Edinburgh Food & Drink Guide 2019

11th annual edition

EDINBURGH

A comprehensive guide to eating out in Edinburgh Restaurants • Cafés • Bars • Pubs • Hotels

The UK’s most comprehensive guide to eating out.

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Welcome Welcome to the Edinburgh Food & Drink Guide 2019. On the following pages you’ll find a wide range of options for eating out in the region. To help you make your selection, each review features a coloured tab to denote the restaurant’s location – just reference the map and key below.

Dunfermline

Regional Map

North Berwick Gullane

West WL Lothian

East Linton Queensferry

Linlithgow

Outer West OW Edinburgh

Broxburn

Prestonpans

CEM

Ratho

Musselburgh

Livingston Armadale Bathgate

SB Scottish Borders

Dalkeith

Balerno

Whitburn

Polbeth

WL

ML Midlothian

Loanhead

OW

Dunbar Spott Oldhamstocks

Gifford

EL

Gorebridge

SB

ML Heriot

West Linton Eddleston Romannobridge

Peebles

Garvald

Pencaitland

Newtongrange

Penicuik Carlops

EL East Lothian

Haddington

Tranent

Dewar

Oxton Torquhan

Lauder Whiteburn

Peebles

A901

Cramond

Leith Quee nsf erry

Rd New Town

West End

We

Sla

CC

So

CC City Centre South So Edinburgh City

Arthur’s Seat Craigmillar

Morningside A701

Blackford Hill

SE

We West Edinburgh City Le Leith South East SE Edinburgh City

A720

North West NW Edinburgh City

£25 to

£30

Many of the reviews include a price tab. This is the typical cost per person you can expect to pay for two courses from the à la carte menu, plus a drink (unless otherwise stated).

This is for guidance purposes only and prices may vary.

Restaurants featuring this symbol have both disabled access and a toilet suitable for wheelchair users (this information has been provided by the restaurants in question and should be confirmed prior to visiting).

Restaurants featuring this symbol have accommodation.

You’ll notice that some restaurants in the guide have an 084 telephone number. Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

Just like the weather, ownership, opening times and prices are subject to change throughout the year. Have a look at our website – www.foodanddrinkguides.co.uk – to see reviews of restaurants nationwide and to request other regional Food & Drink magazines.

Contents Foreword............................ 2 Fine Dining......................... 3 Modern Scottish ................. 4 Modern British.................... 8 Scottish............................ 10 Brasserie........................... 12 Modern French.................. 12 French.............................. 13 Steakhouse........................ 15 Burgers............................. 16 Gastropub......................... 16

Grill.................................. 17 Grill & Pizzeria................. 17 Pizzeria............................ 18 Italian............................... 20 Mexican............................ 21 Mediterranean.................. 22 Tapas................................ 23 Latin America................... 23 Greek................................ 24 Vegetarian........................ 25 Seafood............................ 25

Food & Drink Guide 2019 Canningford House 38 Victoria Street Bristol BS1 6BY t: 0117 927 7167 e: editor@foodanddrinkguides.com w: www.foodanddrinkguides.com Editor Hannah Burton-Grieve Senior Editorial Assistants Robbie Masters, Tori Sharpe

CEM – Central Edinburgh Map

Le

Castle

tef or d

Tynecastle Park

Rd

NW

A1 99

Trinity

Edinburgh

Bar & Restaurant.............. 26 Café.................................. 35 Café & Restaurant............. 40 Traditional........................ 41 Japanese........................... 42 Indian............................... 43 Indian & Pakistani............ 48 Nepalese & Indian............. 48 Chinese............................. 50 Chef Profiles..................... 52 Index................................ 56

Editorial Assistants Elle England, Jess Maples, Oli Bishop, Ella Fisher, Rosie Best Graphic Designers Jo Ley, Megan Hunt Photography Paul Matthews (www.paulmatthewsphotography.com); Pg 38 Cafe at the Palace images courtesy of Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019. Photographer David Cheskin.

Contributors Graeme Strachan, Hazel Brown, Zoe Keown, Fiona Laing, Suzi Finlay, Vee Freir Project Manager Joe Packer Advertising Sales Matt Brentley, Simon Northcott, Emma Filby, Paul Balshaw, Sam Terrett, Tim Hall, Beth Doyle, James Morgan Published by Food & Drink Guides Ltd Publisher Sam Collins Managing Director Robin Fry

The cost of producing this guide has been met by advertising revenues from the restaurants featured within. We only include restaurants that we know, from either experience or recommendation, provide a quality service, and our journalists review the majority of the establishments. However, some reviews are supplied by third parties, and no review in this guide should be taken as a direct recommendation by Food & Drink Guides Ltd. Printed August 2019.

Edinburgh Guide 2019

1

Foreword

Paul Wedgwood Scotland is globally renowned for its fantastic larder, from game and Scotch beef to seafood and soft fruits, which makes my job as a chef a lot easier, as well as being hugely enjoyable. Since Lisa and I opened Wedgwood the Restaurant in 2007, there has been a real change in how restaurateurs source their produce. Back then, it was more quantity over quality, but nowadays diners want to know exactly what they are eating and where it comes from. I have always been a big advocate for using local suppliers and try to source as much as I can in Scotland. On top of this, I often go out and forage for herbs and salads to add to dishes served in the restaurant; people would be amazed what they can find on their own doorsteps.

Over the past ten years I have forged lasting relationships and friendships with many great food producers. What’s even better is a lot of them attend the local markets, so their produce is accessible to everyone, whether they are a restaurant-goer or not. One of my favourites is Going Native Heritage Meats, who regularly attend the Stockbridge and Leith markets. The meat is top-quality, sourced in the Scottish Borders, and you can expect it to be fully traceable. The Stockbridge market has been a firm favourite of mine for many years, as it has that neighbourhood feel but still offers everything from fresh fish and game to artisan dog treats. The market takes place on Saunders Street every Sunday from 10am-5pm.

Edinburgh also boasts a great many independent shops that specialise in local produce. My go-to place for cheese has to be I.J Mellis, who produce a wide range of farmhouse and artisan Scottish cheese. When it comes to fish there’s only one place to visit: Welch Fishmongers in Newhaven. They source the very finest and most sustainable fish and shellfish in the city, and showcase what Scottish seafood is all about.

