MICHELIN star chef Mark Donald has shared some of the most extraordinary Edinburgh restaurants you have to try when visiting the city.

Speaking with Conde Nast Traveller, the Torrance-born chef shared that he first got into the world of cooking after taking on a job as a kitchen porter in order to pay for nights out.

He said the chefs would be out back smoking and he would have to call them in whenever a food cheque came through. After a while, he stopped calling them and started making the food himself, beginning his successful culinary career.

With many years of experience behind him, the chef has now shared some of his favourite restaurants in Edinburgh.

Michelin star chef Mark Donald shares his favourite Edinburgh restaurants to visit

The Scottish chef shared several Edinburgh restaurants with the popular travel publication Conde Nast Traveller.

The first restaurant commended by the accomplished chef was Lyla, a spot which boasts "immaculate" seafood.

Discussing the restaurant owned by Stuart Ralston, Mark said the food was "so tasty" and added that he'd "be surprised if Stuart didn’t get a star soon."

The Little Chartroom owned by "great friend" Roberta Hall McCarron was said to be worked in by "very good people".

The chef added that Roberta "really has the Midas' touch" when it comes to making "delicious" food and that she comes from a "really good pedigree".

Small counter-seat restaurant Argile, where all the cooking, plating, serving and wine pouring is done by chef Jack Montgomery, was also named.

Mark describes the food here as "contemporary, minimalistic and produce-driven," praising the flavours on offer.

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The chef was also quick to praise other restaurants elsewhere in the country with spots like The Oyster Shed on the Isle of Skye and Ka Pao in Glasgow receiving commendation.

Ka Pao, which has now opened a new location in Edinburgh, was said to serve "really affordable" Southeast Asian cuisine.

He said: "The food is delicious with lots of acid, fish sauce and freshness and it’s really affordable food. They do great cocktails, too."