Svelte modern interiors combined with a distinctive international seafood and Scottish cuisine menu makes Agua Restaurant at Apex City Hotel a popular venue for a business luncheon or an enjoyable evening meal. Entering its chic metropolitan setting, with large glass doors, dark wood veneer panelling and soft lighting, elevates the mood as does relaxing in the comfortable dark grey buckskin upholstered banquettes after a stroll down the Royal Mile or shopping in vibrant Grassmarket.

An eclectic well-balanced menu, with prix fixe and à la carte options, emphasises seasonality and offers dishes created with a range of local produce. Freshness and flavour, which is to be expected of this AA Rosette award-winning restaurant, make deciding between steamed Kinloch Leven mussels with lemon and basil cream, the shellfish and fish bouillabaisse and cumin crusted Shetland salmon with purple potato purée a breeze while lemongrass steamed cod offers a touch of the exotic. Choices of roasted free range chicken breast with wild mushroom risotto, beef sirloin steak and rump of lamb satisfy the appetite equally well.

Dessert of Bailey's cheesecake or Scottish strawberry pannacotta paves the way for a happy ending while a cheese platter with blue Monday, Loch Arthur and organic Clava could be a judicious choice too.

Savour the moment with Pierre Mignon champagne, a light and fresh Chenin Torrontes or a premium Merlot from Australia as the conversation flows and the party spirit takes off in full view of Edinburgh Castle that looms yonder. Agua offers private dining for up to 180 guests.