Vacation For Life

5 Great Edinburgh Restaurants On or Near the Royal Mile

Cannonball Restaurant House Salad Edinburgh Restaurants Royal Mile

When we traveled to Edinburgh, we were on the lookout for great restaurants, but also restaurants that were close to where we were staying on the Royal Mile. We discovered five delicious Edinburgh restaurants on or near the Royal Mile, some through research and some just by happenstance. They ran the gamut from fine-dining, Michelin-rated restaurants to casual eateries. All had fantastic food and are worth a visit.

Wedgwood the Restaurant

Wedgwood the Restaurant is a Michelin-rated Edinburgh restaurant located right on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The Michelin rating is not Wedgwood’s only accolade. It has also received the STLN Wine Award, been listed in the Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants, and received the Thistle Awards Hospitality Hero 2015.

Wedgwood the Restaurant is family-owned. Paul Wedgwood is co-owner and head chef and Lisa Wedgwood is co-owner and restaurant manager. Wedgwood the Restaurant is the result of a dream to open a fine dining restaurant in informal surroundings with exceptional service and using the best of Scotland’s ingredients, the makings for a perfect night out.

Wedgwood the Restaurant Hogget Edinburgh Restaurants Royal Mile

Our meal consisted of hogget, which is two-year old lamb, sea trout, and beef carpaccio. We were amused by the asterisk next to the pigeon item, stating that the pigeon my contain shot. This was not the last time we saw this note on a Scottish menu and I was lucky enough to receive some shot with my pigeon at a different meal.

Ondine Restaurant

Ondine Restaurant is another Michelin-rated Edinburgh restaurant just off of the Royal Mile. Ondine is everything seafood, calling itself a “proper seafood restaurant.” Ondine is a fine-dining restaurant, but also a place where you can roll up your sleeves and get a little dirty while diving into platters of succulent seafood. Ondine also provides views of Old Town Edinburgh through panoramic windows.

Kim’s Mini Meals

Kim’s Mini Meals is the farthest from the Royal Mile of these five Edinburgh restaurants, about a 10-minute walk and near the University of Edinburgh. Family-owned Kim’s Mini Meals is also Michelin-rated and is the perfect restaurant for if you want something a little different, as Kim’s Mini Meals serves Korean food. Kim’s Mini Meals doesn’t take reservations, so don’t be surprised if there is a long line outside the door as the restaurant is also quite small. However, the wait really wasn’t that bad and the food was definitely worth it.

Kim's Mini Meals Dolsot Galbi Edinburgh Restaurants Royal Mile

Every meal starts with free side dishes and soup. We also had pajeon, a pancake of eggs, flour, spring onion, and seafood, and dolsot galbi, marinated pork ribs in a hot stone pot.

Cannonball Restaurant & Bar

Cannonball Restaurant & Bar is an Edinburgh restaurant right on the Royal Mile and is a very convenient place to enjoy lunch after visiting Edinburgh Castle and before imbibing Scotch whisky at the Scotch Whisky Experience.

Related: 20 Fun Things to Do in Edinburgh in 3 Days

Cannonball Restaurant & Bar Oysters Edinburgh Restaurants Royal Mile

The Contini family has run restaurants in Edinburgh since 1919. The Cannonball Restaurant & Bar is their newest restaurant which opened in 2014 right next door to Edinburgh Castle. Cannonball serves upscale Scottish food with options like Scottish oysters, a house salad with seasonal greens and roasted local vegetables, haggis cannonballs, and local smoked salmon.

City Restaurant

If you’re traveling in the United Kingdom, you kind of have to get fish and chips. When getting a ride from the Edinburgh airport to our hotel, we asked our taxi driver for recommendations near our hotel on the Royal Mile, the Radisson Blu. He told us that one of his favorite fish and chips spots in Edinburgh was City Restaurant, which also happened to be only a six minute walk away.

City Restaurant is a casual restaurant that not only has fish and chips take-away, but also seating for dining in and some local beer. City Restaurant also stays open until midnight, which made it the perfect place to have a quick dinner after arriving on our late flight.

City Restaurant Fish and Chips and Scampi Edinburgh Restaurants Royal Mile

City Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fish and chips can be haddock, cod, or sea bass, and they even offer gluten free battered haddock. There are also other fried seafood options like breaded scampi, tempura tiger prawns, and calamari rings.

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Travel the World: Five Edinburgh restaurants on or near the Royal Mile, including three which are Michelin rated.

Baby Jesus and Banksy: A Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem

Star Street Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. Sadly, today the reason why the little town of Bethlehem lies so still is because it is encapsulated in Israel’s West Bank, a place where many tourists don’t travel. The town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, used to be a very popular destination, especially for religious pilgrimages. Now it is more of a ghost town, though Bethlehem is working hard to increase tourism once again. For us, our visit to Bethlehem included the biblically significant attractions of Bethlehem related to it being Jesus’ birthplace as well as its more contemporary sites including the wall that divides Bethlehem from the rest of Israel and the modern street art that covers that wall and other surfaces of Bethlehem, including works of the famous graffiti artist Banksy.

