For all kinds of dates, the West End offers some of the best places to meet and eat in town. 

A French kiss

L’Escargot Blanc (formerly Petit Paris) and La P’tite Folie are authentic French spots for lunch and dinner. Both are a real find and consistently deliver on top quality food that gives the French the foodie reputation they deserve. 

Home is where the heart is

Show your patriotic side by keeping it Scottish. Great food in cosy basement venues, Howies and A Room in the West End are fine establishments and both operate a BYOW policy. 

Taking a break

The French deli Le Marche Francais is the ideal spot for a light lunch or, come evening, the back room becomes a restaurant serving a delectable French menu. For a lovely mocha, latte or Americano, Cucina is a small café/sandwich shop with homely touches, homemade sandwiches and appealing platters. 

That’s amore

For Italian, the tardis-like La Piazza has been dishing up homestyle cooking since 1997. Watch the world go by from the rear terrace, a rare find in the heart of the city. Or if you’re lucky enough to get a table at night at La Bruschetta, do. If not, the Menu del Giorno at lunch, (Tuesday to Friday) is £13.95 for two courses (£15.95 for three). 

Into the small hours

Tuck into dinner at Sygn from one of the comfortable leather booths before a cocktail or two in the bar. Or keep things informal at Indigo Yard; a great spot for after work drinks and big nights out.

Room for the night

Impress with the food and the views from Restaurant at the Rutland. Try the chocolate fondue as dessert for an indulgent way to share. The Pompadour restaurant at the Caledonian serves up elegant grandeur at dinnertime or for afternoon tea from 2pm-5pm.