Scotland has a natural larder that we should all be truly proud of; you just need to get out there and enjoy it. I hope to see you at Wedgwood the Restaurant soon.

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Wedgwood the Restaurant

Fine Dining

 Location 267 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BQ t: 0844 502 2241 w: www.wedgwoodtherestaurant.co.uk e: info@wedgwoodtherestaurant.co.uk Set in the heart of Edinburgh’s historical old town, on the famous Royal Mile, is Wedgwood the Restaurant. It is home to one of Scotland’s most well-respected chefs, Paul Wedgwood (chef profile page 52), who runs the restaurant with his wife, Lisa. The restaurant has appeared in The Sunday Times’ Top 100 UK Restaurants list, and has also received the title of Restaurant of the Year (outside of London) at the Food and Travel Reader Awards.

The dining area is bright and stylish – the perfect setting in which to enjoy the outstanding menu and complementary wine. On arrival, diners often treat themselves to the restaurant’s ‘deciding time’, which consists of a glass of Champagne and canapés while they peruse the seasonally changing menu.

Paul’s exceptionally innovative menus and high-quality ingredients never cease to amaze and delight, whether it is the lunch menu or the full à la carte.

CC £30 to

£35

Open: Mon-Sat noon-3pm, 6pm-10pm; Sun 12.30pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm

Quality ingredients shine through in dishes such as Skye langoustine with crispy pig’s tails, green apple, golden raisin sauerkraut and aioli. For a hearty main enjoy venison with puréed squash, black pudding mash, creamed cabbage, venison haggis bonbons, and sour rhubarb and rosemary jus. For a final flourish, try the sticky toffee pudding with Caol Ila butterscotch and vanilla ice cream. At Wedgwood the Restaurant, you are guaranteed a very special culinary experience indeed.

The Forth Floor Restaurant

Fine Dining

 Location Harvey Nichols, 30-34 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AD t: 0844 502 0634 w: www.harveynichols.com CC e: forthfloor.reservations@harveynichols.com The stunning Forth Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols offers the best in contemporary dining. The interior combines textures of wood and leather with a £25 to classic colour palette of claret and walnut, while floor-to-ceiling windows afford £35 unparalleled views over the city. The Forth Floor now also offers exclusive private dining for sophisticated entertaining.

This eponymous Edinburgh restaurant focuses on classic Scottish food with a contemporary twist, fusing traditional techniques with exciting flavours.

Placing emphasis on using the freshest ingredients and highest quality locally sourced produce, starters include pan-fried scallops with roast langoustine, celery and fennel salsa, currants, and Noilly Prat and tarragon foam. Mains such as the roasted loin of pork served with braised spiced Open: Sun & Mon pig cheek, baba ganoush, spring cabbage and Dauphinoise potatoes are noon-4pm; Tues-Sat equally mouth-watering. Heavenly noon-2.30pm, 6pm-10pm desserts include the Black Forest delice with Devil’s food cake and cherry sorbet. A luxury afternoon tea is also served Sunday and Monday between noon and 4pm, and every other day from 3pm to 4pm, although advance booking is required. The more casual Forth Floor Bar offers chic leather sofas, subtle lighting and chilled-out music to make it one of the most luxurious drinking dens in Edinburgh – enjoy decadent Champagne, fine wine and irresistible cocktails.

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Fine Dining

Purslane

 Location 33a St Stephen Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AH t: 0844 502 2251 w: www.purslanerestaurant.co.uk e: contact@purslanerestaurant.co.uk Purslane is the dream project of chef-patron Paul Gunning, who has worked around the world in Michelin-starred restaurants. Now, Paul has ventured into the market with his own enterprise, which focuses on top-quality fine dining at affordable prices.

At Purslane, the staff are helpful but unobtrusive, and allow the food to speak for itself. With popular à la carte dishes like the starter of pan-fried scallops with celeriac purée and watercress; the roast lamb rump main course with peas à la Française, sweetbreads and red wine jus; and desserts such as cherry five ways (cherry sorbet, pie, clafoutis, macerated cherries in kirsch liqueur, and chocolate-coated cherries), guests are spoilt for choice. The restaurant also offers a set seven-course tasting menu, and has a broad international wine selection. All ingredients are locally sourced, beautifully prepared and exquisitely presented for a memorable dining experience.

CC £25 to

£32

Open: Tues-Sun noon-2.30pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm Modern Scottish

Allan Ramsay

 Location Carlops, Nr. Penicuik, EH26 9NF t: 0844 502 2213 w: www.allanramsayhotel.com e: enquiries@allanramsayhotel.com The Allan Ramsay is one of Scotland’s oldest coaching inns, having been established in 1792. Named in honour of the celebrated Scottish poet Allan Ramsay, the historic inn retains many of its original features, including 18th-century decorations, a small library and open fires. With seven comfortable guest bedrooms the Allan Ramsay is a great place from which to explore the beautiful countryside of the Pentland Hills or can be a cosy base for those wishing to experience the delights of Edinburgh, which is just 20 minutes away. Soak up the pub’s atmosphere while sipping a malt whisky or enjoy a meal and a glass of wine in the beer garden. The casual bar menu offers popular pub favourites, while the charming restaurant serves up local Scottish Borders beef, fish and game. You’ll always find something new to try at the Allan Ramsay, making this a venue worth visiting time and again.

SB £20 to

£35

Open: Sun-Thurs noon-10pm; Fri & Sat noon-midnight

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

More

Above Restaurant at The Abbotsford

Modern Scottish

 Location 3-5 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PR t: 0844 502 2262 w: www.theabbotsford.com e: enquiries@theabbotsford.com

CC

The Abbotsford is an internationally acclaimed Edinburgh bar located on Rose Street behind Jenners, the famous department store which commissioned the redesign of the bar in 1902. It features an opulent Jacobean ceiling and island bar, elaborately carved in Spanish mahogany. The restaurant ‘Above’ the famous bar features an intimate and elegant dining room that affords splendid views over bustling Rose Street.

£18 to

£25

‘...an intimate and elegant dining

room that affords splendid views...’

