Casinos aren’t exactly famous for being fantastic food spots around the world. If you have never dined inside a casino restaurant or bar before, you might be surprised at what you’ll find. Here are some of the best dining places located inside the casinos of Edinburgh, all of which are mired in Scotland’s history.
Fahrenheit Restaurant & Bar – Genting Casino Fountain Park
If you’re looking for a little intimacy to go with your dining experience, your best choice would be Genting Casino’s Fahrenheit Restaurant. Dim lights and humble but classy decorations are paired with perfectly seared steaks, haggis croquettes, the best of contemporary Scottish cuisine, as well as a variety of gourmet cakes to choose from. Tangy pickled shallots, crispy pancetta, Bailey’s panna cotta, and pea puree with fennel seeds are also on the menu. Try not to eat your fill of the artisanal bread board with its generous helping of roasted garlic before you dig into your actual meal. As an added treat, Fahrenheit is also well-known for its friendly staff and swift service. After your meal, you might want to check out the nearby cinema at the historic Fountain Park to cap off the night.
Snack Bar – Genting Casino York Place
While the bar at this Genting Casino branch is unnamed, it’s known for its reasonably priced snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. The main draw though would be the historic location, as Genting Casino York Place is one of Scotland’s oldest gaming facilities. What looks like a stately museum from the outside transforms into a modern but intimate take on the contemporary gaming scene once you enter. It’s also near other historic locations such as the birthplace of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in Picardy Place, along with a nearby York Place pub that’s named after the iconic writer.
The Charleston – Grosvenor Casino Maybury
Traditional British cuisine is what you’ll find at The Charleston, located within the Edinburgh branch of the popular Grosvenor Casino, also known as The Maybury. Grosvenor Casinos are considered the most prestigious in the UK, and The Charleston certainly lives up to that fact. After you go past the neon-lit 1920s facade of the casino, it’s a nice walk up the Art Deco staircase, passing framed James Bond film stills of femme fatales before you get to The Charleston itself. The keyword here is decadence. Modern gourmet takes on traditional British favourites, including lamb, lobster, chicken liver pâté, and scallops all of which are paired with a traditional fine dining experience, complete with linen tablecloths, the finest cutlery, and a nice view of the gaming room floor. Despite this, their famed sea bass, avocado and bacon salad, and other premium items on the menu are priced quite reasonably. As much as Grosvenor is famed for their brick-and-mortar gaming experiences, The Charleston has cemented its place in Scottish fine dining.
While there aren’t that many restaurants within casinos to choose from when you’re in Edinburgh, the quality of the food and the location of these establishments more than makes up for their low numbers. If you’ve already visited your fair share of standalone dining places and food festivals in Edinburgh, any of these casino restaurants are a good way to spend your weekend.
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