Address
55 Thistle Street, New Town, EH2 1DY
New Town, Edinburgh
New Town, Edinburgh
Best For
Wine and cocktails together, food, mid-thirties professional crowd
Opening Hours
Daily12:00–01:00
Reservations
Recommended for evenings
Dress Code
Smart casual
Price Range
$$$ · Cocktails from £11
Our Take
Where Edinburgh Drinks Both Wine and Cocktails Seriously
Bon Vivant has been on Thistle Street since 2008 and remains the rare Edinburgh bar that takes both wine and cocktails seriously. The wine list runs to around 80 European bottles with a strong natural focus. The cocktail menu is short — usually 10 to 12 drinks — and rotates seasonally.
The food is small Mediterranean plates and is genuinely good. The room is small with a long bar and a few high tables. Walk-in welcome before 19:00, reservation recommended after.
The crowd is mid-thirties Edinburgh professionals who want both wine and cocktails in one evening. Pair with Bramble or Panda and Sons for a complete New Town evening.
What to Order
Seasonal Cocktail
Whatever is on the rotating menu. Tight programme, all well built.
Glass of Natural Red
From the rotating wine list. Bartender will steer you. Reliable.
Negroni
Built classically with Italian Campari and Plymouth gin.
Cheese Plate
Three Scottish or French cheeses with house preserves. Pair with the wine.