Security Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Despite Bethlehem’s close proximity to Jerusalem (the distance between Jerusalem and Bethlehem is just over four miles), it might as well be a world away. Located in the West Bank, Bethlehem is under the administration of the Palestinian Authority. Israeli passport holders are not allowed into Bethlehem without special permissions. Residents of Bethlehem are not allowed into Israel, including neighboring Jerusalem, without special permissions. Fortunately, tourists are free to enter Bethlehem without restrictions as long as they have their passport and Israeli-issued tourist visa. While the division between Israel and Palestine usually suggests a division between Jews and Muslims, in the case of Bethlehem, another community affected by its segregation is the Christian community, as Bethlehem is the location of one of the largest Arab Christian communities in the Middle East.

Bethlehem Gate or Damascus Gate Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Street and Doors Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Today, visitors to Bethlehem usually only stay a few hours, as we did on our Bethlehem Tour with Abraham Tours. Unfortunately, that’s not quite enough to bring Bethlehem back to the busy town it once was, but it is a start. Our tour of Bethlehem started on Star Street, which used to be a heavily traveled pilgrimage road from the 4th century through the 20th century and had been lined with stores which have been closed since 2000. Star Street was the road Joseph and the pregnant Mary followed when they came to Bethlehem, the town of David, to register for the census. Star Street is also the road the three wise men traveled when they followed the star that led them to the manger where baby Jesus was laid.

Shopping Street Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Side Street Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

We also followed Star Street through Manger Square to the Church of the Nativity. The Church of the Nativity was commissioned by St. Helena, Constantine’s mother, around 326 AD, and is one of the oldest churches in the world. Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity was built to enshrine the grotto of the nativity, the location where Jesus was born and where Jesus was laid in the manger.

Church of the Nativity Door of Humility Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

The Church of the Nativity immediately alerts visitors that they are entering something very special with the Door of Humility. The entrance to the church is a very short, narrow door which forces visitors to bow, a symbol of humility, when entering. The door wasn’t always so small, as you can see the archway from the previous larger doorway.

Church of the Nativity Door of Humility Inside Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Before looking at anything else in the church, we headed to the grotto of the nativity, which is located underneath the altar. That’s because it is important to beat the crowds. We were visiting in February, which is winter and the off-season (I have no idea why since the weather is so pleasant), so the line was not too bad, but it can take two to three hours just to see the grotto of the nativity in the high-season.

Church of the Nativity 14-Point Star Jesus Born Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

There are two important points of interest in the grotto of the nativity. The first is a 14-point silver star on the floor that marks the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. Visitors reach into the center of the star to touch the ground Jesus first touched in human form.

Chapel of the Manger Church of the Nativity Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Just across from Jesus’ birthplace is the Chapel of the Manger which protects the famous manger. This little chapel is the only part of the church which belongs to the Roman Catholics. The rest belongs to Orthodox Christians. While the majority of the cave’s walls have been covered, the rock just above the manger is original.

Church of the Nativity Cave Entrance Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

While you’re waiting to see the manger and Jesus’ birthplace, notice the long hallway which used to be the entrance and exit because it was the actual entrance into the cave.

Church of the Nativity Altar Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Church of the Nativity Bible Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Church of the Nativity Icons Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

The Church of the Nativity is currently undergoing restoration, so much of what makes it beautiful is covered in scaffolding, but there are still bits and pieces that are visible. Above the grotto of the nativity is the main altar which belongs to the Greek Orthodox Church. Typical of Greek Orthodox altars, this one is covered in icons.

Church of the Nativity Original Mosaic Floor Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Church of the Nativity Wall Mosaics Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Church of the Nativity Cross Holes Column Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

The nave also holds some treasures. A couple feet below the current floor lies the floor mosaic from the original basilica, protected by a raised floor and trap doors. The 44 columns, many of which are also original, are covered in paintings of saints, Mary, and baby Jesus from the days of the Crusaders. The walls display the remains of colorful mosaics from the 12th century.

Church of St. Catherine Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Church of St. Catherine Courtyard Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Church of St. Catherine Interior Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Next door to the Church of the Nativity is the Church of St. Catherine, a Roman Catholic Church. The first church was built around the 15th century, but the current version is from 1881. Stairs in the church lead underground to more caves.

Milk Grotto Exterior Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Milk Grotto Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Milk Grotto White Wall Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Another must-see attraction in Bethlehem is the Milk Grotto. This is yet another cave or grotto protected by a church. The story here is that Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus hid in this cave during the Slaughter of the Innocents, when the infants of Bethlehem were massacred. Mary was nursing Jesus when a drop of milk fell to the ground, turning the cave white. Women who had difficulty getting pregnant would visit the Milk Grotto, scrape some of the soft white rock from the walls, and mix it into their drinking water. Many children are believed to have been conceived as a result of the ingestion of Milk Grotto powder. Now there is just a small portion of the original chalky rock available to be touched, as most of it has been covered.

