Let's Do Lunch - The Gallery Restaurant & Bar

With its excellent location in the new building linking the National Gallery to the Royal Scottish Academy, and with commanding views of Princes Street Gardens, this restaurant had a great deal in its favour before it even opened its doors.

As events transpired, initial reviews were not as complimentary as might have been expected, and the restaurant got off to a somewhat shaky start in late summer 2004.

Things are looking more promising now, with many people choosing to lunch here and the service and quality of food deserving an audience.

Thanks to its tiered seating and floor-to-ceiling windows, no matter where your table is situated you should enjoy splendid views of the gardens.

The formal diners sit in the upper tiers, while those opting for a bistro-style lunch sit at the lower tiers closer to the windows.

The platter of cured fish was delicious - a selection including salmon, rollmops, smoked mackerel and an accompanying salad. At around £12 a head for main course, soft drinks and coffee, this makes a good choice for a light lunch in a rather luxurious setting in the heart of Edinburgh.

Where: The National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL Contact: 0131 624 6580 How much: £12 a head for main course