The Lookout, Edinburgh: ‘High altitude dining – and prices – but worth it’ | Jay Rayner

It’s a steep climb up to Edinburgh’s Lookout, but once you get there the food hits new peaks

The Lookout, Calton Hill, Edinburgh. EH7 5AA (0131 322 1246). Lunchtime à la carte: starters £8-£14; mains £16-£25; desserts £5; wines from £29. Set lunch £25. Evening tasting menus £50 and £70

The Lookout is a brave restaurant. It hasn’t so much decided that passing trade is not a priority, as laughed in its face, then handed it a scribbled note saying, “Go away.” It occupies a new build right at the top of Calton Hill within the Observatory buildings, looking out over Edinburgh to the Firth of Forth, hence the name.