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The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage is a premier restaurant located at 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, UK. This dining establishment is renowned for its stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh's iconic skyline, making it a perfect spot for both locals and tourists seeking a memorable culinary experience. The restaurant specializes in elevated seasonal dishes, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, and features a refined atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling windows that enhance the dining experience.

The Lookout offers a set menu that changes seasonally, showcasing the best of Scottish cuisine. Guests can expect:

A focus on local and sustainable ingredients.

Dishes like venison loin and seasonal vegetables.

A selection of fine wines and cocktails to complement your meal.

Situated on Calton Hill, The Lookout is in close proximity to several of Edinburgh's most famous landmarks, including:

Arthur's Seat, a popular hiking destination.

Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a special celebration, The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage promises an unforgettable dining experience with breathtaking views and exquisite cuisine.

Elevated seasonal dishes served in a refined restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows & city views.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIMDhTS3l3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP9RgBHnHh0gRFRYTsYC4oDE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIMDhTS3l3RRAB

Everything was good, but nothing was great. The views were gorgeous and the experience was nice, but I can't recommend the food at this price point.

I have done enough fine dining to understand the experience is going to be a bit different, but even so these portion sizes were insultingly small. I had been particularly looking forward to the venison loin, but I have honestly been served larger portions of quail. A deer gives a chef a lot to work with, but if you'd never seen a deer before, you would come away from this dinner assuming they must be roughly the size of a Dachshund.

And I understand this may be an outcome of the restaurant's focus on local foods and sustainability, but I still left feeling like it was not worth the cost.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN6NE9TREVnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP9RgBHnHh0gRFRYTsYC4oDE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN6NE9TREVnEAE

This is a really difficult review, as I almost feel the quality of ingredients and presentation is worth 5 stars, but for some reason we just didn’t get a WOW factor.

There was enough to eat (just), but the main course was a bit light on content; really just one piece of protein(2 ounces?) & 1 small potato, with some nominal garnish & sauce to try and fill some of the empty area on the plate. The quality of the protein & potato was excellent.

Service & location are very good.

We think the price, including service charge, was justified, and would have been happy to pay 10-15 pounds more, for the same courses, but with a little more volume on the appetizer course(one small scallop) and main course.

PS: They did an excellent job of accommodating my wife’s food allergies.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNSMVAtYUxnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP9RgBHnHh0gRFRYTsYC4oDE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNSMVAtYUxnEAE

The Lookout is an exceptional restaurant that truly showcases the most spectacular views in the city. From the panoramic vistas of Edinburgh's iconic landmarks to the natural beauty surrounding the restaurant, I was in awe throughout my visit. The minimalistic design of the restaurant only served to highlight the stunning views even further.

As for the food, the lunch set menu was absolutely marvellous. Every dish was crafted with care and attention to detail. The staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, adding to the overall excellent service.

While it's worth noting that there are no options outside of the set menu, this wasn't an issue in any way. The set menu offered such a varied and delicious selection that we didn't feel like we were missing out on anything. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that they don't offer coffee other than French press, but this is minor detail compared to the overall experience.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNkOU5mdFp3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP9RgBHnHh0gRFRYTsYC4oDE/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNkOU5mdFp3EAE

Located exceptionally well, perched at the top of Castle Hill, offering a panoramic view of the entire Edinburgh skyline, especially stunning during sunset. Sitting by the window and witnessing the evening glow is truly spectacular! They provide a set menu, and the food quality is quite good, especially the venison. Perfect for a romantic date.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURqX3FDbTdBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJP9RgBHnHh0gRFRYTsYC4oDE/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURqX3FDbTdBRRAB

Amazing view, great food, lovely and friendly service. Lunch here really was the perfect ending to our city trip in edinburgh. We booked at gardeners cottage at first, which due to circumstances didnt go trough. The hopsitalty we received when the booking changed was so sweet. Defitly would recommend the look out or gardeners cottage

The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage: Scenic Dining in Edinburgh

Dine In

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Serves Coffee

Serves Cocktails

Perched majestically atop Calton Hill, The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage invites guests to experience not just a meal, but an immersion in the heart of Edinburgh's natural beauty and rich heritage. The restaurant itself is a modern architectural marvel, harmonizing seamlessly with the historic charm that characterizes Edinburgh. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to flood the space, casting a glow over the elegantly presented dishes inspired by Scotland’s bountiful larder. Savor a seasonal menu crafted with meticulous attention to detail, where each plate tells a story of local ingredients and traditional culinary techniques reimagined in inventive ways.

The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage

Savor stunning views and gourmet cuisine at The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage in Edinburgh. Book your unforgettable dining experience now!

The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage: Scenic Dining in Edinburgh

Dining & Culinary Delights

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