The Gardener's Cottage: Edinburgh’s Intimate Seasonal Dining Retreat
An intimate Edinburgh dining gem blending seasonal Scottish produce with rustic charm in a historic garden cottage setting.
Nestled in Royal Terrace Gardens, Edinburgh, The Gardener's Cottage was a celebrated restaurant known for its intimate setting, seasonal Scottish cuisine, and commitment to local produce. Housed in a charming historic cottage, it offered a unique dining experience with a focus on sustainability and a menu that changed daily to showcase the best of Scotland’s natural larder. Though now permanently closed, it remains remembered for its warm atmosphere and creative culinary offerings.
A brief summary to The Gardener's Cottage
- Royal Terrace Gardens, 1 London Rd, Edinburgh, EH7 5DX, GB
- +441315581221
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book well in advance for the tasting menu dinners, as seating was limited and popular.
- Weekend brunch offered a more casual way to experience the restaurant’s fresh, local flavors.
- Inform the staff of any dietary restrictions when booking to ensure suitable menu options.
- Enjoy the communal dining tables to engage with fellow diners and soak in the warm atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Gardener's Cottage location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Gardener's Cottage
A Historic Culinary Hideaway in Edinburgh
The Gardener's Cottage was located in a quaint cottage within Royal Terrace Gardens on London Road, Edinburgh. This charming setting provided an intimate and cozy atmosphere, away from the city's bustle, perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet refined dining experience. The restaurant’s location in a historic garden setting enhanced its appeal, blending natural beauty with culinary artistry.Seasonal Menus Rooted in Local Produce
The restaurant was renowned for its dedication to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, many grown in its own kitchen garden. Its menu evolved daily, reflecting the freshest produce available, including meats like venison and game, fresh seafood, and vibrant vegetables. Signature dishes ranged from pan-fried turbot with seaweed and groats to rich venison with barley and kale. The culinary philosophy emphasized simplicity and sustainability, allowing natural flavors to shine.Distinctive Dining Experience and Menu Structure
Guests enjoyed a set tasting menu for dinner, typically a six-course meal priced around £35, with options for wine pairings. Brunch and lunch were also offered on weekends, featuring hearty Scottish fare like Arbroath smokie, meatloaf brioche sandwiches, and creative open sandwiches on sourdough. The dining was communal, with long tables fostering a friendly and engaging atmosphere. The restaurant was known for accommodating dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.Warm Hospitality and Unique Ambiance
The team at The Gardener's Cottage was praised for its knowledgeable and welcoming service, contributing to a romantic and unique experience. The interior was rustic yet refined, complementing the natural surroundings and the restaurant’s ethos. The setting, combined with the thoughtful cuisine and attentive staff, created a memorable and intimate dining occasion.Legacy and Closure
Despite its popularity and critical acclaim, The Gardener's Cottage closed permanently, leaving behind a legacy as one of Edinburgh’s distinctive culinary gems. Its commitment to local ingredients, sustainable practices, and a warm dining environment continues to inspire the local food scene. Visitors and locals alike remember it as a special place where food and nature met in harmony.Continued Inspiration in Edinburgh’s Food Culture
The Gardener's Cottage’s influence persists in Edinburgh’s vibrant restaurant scene, encouraging a focus on seasonality, locality, and sustainability. Its approach to communal dining and celebration of Scottish produce remains a benchmark for many chefs and eateries in the city, contributing to Edinburgh’s reputation as a destination for innovative and heartfelt cuisine.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Dugald Stewart Monument
0.4 km
A neoclassical tribute to philosopher Dugald Stewart, offering iconic views over Edinburgh from historic Calton Hill.
Burns Monument
0.5 km
Edinburgh's classical tribute to Scotland's national poet, a Neo-Greek temple with commanding city views.
Martyrs of Reform Monument
0.6 km
A towering 27m obelisk in Edinburgh honoring five radical reformists who shaped Britain’s fight for democratic rights in the 18th century.
Scottish-American Soldiers Monument
0.6 km
A unique Edinburgh memorial honoring Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, symbolizing liberty and transatlantic heritage.
Queen Mary's Bath House
0.6 km
A rare 16th-century Tudor pavilion near Holyrood Palace, steeped in royal mystery and linked to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Robert Fergusson Statue
0.7 km
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Scottish poetry with the Robert Fergusson Statue, a joyful tribute on Edinburgh’s historic Canongate.
