The Forth Floor, Edinburgh

No, it's not a spelling error.

No, it's not a spelling error. The super-stylish dining area on the fourth floor of Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh really is called Forth Floor, and, although you can't see the water, it offers fantastic views of the castle. Forth Floor comprises a bar-brasserie and a restaurant - the former has a lively, informal ambience and serves superb cocktails while offering a modish menu of dishes such as hot smoked salmon with toasted pine nuts, and apple and herb salad; and smoked garlic and chorizo risotto with chilli and parmesan. The restaurant is a more formal affair, with crisp white napery, tinkling piano music and briskly efficient waiters. Its menu combines the hip with the traditional. Taste, for example, confident dishes such as langoustine risotto with fennel and pancetta crisp; seared Oban scallops with cauliflower puree, smoked brie and preserved lime; gravadlax with Rioja and vanilla syrup, crispy shallots, plums and walnuts; and air-dried Barbary duck with seared foie gras and soused "raspberry cherries". With a modern Scottish menu pepped up with oriental influences, it's no wonder Forth Floor at "Harvey Nicks" is one of Edinburgh's must-be-seen-in dining destinations at present.

Forth Floor, restaurant and brasserie, Harvey Nichols, 34 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, 0131 524 8350, www.harveynichols.com, Mon 10-6, Tue-Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 12-6. Meal for two, excl wine: £70