The flagship restaurant of The Balmoral Hotel, Number One has held a Michelin star since 1999. Chef Stuart Muir creates elegant, contemporary menus celebrating Scottish produce - from Loch Fyne oysters to Highland venison. The sumptuous basement dining room with deep red walls and Art Deco design is among Edinburgh's most glamorous settings.
Number One at The Balmoral sits in the basement of Edinburgh's grand Victorian railway hotel on Princes Street, steps from Waverley Station and facing the Castle. The restaurant has held a Michelin star since 1999 and is one of Edinburgh's most glamorous and enduring fine-dining destinations. The kitchen under head chef Stuart Muir showcases premium Scottish produce with contemporary European technique: Loch Fyne oysters, Highland venison, hand-dived scallops from Scottish coastal waters, and a celebrated cheese trolley stocked entirely with Scottish farmhouse varieties. The tasting menu runs to six or seven courses and changes seasonally; a shorter set menu is offered at lunch. Signature dishes have included a refined lobster bisque and a venison preparation that changes with the game season. The dining room is one of the most opulent in Scotland: deep red walls and plush banquettes in a rich Art Deco palette, low lighting, and well-spaced tables that ensure a degree of privacy rare in a hotel restaurant. Service is polished and attentive, drawing on The Balmoral's long tradition as Edinburgh's leading luxury hotel. The wine list is extensive and internationally sourced, with the sommelier team adept at navigating the cellar across all budgets. Dinner here is a formal occasion and suits celebrations; the pre-theatre and lunch menus make the kitchen accessible at lower price points. Advance booking of at least four weeks is recommended for dinner, and longer during the Edinburgh Festival.
Location
1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
Highlights
- Michelin star held since 1999 in the heart of Edinburgh's most iconic hotel on Princes Street
- Sumptuous Art Deco basement dining room with deep red walls and plush banquette seating
- All-Scottish farmhouse cheese trolley — a rare and exceptional example of the country's cheesemakers
- Seasonal tasting menu built around Loch Fyne oysters, Highland venison, and West Coast seafood
- Pre-theatre and lunch menus offer access to Michelin-starred cooking at accessible price points
Tips for visiting
- The set lunch is one of the best value Michelin experiences in Edinburgh — book as early as possible
- Request a corner banquette if privacy matters; the room is well-spaced but corner tables are most intimate
- The cheese trolley is an optional extra course worth adding — ask the sommelier for a Scotch whisky pairing alongside
- Dress smartly; the dining room has a formal character that casual attire would clash with
- Book four to six weeks ahead for weekend dinner; Festival season (August) requires earlier planning
Accessibility
Number One is located in the basement of The Balmoral Hotel. Lift access from the hotel lobby to the lower ground level is available, and the restaurant can accommodate guests with mobility requirements. Contact the hotel's concierge team in advance to arrange any assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Does Number One serve a vegetarian tasting menu?
The kitchen accommodates vegetarians and vegans with advance notice. Dietary requirements should be communicated at the time of booking so the menu can be adapted.
Is Number One suitable for a special occasion dinner?
The restaurant is one of Edinburgh's premier special-occasion destinations. The formal atmosphere, impeccable service, and glamorous room make it well suited to celebrations and milestone dinners.
What is the dress code?
Smart dress is required. Jacket and tie are not mandatory but the room is formal; guests typically dress elegantly.
Is there a tasting menu, and how many courses does it run?
The tasting menu typically runs six to seven courses and changes seasonally. A shorter set menu is available at lunch. Both formats can be accompanied by a wine flight.