The Centre of Edinburgh
0.7 km
Historic Georgian landmark transformed into a modern, sustainable office hub in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre.
Duke of Wellington Equestrian statue
0.7 km
Historic bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback, a commanding symbol of British military triumph in the heart of Edinburgh.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue
0.8 km
A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
North Bridge
0.8 km
Historic North Bridge links Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns with stunning views and rich cultural heritage.
Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust
0.8 km
Explore the literary heart of Edinburgh at the UNESCO City of Literature Trust, a treasure trove of exhibitions and literary heritage.
Wellhead at John Knox House
0.8 km
Discover the medieval charm and Reformation history embodied by the Wellhead at John Knox House on Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile.
Melville Monument
0.9 km
A towering neoclassical column in Edinburgh’s New Town, commemorating Henry Dundas with rich history and architectural grandeur.
Fleshmarket Cl
0.9 km
Medieval alley steeped in history, where Edinburgh's butcher's market once thrived and literary inspiration still echoes.
St Andrew Square & George St
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant charm of St Andrew Square & George Street, where historic elegance meets modern flair in the heart of Edinburgh.
Unmissable attractions to see
National Monument of Scotland
0.3 km
Discover the breathtaking views and rich history at the National Monument of Scotland on Calton Hill, a stunning Edinburgh landmark.
Playfair Monument
0.3 km
Elegant Greek Doric memorial on Calton Hill honoring John Playfair, a pillar of Edinburgh’s Enlightenment and uncle to architect William Playfair.
Monument to the Scottish Parliament
0.3 km
Explore Scotland’s bold and modern seat of democracy, where architecture and politics intertwine in Edinburgh’s historic heart.
Nelson Monument
0.4 km
Discover the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill, a stunning tribute to Admiral Lord Nelson with panoramic views and rich maritime history in Edinburgh.
Regent Rd
0.4 km
Tranquil urban park and historic street offering stunning views and cultural landmarks in the heart of Edinburgh.
Steps to Calton Hill
0.5 km
Ascend the iconic steps to Calton Hill for breathtaking views, historic monuments, and a serene escape in the heart of Edinburgh.
Jacob's Ladder
0.5 km
Historic and steep, Jacob's Ladder links Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns with stunning views and a glowing nighttime presence.
Regent Road Park
0.5 km
A peaceful green oasis in central Edinburgh with iconic views and the symbolic Stones of Scotland monument.
Heart of Scotland Tours
0.5 km
Explore Scotland’s iconic sights and hidden gems with intimate, expertly guided small-group tours departing from Edinburgh’s Waterloo Place.
Old Calton Cemetery
0.5 km
Historic resting place on Calton Hill with notable monuments and panoramic views of Edinburgh’s rich heritage.
St James Quarter
0.5 km
Edinburgh’s largest retail and leisure district, blending shopping, dining, entertainment, and luxury stays in the city centre.
Waterloo Pl
0.6 km
Waterloo Place: historic gateway bridging Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns with Georgian elegance and sweeping city views.
Dunbars Close
0.6 km
Discover Dunbars Close, Edinburgh’s secret garden oasis offering peaceful charm and historic ambiance on the Royal Mile.
Leith Walk
0.6 km
Leith Walk is Edinburgh’s vibrant, historic street linking city centre buzz with the lively maritime charm of Leith’s waterfront.
White Horse Close
0.6 km
Discover White Horse Close, a picturesque 17th-century courtyard and former coaching inn steeped in Edinburgh’s royal and social history.
Essential places to dine
The Gardener's Cottage
0.0 km
An intimate Edinburgh dining gem blending seasonal Scottish produce with rustic charm in a historic garden cottage setting.
Down The Hatch Edinburgh
0.3 km
Bold Canadian comfort food and lively vibes meet in the heart of Edinburgh’s Antigua Street for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage
0.3 km
Suspended fine dining with panoramic Edinburgh views from an architectural marvel atop Calton Hill.
Taisteal
0.5 km
A Michelin-mentioned Edinburgh gem where Scottish ingredients meet global flavours in a warm, intimate setting.
