorrr?’ Yes. for about 30
_ Malmalson