Fuel stops for rugby fans: 20 places to line your stomach

Whether glasses are raised in celebration or commiseration after tomorrow’s Calcutta Cup, the stomach will be equally in need of lining. Here’s an at-a-glance guide to Edinburgh’s best bets for a sustenance stop.

Cheap and cheerful, for those saving their pennies for the pints

The Dogs, Hanover Street

Classic British cooking like your granny used to make. Only much better.

The Tailend, Albert Place

A plate of locally-landed langoustines on Leith Walk for just over £11? Back of the net! (or the rugby equivalent)

Yum Yum Hong Kong Diner, West Richmond Street

A popular haunt for young Asian students looking for a taste of mum’s cooking at bargain prices.

Oink!, Victoria Street

A daily hog roast makes this Old Town spot perfect for pork lovers.

Los Cardos, Leith Walk

Mexican street food on Leith Walk? Aye caramba! Try the haggis.

Only in Edinburgh, for those with visitors to impress

The Witchery, Castlehill

Boasting a superb location by the castle and an atmospheric interior which appears to be of a similar vintage, James Thomson’s flagship restaurant is postcard Edinburgh.

Valvona & Crolla, Elm Row

The produce may be imported from Italy but this stunning deli and caffe is as Edinburgh as the Scott Monument.

Whiski Rooms, North Bank Street

A bar, whisky shop and Scottish bistro all rolled into one on The Mound, this fairly recent opening may be touristy, but so is much of Edinburgh. Embrace it. Just don’t go wearing one of those daft see-you-Jimmy hats.

The Royal Oak, Infirmary Street

Much of the capital is grand, but this tiny, time-worn bar is a happy home to the city’s grassroots folk scene.

Loopy Lorna’s, Morningside Road

Gourmet teas and fancy cakes sevred in a Morningside theatre. Could anything be more Edinburgh?

And where to push the boat out if Scotland emerge victorious...

Rhubarb, Prestonfield House, Prestonfield Road

An evening meal in Prestonfield’s restaurant is like being cocooned in a plush country house hotel.

Ondine, George IV Bridge

If you like feasting on shellfish, get cracking at Edinburgh’s swishest seafood restaurant.

Number One at the Balmoral, Princes Street

Which of Edinburgh’s five Michelin-starred restaurants is best will come down to personal preference, but for sheer, spoil-yourself opulence, Number One takes some beating.

L’Escargot Bleu, Broughton Street

French cooking is the cornerstone of Europe’s culinary heritage, and Fred Berkmiller does it better than most.

Mother India, Infirmary Street

Sometimes only a top notch curry will do.

And for those brave souls planning to stick to drinking

Café Royal, West Register Street

Edinburgh’s most striking Victorian pub, the island bar and John Eyre ceramic murals of the Café Royal underline the capital’s heritage as a great drinking city.

Raconteur, Dean Street

One of the reasons that, outwith London, Edinburgh is the best place in the UK for cocktails.

Bramble, Queen Street

One of the other reasons that, outwith London, Edinburgh is the best place in the UK for cocktails.

Joseph Pearce’s, Elm Row

The latest Leith Walk bar to be tamed by Swedish couple Mike and Anna, JP’s is a stylish, lively and civilised thirtysomething haunt.

Tigerlily, George Street

Perhaps the definitive George Street style bar, this is where the city’s young professionals flash the cash and swap mobile numbers.