The Walnut
0.5 km
Cozy and unpretentious, The Walnut offers seasonal Scottish dishes with creative flair and excellent value on Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Walk.
Howies Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience authentic Scottish cuisine in a stunning Georgian dining hall at Howies Waterloo Place, Edinburgh’s beloved local gem.
The Botanist Edinburgh
0.5 km
A lush botanical-themed bar and restaurant in Edinburgh’s New Town, offering creative cocktails, hearty British fare, and live music in a vibrant garden setting.
Educated Flea
0.6 km
Discover bold, inventive fusion cuisine with a Scottish twist in a cozy, friendly spot on Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Fhior
0.6 km
Experience innovative Scottish fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in a minimalist, elegant setting at Edinburgh’s acclaimed Fhior.
Duck & Waffle
0.6 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant St James Quarter hotspot where modern British cuisine meets playful indulgence and stylish atmosphere.
L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar
0.6 km
Authentic French bistro in Edinburgh blending classic cuisine with fresh Scottish ingredients and a cozy wine bar atmosphere.
Tolbooth Tavern
0.7 km
Historic Royal Mile pub blending 400 years of Scottish history with authentic cuisine and warm hospitality.
La Garrigue
0.7 km
Experience authentic Languedoc French cuisine in Edinburgh’s charming Old Town bistro with rustic flavours and vibrant ambiance.
Tattu Edinburgh
0.8 km
Experience modern Chinese cuisine in a stunning setting blending Edinburgh’s historic charm with contemporary elegance.
Wedgwood The Restaurant
0.8 km
Fine dining on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with seasonal Scottish cuisine and foraged ingredients in a cozy, unpretentious setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Cats Miaou
0.3 km
A vibrant Leith gift shop bursting with quirky, pun-filled designs and ethically sourced handmade treasures in Edinburgh.
Curiouser & Curiouser
0.6 km
A design-led independent shop in Edinburgh, filled with art, cards, homewares, and unique gifts with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.
The Dragonfly
0.6 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at The Dragonfly, a stylish boutique gift shop in Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Planet.A Boutique
0.6 km
Discover Edinburgh’s stylish and sustainable gift shop offering unique local treasures and eco-friendly finds on Easter Road.
Holyrood Gift Shop
0.6 km
Discover authentic Scottish crafts and souvenirs in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile at Holyrood Gift Shop.
The Wyrd Shop
0.7 km
Edinburgh's esoteric gem on Canongate: crystals, tarot, pagan jewelry, and magickal handmade treasures in a cozy witchy haven.
Prestige Scotland Kilt Maker & Souvenir Shop
0.7 km
Authentic Scottish kilts and Highland dress on Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile.
Pure Scottish
0.7 km
Authentic Scottish gifts and crafts in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic North Bridge district.
Ragamuffin
0.8 km
Discover unique, beautifully crafted women's knitwear in a charming boutique on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.
Wee Leith Shop
0.8 km
Quirky novelties and charming gifts await in this cozy Leith Walk gem, capturing the neighborhood's independent spirit with playful treasures for every home.
Anime Republic
0.8 km
Edinburgh’s vibrant anime gift shop and community hub offering collectibles, manga, and events for fans of all levels.
Real Scot Shop
0.8 km
Authentic Scottish gifts and crafts in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic High Street, where heritage meets quality and friendly service.
Heritage Clearance Store
0.8 km
Discover authentic Scottish heritage treasures and unbeatable bargains in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic High Street.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.8 km
Discover quirky, affordable Danish design and everyday essentials in Edinburgh’s vibrant Waverley Mall store.
The Wee Gift Shop
0.8 km
Award-winning Scottish gift shop celebrating local talent, sustainability, and authentic cultural heritage on Edinburgh's High Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Street
0.4 km
Casual cocktail bar by day, energetic late-night bar and small club by night — Picardy Place’s go-to spot for social evenings and weekend parties.
The Alchemist St James Quarter
0.6 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant cocktail theatre and unique dining at The Alchemist St James Quarter, where drinks come alive with magic and flair.
The Cocktail Geeks
0.7 km
Edinburgh's arch-hidden gem for themed cocktails, geeky immersions, and masterful mixology in a cozy, ever-changing vault.