Wall Graffiti Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Bethlehem has another site to be seen that isn’t so ancient, and that is the very large wall that separates it from Israel. Bethlehem’s wall is only a partial wall. Some say its purpose was to stop attacks on Israel. Some say it was a land grab. It’s an attraction for tourists because it provides a bit of a reality check and some poignant graffiti.

Banksy Dove Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

The most famous of Bethlehem’s graffiti art is that of the UK artist Banksy. As we were on a short tour of Bethlehem, we couldn’t go on a hunt for all of Banksy’s art in Bethlehem, where he has been prolific, but we were able to see a couple including the ironic dove of peace holding an olive branch and wearing a bulletproof jacket with a target on its chest.

Banksy Street Barrier Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

Just days after our visit to Bethlehem we learned that Banksy opened a hotel in Bethlehem, The Walled Off Hotel (kind of sounds like The Waldorf) featuring “the worst view of any hotel in the world.” The 10-room hotel provides a close-up view of the Bethlehem wall. Banksy is a big supporter of Palestine, and Bethlehem in particular, and hopes this hotel will help draw tourism to Bethlehem and bring money to its economy.

Bethlehem Checkpoint Half-Day Tour of Bethlehem Jesus Birthplace

A visit to Bethlehem is an easy foray into a land that many are scared of, the West Bank, despite the guards making sure Israelis don’t enter and that off-putting wall. Even if you are not a Christian or not religious, visiting the sites where Jesus spent the first days of his life are sure to be moving, whether on a spiritual level or a historical one. Most importantly, by visiting Bethlehem, you can be a small part of making this once popular destination popular again.

Thank you to Abraham Tours and Abraham Hostels for hosting our trip to Israel and making this post possible. As always all opinions are our own.

Travel the World: A half-day tour of Bethlehem with Abraham Tours visits the birthplace of Jesus and Banksy graffiti art.

Hurry to See Anza-Borrego Wildflowers Before They’re Gone!

Desert Sunflowers Henderson Canyon Road Southern California Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflowers

Field of desert sunflowers along Henderson Canyon Road.

I’ve lived in San Diego my entire life and I grew up going to the desert, including Anza-Borrego State Park, multiple times every year. I do not ever remember seeing the Anza-Borrego wildflowers in bloom like they are this year. I vaguely remember hiking with my mom and keeping our eyes peeled for the occasional desert bloom. But this year, because of the insanely above-average rain we’ve received in Southern California, the desert wildflowers are out in full force in Anza-Borrego. In fact, they’re saying this may be the biggest super bloom in 20 years.

Peg Leg Road Southern California Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflowers

Desert wildflowers along Anza-Borrego's Peg Leg Road.

If you’re in Southern California, you’ll want to get out to Anza-Borrego as soon as possible to see the fields of desert wildflowers, because they’re not going to last very long. The delicate flowers will only last as long as the sun, wind, and caterpillars will allow.

Barrel Cactus Southern California Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflowers

Barrel Cactus in bloom.

Bigelow's monkeyflower.

Brown-eyed evening primrose.

Creosote Bush Southern California Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflowers

Blooming creosote bush.

Desert chicory.

Desert dandelion.

We visited Anza-Borrego on Sunday, March 12, 2017. We were worried it would be incredibly crowded as it was the weekend, plus we got a late start thanks to daylight savings time. However, while there were more people than I’ve ever seen in Anza-Borrego, there was always plenty of space to park, even in the more popular spots, so don’t let the thought of weekend crowds scare you if you have to work during the week. It was crazy how many people were out with their cameras. We decided we haven’t seen that many cameras in one place, even in the touristiest places in Europe.

Desert lily.

Desert sunflower.

Dune evening primrose.

Ocotillo.

Popcorn flower.

Sand verbena.

Using a map on the DesertUSA website, we chose to search for the Anza-Borrego wildflowers along Henderson Canyon Road and Peg Leg Road. We also found some good wildflowers that were a little bit different along Yaqui Pass Road. The desert wildflowers we found included purple sand verbena, yellow desert sunflower, white desert lily, desert dandelion, brown-eyed evening primrose, dune evening primrose, popcorn flower, Bigelow’s monkeyflower, desert chicory, barrel cactus, ocotillo, and creosote.

Caterpillar Southern California Anza-Borrego Desert Wildflowers

Wildflower eating caterpillar.

This size of super bloom of desert wildflowers doesn’t happen every year, so if you get the chance, take a drive to Anza-Borrego as soon as possible.

Travel the World: Wildflowers in Southern California's Anza-Borrego desert.

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