When you're thinking of kicking back with a drink or enjoying a fancy dinner in front of a spectacular view in and around Edinburgh, some obvious candidates spring to mind.
There's Cold Town House, recently highlighted as having one of the best beer gardens in the UK on account of its sun trap with a front row seat of Edinburgh Castle.
What about The Lookout perched on Calton Hill? The perfect place to enjoy a sweeping panorama of our fair city while being wined and dined.
READ MORE: Two Edinburgh luxury diners were named among UK's best spots for an afternoon tea
Of course, The Outsider might enter your mind if you're looking for a different perspective of the castle and the chance to look down over the rooftops of the magnificent Old Town.
However, when locals and tourists alike go to look for 'Edinburgh restaurants with a view' on TripAdvisor, oddly, they're led out of the capital to a 'fantastic oasis'.
Indeed, the travel review website ranks not a plush fine-dining city restaurant, but a seemingly unheralded coffee shop on the outskirts of the village of Fala, in the heart of the countryside, as having the best views of anywhere in the Lothians.
And although many of us may not have heard of it, those who have stumbled across Soutra have been full of praise.
The quaint-looking coffee shop is found on the A68 road where East Lothian, Midlothian and The Borders meet, around a 40-minute drive from Edinburgh City Centre.
It turns out it's a popular spot for those driving up to the Capital from the likes of Melrose or Jedburgh, or for English visitors taking the trip up north.
Open for sit in, sit out and takeaway, the independently-owned coffee shop serves breakfast, lunch and coffee alongside a 'huge selection of homebaking', delicious sweet treats, the result of over 300 recipes, according to those in the kitchen.
And it seems Soutra is such a hit for the food and drink it's serving, but also the scenery you can enjoy it in. The cafe boasts a vista 'stretching towards the North Sea', with customers hailing 'unmissable' views across the Borders.
One visitor said: "The views from this coffee shop are stunning! If you’re on the A68 between the Borders and Edinburgh this place is a must. You won’t be disappointed!"
Another added: "The main attraction is to be able to sit on the outside terraces which have magnificent views to the north east.
"One of the best cafes."
A further comment added: "The views are stunning looking over The Lothians. Think I've found a wee gem."
Yet, with an excellent 4.5 TripAdvisor rating out of 286 reviews, it's clear this place isn't just about the views, with the food and friendly service being one of the reasons people ensure they pop by.
One person said: "The food is made with high quality ingredients, with generous sides of salads and slaw (the good stuff!).
"Cakes are amazing and the coffee is really, really good."
Another satisfied customer said: "It was clear that all the food is proper homemade food and this shows in the quality."
Meanwhile, a visitor summed up the thoughts of many by saying: "We've been visiting Soutra for years and still rate it one of the best.
"Excellent service great food and friendly staff. Would definitely recommend."
And although this unique coffee shop is a little outside the capital, it might be worth taking the trip on a clear day, to find out just why those passing through rave about the place.
As described in one review: "You get a warm welcome, great home cooked and baked food, relaxed atmosphere, great value for money and efficient staff. It's convenient, accessible and the perfect oasis."
The coffee shop is open daily between 9am and 5pm and is located at House of Soutra, Blackshiels, Pathhead, EH37 5TF.
To find out more about Soutra, what they serve up and how to get there, you can visit their website here.
