When Edinburgh native Roberta Hall-McCarron opened The Little Chartroom in 2018, the food world quickly took notice. And with good reason. This elegantly dinky spot in Leith is one of the UK’s finest restaurants: Hall (who previously worked with local legend Tom Kitchin for nine years) dishes up painterly, refined modern European plates – torched mackerel with barbecued peach, ajo blanco and lovage say, or dry-aged duck with sausage, wilted leaves, blackcurrant and sorrel. She’s more than worthy of the breathless critical praise she’s received since launching.


Cured monkfish, dressed in fresh apple juice, cucumber juice and apple vinegar at The Little Chartroom / Image: Amelia Claudia

She’s received killer reviews from Marina O’Loughlin at The Sunday Times and Nicholas Lander at the FT. Secured a listing in the 2019 Michelin Guide. Was named breakthrough Chef of the Year at the Food and Travel Awards, and recently appeared on Great British Menu. Regional heroes don’t come much more esteemed.

Here, Hall-McCarron gives us her insider tips for other brilliant eats around Edinburgh.

✈ Fly to Edinburgh – book flights  

Spry Wines, 1 Haddington Place: ”It’s a wine bar and shop just up the road from my restaurant. They do the most fantastic small plates and charcuterie to enjoy alongside a great wine selection.”

Timberyard, 10 Lady Lawson Street: “I would go here every week if I could. My favourite dining room to sit in anywhere. The [ingredient-led and Scottish-inflected] food is great and so is the wine and service.”