The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant

Our visit to The Scottish Cafe and Restaurant was a treat from start to finish. Let’s start with access, based at the entrance to the Scottish National Gallery at The Mound, step free access is best through Princes Street Gardens on Market Street, across the road from Lothian Buses shop. The hills in the other entrances are quite dangerous in a wheelchair. Following a lovely roll through the gardens, the entrance to the museum is modern and The Scottish Cafe is on the right. We were greeted by a friendly face and taken through the spacious restaurant to our table with a view of the Balmoral and the Scott Monument. The table was an ideal height for my powerchair and it was large enough that I could avoid the metal table leg. Delightful staff took our order and served us throughout, checking in to make sure we were well and topping up our drinks. Let’s take about the food - one of the best afternoon teas that we have had. The shortbread was lighter than air, the sandwiches full of flavour and the scone delicious. The cakes were beautifully presented, full of imagination. Not going to lie, we couldn’t finish it in one sitting but we were given boxes to take home the items we had left. Before we left we used the facilities and real thought had been put into this area. There are two accessible toilets that are roomy (at least on doughnut). What impressed us is that in one toilet you can transfer from the left, in the other you can transfer from the right so if you have a preference, there’s a choice. An incredible date with my wife, in a setting rich with culture, brilliant views, fantastic food and thoughtful access that works 👌🏻

The food here was café style, not restaurant style. It was delicious, clearly made using exceptionally fine ingredients. But even better than the food probably was the view. Prince’s Street Gardens, Scott Monument, amazing!!!

Not sure what to expect my visit the the Scottish Restaurant was great. Access for me as powerchair user wasn't obvious at first but soon became clear as you go in via the National Gallery where a large modern lift takes you down to the garden level. Going out I went through the automatic doors into the garden and a level path skirts the gardens to lead to Waverlet Bridge; not hills or steps which was great. You could come in this way if you didn't want to go in via the gallery and lift.