Perched atop Edinburgh's Calton Hill, Cafe Calton offers diners what may be the most picturesque meal in the Scottish capital, combining jaw-dropping views with a menu of small plates that left one reviewer impressed.
On a cold and cloudy autumn evening, a group of friends made the climb to the top of the famous hill, where the restaurant sits next to the Collective Gallery. Despite the weather, the full outdoor dining area looked like the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the vistas across the city centre and beyond.
Views and Interiors
Inside, the views are no less spectacular. Cafe Calton has full floor-to-ceiling windows, and the reviewer's table was set right beside one of them, allowing for long moments spent gazing out over Edinburgh. The interiors are described as quietly luxurious, with an understated approach that lets the views take centrestage. The open kitchen adds to a lively and atmospheric feel.
The restaurant is a small plates venue, with the waitress recommending two dishes per person. The group of three settled on six plates: potato rösti, crispy oyster mushroom, confit tomatoes, glazed pork, ricotta and spinach ravioli, and a side of Koffmann fries. A glass of the house pinot grigio was both perfectly crisp and fruity.
Standout Dishes
Dishes arrive as they are ready rather than all at once, giving time to savour each one. The confit tomatoes came with creamy burrata and pickled plum, while the potato rösti featured autumn truffle that added a hint of nuttiness and luxury. The reviewer's favourite plate was the ricotta and spinach ravioli, which came with brown butter, hazelnut, and roast butternut squash, making the dish feel cosy and autumnal. The crispy oyster mushrooms, featuring creamy hummus and hazelnut dukkah, were also a hit.
Despite being full, the group agreed to try dessert. With only two options, they were outvoted on the tiramisu and chose the chai mousse. The mousse was yummy, with spices that warmed and orange offering a sweet and citrusy contrast, alongside crumbly shortbread biscuits that melted in the mouth.
Price and Verdict
The meal came to around £150 for the three of them including drinks. The reviewer noted that while it wasn't cheap, they didn't feel shortchanged, describing it as a meal that was both tasty and picturesque, and one they won't forget.