Ingredients sourced locally and from all over Scotland are used to create an exciting menu, which keeps pace with current trends while also offering classic pub dishes. The seasonal menu currently includes the very popular grilled pork loin and pan-fried duck. Pub Food Served: dishes include beef and ale pie, Mon-Sun noon-10pm haddock and chips, a ploughman’s lunch, traditional haggis and handmade beefburgers. Those with a sweet-tooth might like to finish with dark chocolate mousse. To complement your meal you’ll find an extensive range of single malt whisky, Scottish real ale and fine wine. Above Restaurant delivers a Scottish-themed menu with European flair in a hospitable and refined atmosphere.

Gallery Restaurant at The Guildford Arms

Modern Scottish

 Location West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA t: 0844 502 2254 w: www.guildfordarms.com e: enquiries@guildfordarms.com

CC The Guildford Arms is best known for its superb range of traditional ales and whiskies and is very popular for lunch and dinner. After taking in the fabulous Jacobean-style ceiling, head upstairs to the elegant boutique Gallery Restaurant, £18 to which is situated at mezzanine level. Lunch and classic bar meals are also served £25 on the ground floor of The Guildford Arms.

The menu is packed with traditional pub favourites, such as breaded haddock, homemade burgers, Crombie’s sausage served with creamy mash, and fantastic Aberdeen Angus and Dark Island ale pie. Also popular are the Shetland mussels in creamy garlic sauce, and haggis-stuffed chicken breast served with black pepper or whisky sauce. Lighter dishes include pappardelle with Food Served: Mon-Fri oyster mushrooms, asparagus, red pesto and pine nuts, and chilli-baked noon-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10pm; salmon in Thai broth with egg noodles. Meat-lovers won’t be able to resist the Sat noon-10pm; chargrilled range, which includes 21-day-hung Aberdeen Angus sirloin and rib- Sun noon-3pm, eye steaks served traditionally with 5.30pm-9.30pm mushrooms, tomatoes and a choice Bar Menu Served: of peppercorn or blue cheese sauce. Sun-Thurs 3pm-9pm The double-loin lamb chops in wild mushroom and red wine sauce are also popular. Vegetarians will be equally impressed with options like scrumptious mushroom, spinach, hazelnut and Brie Wellington. A fantastic selection of keenly priced wine along with traditional ale and craft beer can be matched to the dishes – just ask the knowledgeable staff for advice.

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Modern Scottish

Forage & Chatter  Location 1a Alva Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PH t: 0844 502 9741 w: www.forageandchatter.com e: enquiries@forageandchatter.co.uk Tucked away in Edinburgh’s West End you’ll find Forage & Chatter, a truly unique destination serving exceptional modern Scottish food. Using produce sourced locally and placing strong emphasis on foraged ingredients, the team showcases the best that Scotland has to offer at surprisingly reasonable prices.

CC £20 to

£30

The decor fuses contemporary style with traditional touches – think exposed stone walls, Balmoral tweed upholstery and rustic wooden furniture. In keeping with the restaurant’s focus on foraging, leafy potted plants adorn the various nooks and crannies inside.

Those dining may start with delights such as mushroom Carpaccio with goat’s cheese and herbs, or liver parfait, parsnip, endive and honey. Follow with Food Served: Tues-Sat the sensational monkfish accompanied by squid ink barley and sea noon-2.30pm, 6pm-9.30pm vegetables, or succulent roasted lamb rump served with sweetbreads, carrot and fennel. Dessert offerings are equally sumptuous, with the likes of Valrhona Dulcey mousse complemented by Scottish raspberries, sorbet and white chocolate, and Alunga chocolate ganache served with orange and cocoa nibs.

Since opening in late 2016, Forage & Chatter has received consistently glowing reviews and has gained an enviable reputation for serving some of Edinburgh’s, if not Scotland’s, finest food. A visit here will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, for all the right reasons.

Modern Scottish

 Location 123b High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SG t: 0844 625 4399 w: www.hewatsedinburgh.com e: info@hewatsedinburgh.com

CC

Occupying a princely position on Edinburgh’s famous High Street, otherwise known as The Royal Mile, this eatery offers exceptional Scottish cuisine. The venue is cosy and intimate with painted stone walls, tartan upholstery and display bottles of popular Scottish whiskies like Talisker, Glenfiddich and Aberfeldy 16.

£24 to

£39

Hewats

The real draw of Hewats is undoubtedly the food. You might start with Cullen skink with mussels, or chicken liver pâté with crostini and onion marmalade.

Follow with succulent boar tenderloin and pork belly, served with pulled pork mash, black pudding and braised Savoy cabbage, garnished with apple compote and rich gravy. Alternatively, sample the seafood medley with sea bass, king scallops and tiger prawns in a garlicky fish nage, accompanied by samphire and crushed potatoes. Although the delicacies on the menu are largely aimed at fish- and meat-eaters, vegetarian visitors will always find an option to April-October Open: tempt the tastebuds. To complement your meal, choose a tipple from the carefully Mon-Sat 5pm-9.30pm; curated wine list – perhaps a Sun 6pm-9pm Villemarin Picpoul de Pinet to November-March Open: enhance a seafood dish, or a fruity Mon-Sat 5pm-9.30pm Capilla de Barro malbec to pair with red meat. For those with a sweet-tooth we’d have to recommend finishing with warm chocolate tart and clotted cream, but if you prefer to end on a savoury note plump for a cheeseboard and round off your meal with a whisky digestif. Check their website for summer opening times.

6

Edinburgh Guide 2019

Borough

Modern Scottish

 Location 50-54 Henderson Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6DE t: 0844 625 7625 w: www.boroughrestaurant.com Le Run by husband-and-wife team Darren (chef profile page 52) and Aleks, Borough is a relaxed and contemporary restaurant that’s sure to impress. Found in the heart of Leith, this welcoming eatery focuses on traditional cooking methods * and simple delicious flavours, while also operating a sustainable and £35 environmentally responsible kitchen.

Over the course of their culinary careers, Darren and Aleks have developed close relationships with local suppliers, allowing them to source the finest ingredients for their menus. As well as creating delicious dishes, Borough offers a relaxed Open: Weds & Thurs ambience in which to enjoy them, and front-of-house staff are delighted to offer 5.30pm-9.30pm; Fri & Sat noon-2.30pm, recommendations or help those with dietary requirements.

5.30pm-9.30pm; Borough is well known for its four-course dinner menu, which changes almost Sun noon-5pm daily and is a big hit with foodies. You’ll begin with complimentary sourdough before moving on to an appetising starter such as fresh tomatoes with Crowdie, turnip and wild horseradish. For your main, expect a truly mouth-watering dish: perhaps you’ll enjoy delicately roasted cod or maybe you’ll sample a juicy cut of braised lamb.