The Voodoo Rooms
0.7 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
Nightcap
0.8 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
Whiski Bar & Restaurant
0.9 km
A cosy Royal Mile whisky bar with 300+ Scotch malts, hearty Scottish food and nightly live music in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Royal Mile Tavern
0.9 km
Traditional Scottish pub on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile with over 100 whiskies, hearty fare, and nightly live music until 1am.
Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House, celebrating 20 years of serving The Best Haggis in Town!
0.9 km
Cozy Edinburgh bar serving renowned haggis and over 100 whiskies in a warm, traditional Scottish setting with hearty portions and friendly vibes.
Whistlebinkies
0.9 km
Edinburgh’s legendary underground live music bar offering free entry, vibrant bands, and a cozy vaults atmosphere every night until the early hours.
The Banshee Labyrinth
1.0 km
Discover Scotland’s most haunted pub, a labyrinth of eerie vaults and lively entertainment beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Copper Still
1.0 km
Cozy Royal Mile retreat dishing fresh Scottish eats and drams amid buskers and historic vibes – from breakfast brekkie to late-night cocktails.
Bramble Bar
1.1 km
Edinburgh's speakeasy legend: masterful cocktails, dim-lit nooks, and beats that linger until 1am in a Queen Street basement hideaway.
Grand Cru
1.1 km
Edinburgh's cocktail haven on Hanover Street, blending masterful drinks, modern European bites, and seamless day-to-night vibes in the heart of New Town.
Hoot The Redeemer
1.1 km
A quirky, tarot-themed cocktail bar in Edinburgh offering inventive drinks, playful games, and a lively, intimate atmosphere.
Deacon Brodies Tavern
1.2 km
Historic Royal Mile pub channeling Deacon Brodie's Jekyll-and-Hyde legacy with cask ales, hearty pies, and Old Town buzz—perfect for ale lovers and tale seekers.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Hive Nightclub & Venue
1.0 km
Edinburgh's gritty Cowgate nightclub: cheap drinks, multi-room beats, and non-stop energy until 3am in the heart of Old Town.
Cabaret Voltaire
1.0 km
Vaulted live-music rooms and a relaxed upstairs bar—Cabaret Voltaire is Edinburgh’s atmospheric hub for alternative gigs and late-night clubbing.
Why Not Nightclub
1.0 km
Edinburgh's multi-award-winning late-night haven with LED immersion, garden vibes, and non-stop beats on George Street.
Shanghai Nightclub
1.1 km
Edinburgh's Oriental nightlife den: Asian decor, themed beats, VIP vibes, and non-stop energy on George Street.
La Belle Angele
1.1 km
Edinburgh’s intimate nightclub and live music venue blending historic charm with vibrant themed nights and diverse performances.
Garibaldi's
1.1 km
Edinburgh's tiniest nightclub packs the biggest late-night punch on Hanover Street, with killer margaritas and a dance floor that never quits till 3am.
The Mash House
1.1 km
A vibrant Edinburgh nightclub and live music venue blending folk, electronic, and techno in a lively, casual setting.
El Barrio Latino
1.1 km
Edinburgh's sizzling Latin nightclub where salsa beats pulse through New Town nights, drawing dancers to its vibrant Hanover Street heart until the early hours.
Opal Lounge
1.2 km
A stylish live music bar and nightclub in Edinburgh’s New Town, perfect for celebrations and vibrant nightlife.
Sneaky Pete's
1.2 km
Intimate live music and club nights in Edinburgh’s Old Town, where emerging talent meets vibrant nightlife.
Legends
1.2 km
Edinburgh’s only 24/7 rock nightclub, Legends pulses with raw energy and live alternative music in the heart of Cowgate.
The Bongo Club
1.3 km
Edinburgh’s underground hotspot blending eclectic music, live art, and a vibrant late-night scene in the historic Old Town.
The Liquid Room
1.3 km
Edinburgh's multi-level nightlife gem: techno thumps, live gigs, and warehouse vibes on historic Victoria Street.
The Shack Retro Bar & Club
1.4 km
Edinburgh's retro dance den blasting 60s-90s hits amid quirky decor and sweaty dance floors—pure nostalgic escapism on Rose Street.
Lulu Bar and Nightclub
1.6 km
Edinburgh's George Street gem: chic cocktails, thumping beats, and dance floors that ignite the night in upscale style.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
