Edinburgh restaurants let diners surf before they eat

Restaurateurs in Edinburgh have launched an Internet site that is designed to help potential customers choose whereto eat.

The Edinburgh Restaurateurs Association Web site features menus and wine lists from all 18 member establishments, together with prices.

It is described as "a showcase for many of the city's top restaurants" by Lyne MacKinnon, chairman of the association, which was formed four years ago by a group of like-minded restaurant proprietors in the city.

"For those coming to the capital it gives visitors an opportunity to view menus before phoning the restaurant of their choice to make a booking prior to arrival," she said.

"For locals, sometimes they can visit a restaurant to find that nothing on the menu appeals. But with this site, the uncertainty is removed."

Contact the site at www.edinburghrestaurants.co.uk.