To finish, enjoy the chef’s latest sweet creation. Lunchtime guests are also offered a delicious three-course menu and at weekends diners can treat themselves to a sophisticated Sunday roast, which is best enjoyed with the chef’s signature Bloody Mary. In addition to this mouth-watering fare, Borough serves a tempting array of cocktails, many of which are crafted with home-produced spirits and infused with seasonal fruits and herbs. *Price represents the cost of the four-course set menu.

The Magnum

Modern Scottish

 Location 1 Albany Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3PY t: 0844 502 9707 w: www.themagnumrestaurant.co.uk e: info@themagnumrestaurant.co.uk

CC

Stylish without pretension, The Magnum is a hidden gem in Edinburgh’s Newtown area. The ambient lighting and intimate atmosphere visible through the beautiful windows of the restaurant beckon passersby with its warm glow.

Inside, the magic continues, with flickering candles and sumptuous furnishings creating a wonderfully serene bolthole away from the hustle and bustle.

Working closely with local producers, the team sources the finest Scottish ingredients to create beautifully presented dishes that delight diners. The menu changes daily; you might try starters such as creamy Cullen skink served with a grilled cheese bloomer. This simply begs to be followed by an equally indulgent main course of rack of venison steak with sweet potato-infused polenta, berry-braised salsify, gin jelly, radish, baby turnip and red wine jus.

If you have room, the cranachan cheesecake with raspberry compote is a perfect dish to round off a fabulous contemporary Scottish meal.

£25 to

£37

Open: Mon-Sun 11am-1am Food Served: Mon-Thurs noon-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10pm; Fri-Sun noon-10pm

If you fancy something a little lighter, don’t worry – the bar menu is available during the day and in the evening. With an overflowing wine cellar, The Magnum is the perfect place to enjoy a quality tipple, whether to complement a lovely meal or quaff while chatting to friends. Whatever your reason for visiting, you’re sure to be mesmerised by The Magnum.

Edinburgh Guide 2019

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Modern Scottish

Whiski Rooms  Location 4-7 North Bank Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP t: 0844 502 2243 w: www.whiskirooms.com e: bookings@whiskirooms.co.uk

CC

Whiski Rooms is one of Scotland’s best whisky bar and food establishments. Here you’ll simply want to spend a memorable evening enjoying first-rate Scottish fare. This whisky bar and restaurant previously won Whisky Bar of the Year at £15 to both the SLTN Awards and the BII Scotland Awards. It was also crowned Best £25 Restaurant in the Old Town by i-on magazine readers.

Whiski Rooms spans several interlinked units, including a lively bar, stylish restaurant, whisky shop and tasting room. Whiski Rooms specialises in all things Scottish, serving great food made using fresh local produce alongside premium wine, spirits, craft beer, cocktails and an amazing selection of top-quality whiskies. As the team here is so passionate and knowledgeable about food and malts, the Whiski Rooms has been chosen to be the first on-trade Ardbeg Embassy Open: Mon-Sun 9am-1am in the UK. As well as selling this prestigious distillery’s range in the shop and bar, a delectable Ardbeg-themed set menu is available in the Ardbeg dining room. In the main restaurant you can order a tasty breakfast to kick-start the day, a hearty lunchtime pick-me-up, or choose from the likes of great fillet steak, haggis, steak and ale pie and freshly cooked haddock in the evening. All menus feature contemporary Scottish dishes made with only the finest ingredients, including tender Aberdeen Angus steaks, succulent local fish and Shetland mussels.

Whiski Rooms also hosts daily whisky tastings. Groups of up to 80 can be accommodated and there are a number of set menus and options for semi-private dining, making this venue perfect for a special occasion or work outing.

Modern British

Ishka  Location 83 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BU t: 0844 625 4076 w: www.ishkaedinburgh.co.uk e: bookings@ishkaedinburgh.co.uk

CC

Ishka is conveniently located in the bustling business district of Edinburgh, opposite the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and only minutes from the city centre and Haymarket train station. Whether you’re visiting for a memorable dining experience or a relaxed drink with friends, Ishka has you covered.

£24 to

£30

At Ishka, every dish is made from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

The menus at this charming eatery change with the seasons and the kitchen team creates contemporary Scottish dishes with Mediterranean influences.

You’ll discover a menu fit for every occasion, be it a quick bite from the bar menu, a leisurely lunch, or an evening meal and cocktails. The sophisticated but laid-back ambience also makes this the ideal spot for an intimate dinner for two.

The interior is composed of a unique combination of marble, natural wood and leather seating, lending the spacious venue a warm feel that’s perfectly complemented by casual Open: Mon-Sat noon-late and welcoming service. The bar – a striking centrepiece – also boasts a collection of fine wine, craft beer and spirits, all carefully selected by the knowledgeable team. There’s an exceptional range of whisky and Scottish bottled beers, as well as tempting cocktails and other tipples.

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Whighams Wine Cellars

Modern British

 Location 13 Hope Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4EL t: 0844 625 7787 w: www.whighams.com e: info@whighams.com The moment you step foot inside Whighams Wine Cellars you’re welcomed into a warm but contemporary space where you can truly relax and unwind. The focus at this stylish Scottish restaurant is on fresh seafood and high-quality wine, and my partner and I were delighted to indulge in these two specialities.

Following a recommendation from the manager, I began my evening with a glass of fruity Beaujolais. However, if you fancy trying a few different wines, be sure to check out the list of flights.

CC £19 to

£32

To begin our meal, we enjoyed starters of whisky-cured smoked salmon with lemon and chive crème fraîche, and rich Cullen skink with artisan sourdough bread. Having whetted our appetites, my partner and I chose our mains, opting for the grilled lemon sole with baby leeks and samphire, and delicate pan-fried halibut. Both dishes were perfectly cooked and full of flavour and we were delighted with our respective choices. However, for Open: those who aren’t fans of seafood, Sun-Thurs noon-midnight; fear not – there are plenty of meat Fri & Sat noon-1am and vegetarian dishes to be found at Whighams. In addition to all this, Whighams boasts a great social calendar. Stop by for Jazz Club on Sunday, take in some live piano music on Saturday or take part in Wine Club on the last Wednesday of the month.

