Bonnar's: A Hidden Gem with Historic Charm in Edinburgh
Want to discover a truly unique culinary treat in historic Scottish surroundings? Tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh within The Scott Hotel, Bonnar’s restaurant is a new dining experience that blends the best of locally sourced Scottish produce with a rich, storied past. Situated in a house originally built in the 1750s for merchant Alexander Scott, this stunning property was purchased in 1770 by the Dick family of Prestonfield House as a residence for Lady Dick-Cunningham. It was during this time that the iconic Drawing Room—now home to Bonnar’s—was added, making it a space that has long been associated with elegance and grandeur.
Bonnar’s 18th -century dining room features the original ceiling fresco by Thomas Bonnar
Bonnar’s dining room features the original ceiling fresco by Thomas Bonnar. This bowed drawing room is a masterpiece of Rococo design, capturing the feminine essence of its first incarnation. The ceiling’s large oval panel is adorned with Bonnar’s signature motif: frolicking cupids garlanded with flowers. Surrounding it, you’ll find a fine grisaille of Flora and cupids, as well as cameo portrait heads in the "Pompeiian" style—elements that were long attributed to another artist, Charles Frechou, but have since been confirmed as Bonnar’s work through a watercolour design in the Bonnar & Carfrae Collection at the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS).
The room also features intricate wall panelling that likely dates back to the 19th century, designed to accommodate paintings and mirrors in the style typical of Bonnar’s time. The chimneypiece, a striking architectural feature imported from Italy, is made of pure marble and delicately adorned with a classical bay leaf garland—further enhancing the space’s sense of timeless luxury.
A Culinary Experience Led by Chef Pier Berretta
Beyond its captivating history, Bonnar’s delivers an exceptional dining experience under the creative direction of head chef Pier Berretta. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, Chef Pier takes diners on a journey through the best of Scottish cuisine, with dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. I had the pleasure of sampling the tasting menu, a curated selection of courses perfectly paired with exquisite wines. From fresh seafood to tender meats, every bite was a celebration of Scotland’s natural larder, beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. The final flourish was a divine chocolate dessert accompanied with blackberry sorbet and buckwheat.
Why We Love It
Bonnar’s offers a truly unique blend of history and fine dining. The combination of its exquisite 18th-century setting with Chef Pier Berretta’s modern culinary artistry makes it a destination that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re drawn by the intricate frescoes and storied past of the space or simply in search of an unforgettable meal, Bonnar’s is a must-visit for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
This hidden gem provides an experience that is as rich in history as it is in flavour. From the delicate brushstrokes of Thomas Bonnar’s ceiling fresco to the refined plates emerging from the kitchen, Bonnar’s is a place where history and haute cuisine come together beautifully.