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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sian Traynor

New Edinburgh restaurants and bars that we can't wait to visit in 2021

We might be back in lockdown again, but that won't stop us from dreaming about a bit of normality again.

With many looking towards what will hopefully be a bit of a brighter year, the hospitality industry is eagerly waiting to welcome back its customers with open arms.

And despite a rough year, there are actually a host of new restaurants and bars that will open for the first time in 2021.

As well as these, there are sadly some sites that we never even got to try in 2020, as they opened just before tougher restrictions hit.

So, if you're looking ahead to plan your next meal or night out, we have rounded up some of the most exciting venues that we can't wait to visit this year.

However, if there's somewhere new you can't wait to go that we've missed, please don't keep it a secret and let us know on Facebook or twitter, or at news@edinburghlive.co.uk.

Down the hatch - Antigua Street

At the end of last year, Down the hatch, who were first based in Queensferry, delighted the city by setting up shop in Edinburgh city centre.

Currently, their Antigua Street site is operating for delivery and collection only, however when the rules allow it, the restaurant will allow customers inside for the first time.

With a mouthwatering selection of meals on the menu, we can't wait to head down and eat as many of them as possible.

Johnnie Walker Experience - rooftop bar

As it makes its way ever-closer to completion, we are dying to have a drink out on the new Johnnie Walker rooftop bar.

With unbeatable views over Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle, the whisky experience has transformed the old House of Fraser store into something completely different.

The Alchemist

An 'Alchemist' at work (Birmingham Mail)

Already famed in other cities such as Manchester and Newcastle, the Alchemist bar is a cocktail lover's paradise, and should arrive in Edinburgh this year.

According to the bar, they claim to be "masters in the dark arts of molecular mixology and demons in the kitchen."

With some of their creations pretty astonishing, we can't wait to see what they have to offer.

Dine (Murrayfield)

The latest extension of the Dine chain opened just before level four restrictions were introduced, so we are looking forward to visiting for the first time once lockdown is over.

A sister site to the restaurant on Lothian Road, the new venue will offer a menu designed by Michelin starred chef Stuart Muir, with foods focussing on the "very best of nature's harvest".

As they have only been able to open for lunch and light bites so far, we can't wait to see their restaurant in full swing when lockdown ends.

Modern Standard Coffee

Another cafe to open in December, the independent coffee house has barely had a chance to impress customers with its unreal roasts.

Opened by leading coffee woman Lynsey Harley, the Bruntsfield cafe will be bringing a host of different beans to the table, as well as some pretty tasty pastries.

Sushi Samba

Another part of the St James Quarter development, Sushi Samba may actually now open in 2022, however we still can't wait.

The iconic fusion restaurant already has very popular venues in London and Dubai, however Edinburgh will become the latest city to enjoy their food.

Located on the 10th and 11th floor of the new 'orange peel' hotel, the restaurant will feature a main dining room with 'unparalleled views' of the city's iconic skyline.

There will also be a vibrant new bar and lounge with a chef's table and outdoor terraces.

The Chocolate and Pastry Bar

Another site to open just before lockdown, the Chocolate and Pastry Bar is definitely one on our visiting list.

Stocked to the brim with well, chocolate and pastries, the venue will serve up some pretty sweet treats, made by Chef Chiara Scipione.

Currently, the Queensferry Street cafe is open for takeaways, which will definitely keep us going until we can sit in again.

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