Sonder

Modern British

 Location 74-78 South Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9PT t: 0844 625 7604 w: www.restaurant-sonder.com e: restaurant.sonder@gmail.com

SE

Located just outside the city centre, Sonder is a distinctly contemporary eatery.

Opened only a year ago as Trisha McCrae’s first independent restaurant, Sonder boasts a gorgeously bright open-plan interior, which is complemented by simple and stylish decor. As you enter, you’re greeted by the sight of bustling open kitchens; you can take a seat at the kitchen pass and watch your food being prepared right before your eyes.

£20 to

£30

The menu at Sonder is centred around small plates and diners are encouraged to explore a variety of the different flavours on offer. Each dish is created with fresh seasonal produce so the selection varies throughout the year, but there’s always something tempting to snack on. You might start with homemade focaccia, or maybe you’ll try the salt cod mousse, which is perfectly offset by Open: Weds & Thurs 5pm-9.30pm; a squeeze of lemon. The list of small plates is split into garden, sea and land Fri 5pm-10pm; options, diners are recommended Sat noon-2.30pm, to order two plates per person and 5pm-10pm; sharing is very much encouraged. Sun noon-2.30pm, Expect the likes of roast cauliflower 5pm-9.30pm with Romanesco and black garlic, scallops with Jerusalem artichoke, apple and squid ink, and partridge with pear and cranberries. To finish, order a couple of desserts to share: the milk parfait with wildflower honey is wonderfully creamy and the blue cheese with figs is ideal for those who prefer a savoury treat.

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Modern British

Angels Share Hotel, Bar & Restaurant  Location 7-11 Hope Street, New Town, Edinburgh, EH2 4EL t: 0844 625 7769 w: www.angelssharehotel.com e: bars@angelssharehotel.com

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Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, the Angels Share celebrates everything that’s great about contemporary Scottish culture. Inside, you’ll find a series of beautiful bedrooms – each themed around a different Scottish icon – as well as a trendy bar and a highly popular restaurant. Whether you’re stopping by for a drink, enjoying a relaxed city break, or indulging in a luxurious three-course meal, the Angels Share’s outstanding service and the team’s unbeatable commitment to quality will have you planning your next visit before you even leave.

£22 to

£37

The Angel’s Share takes its name from the term for the small amount of alcohol that evaporates during whisky fermentation. It will therefore come as no surprise that this stylish hotel places a heavy focus on this traditionally Scottish spirit – the drinks menu lists a huge array of whisky from all over the country Open: Mon-Sun 9am-1am and, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even order a flight. You can also discover a selection of tempting cocktails, as well as wine, craft beer and various gins.

To complement your drinks, the kitchen serves up a hearty menu of modern Scottish cuisine. The à la carte selection lists the likes of succulent Tweed Valley steak, as well as sharing platters and a delicious vegetarian gnocchi dish, while the lunch specials range from delicate Scottish salmon to homemade open sandwiches.

Scottish CC

Amber Restaurant provides modern Scottish cuisine in a stylish casual dining environment. The setting has bags of period charm, with distinctive half-moon windows and stone walls, while soft tweeds and light colours provide a bright ambience.

£15 to

£30

Amber Restaurant  Location 354 Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE t: 0844 502 2257 w: www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk e: info@scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

Amber’s seasonal menus offer an option for every palate. Executive chef David Neave and his team prepare food that is fresh, locally sourced and packed with bold, perfectly balanced flavours. Main courses like Scottish beef and fillet of salmon are enduringly popular, but much of Amber’s appeal lies in its culinary innovations. For those who may not desire a full plate of haggis, neeps and tatties, Amber’s famous Scottish tapas offers a delicious selection from the country’s Food Served: larder. Diners in search of something unique can choose Amber’s Taste of Scotland Sun-Thurs noon-7.30pm; dining experience. This seasonal tasting menu takes diners on a fascinating Fri & Sat noon-9pm culinary tour of the country without leaving the table. A trio of mini starters and a trio of tasting mains are followed by a mouth-watering dram and dessert combination. Fast becoming an Edinburgh institution, Taste of Scotland can be preceded by a platinum tour of the Scotch whisky experience, if desired.

The partnering of food and whisky is central to Amber’s offering. Each dish can be paired with an appropriate premium Scotch from Amber’s 400-plus selection, and the unparalleled whisky knowledge possessed by the team will ensure the marriage is one made in taste heaven.

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar

Scottish

 Location Makars Mound, 9 North Bank Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP t: 0844 502 2203  Location Makars West End, 91 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, EH2 4SD t: 0844 625 3436 w: www.gourmet-mash-bar.com e: gmb@eotis.com

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£15 Makars Gourmet Mash Bar is quickly becoming an Edinburgh institution. to Makars is a rare, truly independent operator that promotes local artisan £20 producers and ethically sourced food – it’s a member of Scotch Beef Club to ensure that all of the produce the team uses is sourced from validated local farms. The restaurants receive many rave reviews from tourists and locals alike.

The menu is inspired by traditional cooking that evokes nostalgia. The food, combined with the great selection of local craft beer, gin and whisky, makes for a very pleasant visit.

Expect to find slow-cooked meats on the menu like chargrilled sausages and poultry served in rich sauces made in-house. The lunchtime offerings include the Open: ‘lighter and tighter’ options so you can get a quick tasty meal without spending hours vary, please see website a fortune. There are several vegetarian and gluten-free dishes for details on the menu too. Makars now has two venues in the city centre; the original Makars Mound site in the Old Town is a small, cosy eatery that has a lively atmosphere and stunning city views. The Shandwick Place site is larger and perfect for slow, leisurely dinners, business lunches, meetings and larger gatherings. The friendly atmosphere, delicious food and great beverage selection are just a few of the reasons so many locals have Makars Gourmet Mash Bar at the top of their food list.

Carfraemill

Scottish

 Location Carfraemill, Nr. Lauder, TD2 6RA t: 0844 502 2278 w: www.carfraemill.co.uk e: enquiries@carfraemill.co.uk

SB Carfraemill is a wonderful destination that’s sat on the edge of the Lammermuir Hills for over a century. Although it’s located just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, you’ll feel a million miles away from the busy city thanks to the enchantingly £15 to serene surrounds. Owned by a local farming family, Carfraemill has garnered a £20 great reputation for offering honest, straightforward food inspired by the surrounding landscape of the Scottish Borders – it’s no wonder they were finalists in the Informal Eating category at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2017.

