Yearning to live in a world where dining out becomes more of a routine than a luxury? Dine early and your wish may just come true.

Tech startup First Table launched its restaurant booking platform in the Scottish capital yesterday (May 13 2019), adding Edinburgh as the 51st city to offer its early bird dining deal.

First Table is a website that solves the age-old problem of slow starts to evenings and the ever increasing cost of living.

The concept is simple – food lovers pay £5 to secure the ‘first table’ at participating restaurants and get 50 percent off the food bill for two to four diners.

The service is not only good news for restaurant-goers hoping to live a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget. It also helps local restaurants secure early bookings for otherwise empty tables.

First Table UK and Ireland Territory Manager Elliott Hannam is thrilled to launch in Edinburgh, after launching in Glasgow earlier this year.

“Following our success in Glasgow, we’re excited to help Edinburgh locals take a risk on some new cuisine or eat somewhere that would usually be out of their price range,” he says.

“We get diners through the door early by offering half-price food to ensure restaurants get their evening off to a great start. It’s a win-win for everyone.“

Diners can use First Table at a range of restaurants throughout the city including La Garrigue, Stockbridge, Vittoria on the Walk, La Favorita, The Apartment and Ishka.

Whether it’s grilled halibut with scotch quail egg from Stockbridge Restaurant or risotto ai funghi from La Favorita, there’s something to suit all palates.

Kiwi-born entrepreneur Mat Weir founded First Table in New Zealand in 2014.

Fast-forward four and a half years, and the platform has over 1100 restaurants on board across the world.

“We’re delighted to see how well First Table is being received,” says Mat.

“Edinburgh is a city with no shortage of great restaurants and we can’t wait to help raise awareness of the hidden gems while giving foodies a lesser-known tour of the capital.”

For the full list of Edinburgh-based restaurants go to www.firsttable.co.uk/edinburgh