Hello! My husband and I are traveling from the West Coast of the U.S. to Scotland next year and we're both big foodies. His brother asked me for birthday gift ideas, but since my husband wants to skip gifts this year to save for the trip, I thought a gift card for something related to food or whiskey tasting would be a good option.

We’ll be visiting Glasgow and Edinburgh for sure, but we’re still finalizing the rest of the itinerary. Any recommendations for great restaurants, whiskey tastings, or food-related experiences in those cities that offer gift cards?

Thanks in advance!!

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    And the bar is incredible!

    Also, the food in the attached Amber restaurant is very reasonably priced and very good quality

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  • Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the best - check out their tasting dinners at the Queen Street venue 

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  • Over here, it’s ‘whisky’. No ‘e’, unless you want Irish whiskey.

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  • Holyroot Distillery had some great packages when I was there, really enjoyed. If you’re open to going further out try Leith

    The traditional Scottish restaurants have great whisky suggestions as well, some do flights. I’d try The Magnum or The Queens Arms

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    I was going to say, Port of Leith distillery is a fun experience. They're too new to have any whisky ready yet but they still give you a lot of spirit to try, and the building and views are something different to the usual

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  • I work at a whisky tasting venue in Edinburgh. Feel free to message me if you want advice.

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  • High tea at Edinburgh Castle is excellent. Reservations a must.

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  • Really cool shop in New-town called Scottish design exchange. Personally noticed all the souvenirs shops selling the same ol thing. With this store you get to support local artists and they have some really neat items!

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  • We also did the folk music and Scottish food pairing. Can’t remember the exact name but should be pretty easy to spot on Viator. The music was absolutely beautiful, brought me and my husband to tears, and it was some of the best haggis I had on my whole trip!

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  • Depending on how foodie and fancy you want to go there are. A few Michelin star restaurants in Edinburgh. They generally do gift vouchers (depending on the place) Though, obviously pricey The Kitchin is AMAZING, I went for my parents wedding anniversary and chef Tom Kitchin came out and spoke to them and gave them a card signed by the entire staff. (it’s been a few years since I went, but for the three of us with drinks was about £300, we didn’t do the full tasting menu). There’s also 21212 which is chef Paul Kitching (I know, very similar names) and they have a more set menu.

    The Whisky Society is fun, but I’ve always gone with a member. I know they have a public area as well and the food was great, but it’s been a while since I went there as well. See if anyone on here is a member and would be willing to pass along a day pass.

    I always take visitors to The Scotch Whisky Experience tasting that’s at the top of the Royal Mile and they have a huge selection of whisky there.

    I also highly recommend visiting the Guildford Arms for a meal, I would go by or call for a reservation as it’s dinning area is tiny, but it’s a beautiful old pub and a true Edinburgh experience. And the dining area is in a balcony that overlooks the massive pub downstairs. It’s still family owned I think, so getting a gift card might be tough.

    Also, the best hot chocolate is at Fortitude Coffee.

    Edit: this is mainly Edinburgh focused though some places have locations in Glasgow as well.

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  • If you are serious, Woven lab, otherwise Whisky Society as others have said, John Walker if you are getting into it.

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    Johnnie Walker is the biggest scam, tourist trap

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    Aye but if you are a tourist that doesn't like whisky outside of mash it is fine for you no?

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