Those dining can expect a menu that changes with the seasons, utilising superbquality produce sourced as locally as possible, with many ingredients coming directly from the Borders. The owners have searched the local area to discover the best suppliers of lamb and beef, local charcuterie, wild game and artisan cheese. The cosy bistro is a delightful setting in which to dine, complete with a roaring log fire in the winter. Starters include homemade Scotch egg with pickled red onion and seasonal Food Served: leaves, and you’ll find sharing Mon-Sun 7am-9pm platters like Scottish Brie drizzled with Tweedside honey and served with toasted walnuts and sourdough.

Mains include succulent roast chicken breast wrapped in bacon and served with skirlie (oatmeal stuffing), roast red potatoes and roasted root veg, alongside tender lamb shank slow-cooked in Tempest dark ale.

Carfraemill is perfect for the whole family – little ones are provided with toys and colouring pages and pencils. If you’re looking for a tranquil retreat from the city, you’ll find no better destination than Carfraemill.

Edinburgh Guide 2019

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Brasserie

The Forth Floor Brasserie

 Location Harvey Nichols, 30-34 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AD t: 0844 502 0638 w: www.harveynichols.com CC e: forthfloor.reservations@harveynichols.com Sitting alongside the fine dining Forth Floor Restaurant, The Forth Floor Brasserie offers relaxed modern gastronomy in Edinburgh’s most stunning dining room. £22 to Thanks to 32 metres of floor-to-ceiling windows, The Brasserie offers panoramic £33 views over the historic city skyline, while the wrap-around terrace provides an incredible al fresco dining spot during the summer months.

The Brasserie’s casual approach to dining means that you can pop in for food pretty much around the clock, with service running from 10am to 10pm most days. Customers can choose from an à la carte or seasonal prix-fixe menu, as well as a selection of sustainable seafood that’s picked and delivered daily for The Forth Floor’s very own seafood bar.

Open: Mon 10am-6pm; You might start your meal with one of the fresh salads on offer, such as Tues-Sat 10am-10pm; watermelon, cucumber, feta and pickled red onion with candied pistachios, or Sun 11am-6pm the burrata with serrano ham, baked pineapple, basil oil and sourdough. Continue with pan-fried cod served with gnocchi, wild mushrooms, peas, wild garlic and smoked mussel velouté, or enjoy a perfectly cooked 8oz rib-eye steak from Scottish Borders-reared beef. Finish with a tempting dessert such as the indulgent chocolate brownie with chocolate mousse and white chocolate ice cream. Whether it’s a stylish breakfast or a serious supper you’re after, The Brasserie is always a flexible, casual and welcoming destination.

Modern French

The Wee Restaurant  Location 61 Frederick Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1LH t: 0131 225 7983  Location 17 Main Street, North Queensferry, KY11 1JG t: 01383 616263 w: www.theweerestaurant.co.uk e: edinburgh@theweerestaurant.co.uk

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The Wee Restaurant on Edinburgh’s Frederick Street is the second delicious offering from husband-and-wife team Craig and Vikki Wood, who opened their first restaurant in Fife 13 years ago. Chef Craig’s ethos to serve simple food and wine in a relaxed atmosphere is now delighting diners in the capital. Craig was awarded Catering Scotland’s prestigious Chef of the Year Award in 2015, and his talent shines through * in menus of classic French dishes given an imaginative spin and presented beautifully. £38 The provenance of his ingredients is important to Craig; he only uses the very best Scottish ingredients like Orkney crab, Shetland mussels, lamb from Perthshire and cheese from Iain Mellis. Current starters on the regularly changing set-price à la carte menu include smoked Orkney beef fillet with beetroot, apple and sultana coleslaw, and seared king scallops with spelt grain risotto, wild mushrooms and Open: Tues-Fri noon-2pm, pancetta lardons. Mains include sea bass en papillotte with wild garlic butter, 6.30pm-9pm; and roast rump of Perthshire lamb Sat noon-9.30pm with a risotto of petits pois. For dessert you’ll find classic French treats like chilled lemon posset and chocolate and pecan tart. From Tuesday to Thursday you’ll also find a menu du jour. This is very reasonably priced at £17 for two courses. You’ll find lighter dishes like salad of saucisson with soft-poached egg and Comté as well as hearty dishes like the guinea fowl ballotine. This is the perfect city centre restaurant for a relaxed meal in stylish surrounds. *Price represents the cost of the three-course à la carte menu.

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Le Bistrot

French

 Location 59-63 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1RN t: 0844 625 7760 w: www.lebistrot.co.uk

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Le Bistrot occupies a central location in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, this sophisticated yet relaxed French restaurant sits at the heart of the famous Royal Mile and can be found adjacent to St Giles’ Cathedral. Open all day, it’s the perfect place to pause during a day of sightseeing and a great choice for a simple, delicious breakfast.

£22 to

£41

The interior of Le Bistro is unpretentious and inviting. Exposed brick walls, industrial-style lighting and wooden panelling create a cosy and homely feel, and all around the restaurant you can spot well-stocked shelves of freshly baked bread and authentic French wine. On select evenings, diners can even enjoy live music with their food and the highly popular wine-tasting dinners are an excellent opportunity to sample some of the finest bottles that France’s wineries have to offer.

If you’re stopping by in the morning, why not begin your day with a freshly made omelette, or a sumptuous dish of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs?

Alternatively, opt for a warm croissant and a creamy café au lait. Le Bistrot’s outstanding service ensures that everyone feels welcome – if you have any dietary requirements don’t hesitate to inform your friendly server.

With their focus firmly set on high-quality authentic French dining, the chefs at Le Bistrot have put together several mouth-watering menus that offer something for every palate. At lunchtime, diners can enjoy two courses for just £12.95 or three courses for £15.95. Start with some classic moules marinières followed by a traditional Provençal braised beef stew, or choose the salad Caprese before indulging in a warm and hearty chicken stew with a touch of spicy Esplette pepper. To finish, you can’t wrong with a cheeseboard or, if you prefer something sweet, sample the homemade tarte aux abricots.

