Cortillo Lounge

Head down to Stricklandgate and you'll find yourself in a proper little haven tucked away below street level. Cortillo does that Spanish lounge thing without making it feel forced—the kind of place where you can grab a quick drink and some patatas bravas, or settle in for the evening with a proper spread of jamón and manchego. The basement setting means it's intimate without being claustrophobic, and there's a real buzz here, especially once the sun goes down. This is where locals actually come to eat and drink well, not just pose about.