We’re rapidly becoming connoisseurs of “Chinese Buffet” cuisine, and Jimmy Chung’s is a good ‘un. Good selection of dishes, including crispy aromatic duck, for which some buffets require a surcharge. The restaurant is large, and decorated in cozy colours, which also makes a change–most buffets are stark and minimal. We went on a Thursday evening, and the place was positively heaving with people. Despite this, the service was still remarkably quick. The only downside is the price: at £10.99 a head for dinner, it’s one of the most expensive buffets in town. On the other hand, it’s definitely one of the best.

All you have to know about this place is this: £2.99 carvery lunch, Monday to Saturday. Nothing fancy or sophisticated, just a pleasant pub lounge setting, and a giant plate of good food. Roast turkey, roast ham, roast beef, mounds of vegetables and potatoes, and a huge Yorkshire pudding and gravy. I’m still in awe of the price: £2.99. Sure, you’ll still have to buy drinks on top of that, but unless you have an appetite the size of an oil rig, you certainly won’t be needing a starter or dessert. Did I mention that it’s only £2.99?

When you have kids, you start looking for different things in a restaurant. Fine wines and Michelin stars are all very well until the two-year old wants his pizza NOW. It may not be fancy, but Pizza Hut is perfectly tailored to the family trade. The food is tasty, the prices are reasonable, and the service is relatively quick. They even seem to hire real adults, capable of thinking and anticipation, as waiting staff. I find myself tipping on the high side most of the time I eat there. My only quibble: the children’s goodie bag, handed out with the menu, has a packet of biscuits in it. Ruined appetite, anyone?

Abi has lunch with Angela here quite often, but it was only the second time I’d eaten there. This time I tried their 8oz beefburger, and it is by far the best burger I’ve ever had in Edinburgh. Beautifully charred on the outside, succulent and roaring with flavour on the inside. It comes on a crusty pain rustique style roll, slathered with a layer of mayonnaise. Mayonnaise? Yes, and it complemented the beef and the bread wonderfully, adding a creamy taste to the rich mix. Add some perfectly cooked frites (most of which Alex stole), and I was in heaven. Gorgeous.

Unquestionably one of the finest restaurants in Edinburgh. The food was exquisite, inventive (monkfish and lamb), and immaculately presented. The service was flawless. The only reason I’m not giving it five stars is because the place was lacking in atmosphere. We were only one of three tables dining, while the Terrace restaurant on the other side of the windows was hopping with Christmas parties.