The dinner menu is just as impressive, showcasing starters such as pan-fried scallops cooked in Thermidor sauce and mains such as entrecôte de boeuf, and roasted cod served with lentils and paprika sauce. The seasonal vegetable risotto is the perfect veggie plate. To accompany your food, Le Bistrot provides an extensive wine list as well as an array of cocktails – allow yourself to be tempted by a Cosmopolitan, or opt for a sweet French Martini.

Open: Mon-Sun 9am-10pm

Edinburgh Guide 2019

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French

La Garrigue  Location 31 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DH t: 0844 502 2252 w: www.lagarrigue.co.uk e: reservations@lagarrigue.co.uk

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£44

Open: Sun-Fri noon-2.30pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm; Sat noon-2.30pm, 6pm-10pm

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

A slice of Languedoc food heaven awaits on Edinburgh’s historic Jeffrey Street. La Garrigue – which can be found just a short walk from Waverley Station – was opened in 2001 by Jean-Michel Gauffre, who still informs the imaginative menu alongside head chef Peter Duck (chef profile page 53). It offers a glorious window into rustic, home-style French cuisine, as well as an impressive collection of authentic Continental wine. Upon arrival at La Garrigue, myself and my companion admired the warm and inviting interior.

Striking royal blue panelling and tableware complement the exposed stone walls, wooden furniture and vibrant original artwork adorning the walls of each of the intimate dining rooms. We were welcomed with a delicious aperitif of Armagnac and Blanquette de Limoux and a delightful amuse-bouche of chilled carrot soup and crostini with flavoursome blue cheese topping.

To start, I savoured king scallops with smoked French sausage on a bed of spinach, while my friend tucked into the fish soup with grated cheese, garlic dip and croutons. Both dishes looked and tasted incredible. Next, the chef advised me to try the rack of lamb, which came with Provençal tomato, watercress roulade and tarragon jus. It was a great choice – the lamb was mouth-wateringly tender, perfectly enhanced by the flavours of the accompaniments. My friend opted for the vegetarian chickpea pancakes with aubergine caviar, pepper stew and wild garlic pesto. Its appearance alone was a work of art and I was assured that the taste was equally impressive.

For dessert I decided to sample the seasonal cherry flan with orange blossom ice cream, while my guest ordered the warm peach tart. Both were deliciously sweet and perfectly balanced – an ideal way to end a truly memorable meal.

A particularly impressive aspect of La Garrigue is the friendly, attentive service and the team’s extensive knowledge of the food and flavours on offer – this contributed to the fantastic atmosphere and I was delighted with the team’s recommendations. In addition to all this, Jean-Michel runs cookery classes in the restaurant and, once a month, offers wine tours to Languedoc. For him, it’s important to reconnect with his roots and he loves keeping up to date with all the new wines available. In the spirit of staying well informed, I intend to return soon to sample more delicious cuisine from the regularly changing menu.

Smoke Stack

Steakhouse

 Location 53-55 Broughton Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3RJ t: 0844 502 1168 w: www.smokestack.org.uk e: info@smokestack.org.uk

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For over 20 years Smoke Stack has been serving the carnivores of Edinburgh, providing a relaxed atmosphere and fabulous locally sourced produce, which is cooked and served with respectful simplicity. As a member of The Scotch Beef Club, Smoke Stack prides itself on being a paradise for steak fans. Start with goat’s cheese, gently toasted and served with rocket, strawberries and balsamic reduction. For the main course, why not choose from the exemplary cuts – there’s rib-eye, sirloin, rump and fillet steak – all of which are served with a choice of hand-cut chips, mash, green salad and new potatoes, and can be enhanced by classic sauce or butter. Pair your meal with a bottle of red wine or a Scottish craft beer. Takeaway is also available through Deliveroo, so you can look forward to indulging in delicious steaks, sandwiches, burgers, milkshakes and smoothies from the comfort of your own home.

£20 to

£35

Diners can opt for the brunch menu Open: Mon-Sun 9am-10pm served daily – it offers traditional (hours may vary seasonally) Scottish breakfasts, waffles and refreshing fruit smoothies. This is served from 9am until noon on weekdays and until 4pm at the weekend. There’s also a daily set menu boasting tasty, fast seasonal dishes from Monday to Friday, which is perfect for those who fancy a swift bite during a lunch break, or a quick pit-stop whilst exploring the city.

The Oxtail

Steakhouse

 Location 13 Antigua Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3NH t: 0844 625 7963 w: www.oxtailrestaurantedinburgh.co.uk e: info@oxtailrestaurantedinburgh.co.uk

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Located just off Leith Walk in the heart of Edinburgh’s East End, The Oxtail is the latest addition to the area’s buzzing food scene. This vibrant eatery boasts a fresh new interior with deep red walls, wood panelling and chic leather seating throughout, creating a sophisticated but relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy the excellent fare on offer. With its crowd-pleasing menu, The Oxtail is the ideal place to stop for a tasty homemade breakfast, sumptuous lunch or elegant evening meal and whether you’re visiting with friends, family or bringing the kids along, the friendly team guarantees you a warm welcome.

£18 to

£35

Pop by in the morning to start the day on the right foot with sumptuous dishes such as eggs Florentine with smoked salmon, or opt for a smooth cup of coffee and a homemade pastry. Those visiting later in the day are sure to be impressed by the dishes on offer. You might start with the likes of roasted goat’s cheese in filo pastry with olive tapenade salad Open: and a tangy balsamic reduction, or Mon-Sun 9am-10pm marinated crispy chicken wings served with Buffalo sauce and sour cream. The menu boasts an equally impressive selection of mains.

Choose the tender braised pork ribs glazed in honey and mustard and served with homemade barbecue sauce, or perhaps you’ll opt for the delicate teriyaki salmon fillet with sautéed Thai veg. The team also serves a range of mouth-watering burgers and succulent steaks that are well worth checking out.

Edinburgh Guide 2019

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Burgers

Burgers & Beers Grillhouse  Location 192a High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1RW t: 0844 502 2210 w: www.burgersandbeersgrillhouse.co.uk e: info@burgersandbeersgrillhouse.co.uk

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Stepping into Burgers and Beers Grillhouse, the atmosphere is buzzing – and it’s easy to see why. The rustic, industrial-style setting features solid wood, bare light bulbs and plenty of metal details, providing a stylish backdrop to the mouth-watering US-inspired fare on offer. Tables for two are nestled in cosy corners, while long leather benches play host to large group feasts.

£18 to

£25

The menu is stacked with mouth-watering comfort food, from barbecue chicken skewers and hotdogs to corn on the cob and the most succulent burgers – everything invites you to tuck in. We shared a starter of cheesy nachos piled high with homemade salsa, sour cream, guacamole and jalapeños, which provided a fantastic opening to the meal. The selection of burgers is varied and impressive, ranging from juicy Aberdeen Angus beefburgers and succulent grilled chicken from Buffalo Farm in Fife, to delicious vegan patties, all of which go hand in Open: hand with two-pint steins. I opted for the Independence Day burger comprising Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm; American-style cheese, Virginia Fri & Sat 11am-11pm sweet-cured bacon, lettuce, dirty mayo and deep-fried pickles, while my partner chose the Rocky Balboa stacked with Scottish blue cheese, bacon, lettuce, onion, cracked black pepper and mayonnaise. Both burgers were incredible – the quality of the ingredients was evident in every mouth-watering bite. We finished things off with an indulgent cookie dough cheesecake and a dram of Knob Creek bourbon. With fantastic food, great service and a lively atmosphere, a visit to Burgers & Beers Grillhouse is a must.

Gastropub

The Stair Arms Hotel  Location Pathhead, Midlothian, EH37 5TX t: 0844 502 2260 w: www.stairarmshotel.com e: stairarmshotel@aol.com

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An eminently warm and inviting Scottish welcome awaits at The Stair Arms Hotel in Pathhead. The ideal stop-off for passing travellers and locals alike, the hotel boasts a comfortable recently refurbished restaurant that seats up to 60, a well-maintained beer garden where guests can take their meals on fairer days, and an inspired menu of modern Scottish and European fare that consistently wows diners. Think expertly prepared dishes such as haggis fritters served with Glenkinchie and wholegrain mustard sauce, and breast of chicken stuffed with haggis and accompanied by seasonal vegetables and creamy pepper sauce.

£17 to

£25

Throughout the year, The Stair Arms Hotel plays host to beautiful wedding ceremonies and breakfasts, as well as a diverse range of other events and celebrations. Poised and ready to assist prospective organisers in planning a truly magnificent gathering, the specialist team will make certain everything Food Served: runs smoothly. The recently Mon-Sun 8am-9pm renovated function room is another string to its bow – get in touch with the team for more information.

Recently refurbished to a high standard, each of the hotel’s en-suite rooms offers guests a comfortable, relaxing haven to retreat to at the end of a day exploring the Midlothian countryside. Meanwhile, the hotel’s prime location ensures travel to and from Edinburgh is also a breeze, making The Stair Arms a fantastic home-from-home for city breaks too.

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Bubba Q

Grill

 Location 209-213 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PE t: 0844 502 9723 w: www.bubbaq.co.uk e: info@bubbaq.co.uk

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Eddie and Bubba are the cheery faces behind Bubba Q, a lively one-of-a-kind dining destination in the heart of the city. Kitted out with pendant lights, American number plates, and reclaimed corrugated iron, this joint has all the elements needed to create a fun interior and laid-back atmosphere.

£15 to

£25

‘...lip-smacking menu...’

After stumbling across proper American barbecue food while travelling across the States, the pair came back to Edinburgh, eager to share their discoveries with peckish guests. Plenty of research went into developing their signature barbecue rub and lip-smacking menu, and only the best meat is used. It’s all about smoke; chow down on juicy burgers such as Wholly Smoke: 7oz beef patty with hickory wood-smoked beef brisket and homemade barbecue sauce, or the Dirty Donut, served with bacon and American cheese in a fresh doughnut Open: Mon-Thurs noon-9pm; and drizzled with maple syrup. If Fri & Sat noon-10pm; you want something a little lighter, Sun noon-9pm look to the tender chicken wings or filled sandwiches. Alternatively, visit for their lunchtime offer of any starter for £3 and any main for £7.95.

Indulgent drinks and tasty shakes make up the drinks offering. What’s more, the team loves a good party and can cater for all kinds of occasions for up to 25 people. It’s safe to say you won’t leave Bubba Q feeling hungry.

Charwood

Grill & Pizzeria

 Location 47 Buckstone Terrace, Fairmilehead, Edinburgh, EH10 6QJ t: 0844 502 2217 w: www.charwood.co.uk e: bookings@charwood.co.uk

So Named Scotland’s Family Outlet of the Year 2015/2016, Charwood certainly lives up to its name, boasting a charcoal-burning Josper grill and a wood-burning pizza oven that give the fresh, locally sourced food a tasty, £17 to rustic quality. The impressive handmade, wood-fired pizzas are delightful £40 and the selection of seven dry-rubbed, mouth-watering Scottish steaks with delicious bastes will have you coming back again and again, thanks to their amazing summer barbecue flavour.

Charwood’s location in south Edinburgh, just outside the city centre, means you can escape from the hustle and bustle without travelling too far afield. Open: The stunning floor-to-ceiling windows provide beautiful views over the Sun-Thurs 9am-midnight; Pentland Hills – a great feature in the winter, when you can watch the snow Fri & Sat 9am-1am fall as you enjoy a sumptuous Sunday roast and a mug of mulled wine. In Food Served: the warmer months, make use of the spacious beer garden while sampling from Mon-Sun 9am-9.30pm the range of wine, beer, cider and whisky. Open from 9am, a visit in the morning brings the opportunity to sample from the scrumptious array of breakfast options.

The restaurant is a beautiful, family-friendly environment that can cater to any occasion. Live sports and major fixtures, including those featured on BT and Sky Sports, can be viewed from the lounge bar on the three TV screens. There’s also a separate bar and two function suites, making Charwood perfect for weddings, birthdays and any other celebrations.

Edinburgh Guide 2019

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Pizzeria

Pizza Posto  Location 16 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DH t: 0844 625 7752 w: www.pizzaposto.co.uk

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Located on the edge of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Pizza Posto can be found opposite the Festival Theatre, just a stone’s throw from the University of Edinburgh. Specialising in authentic Italian pizza, Pizza Posto boasts a tasty menu of Neapolitan-inspired dishes and, last year, was proclaimed the winner of the UK National Italian Pizza Championships awarded in association with the Italian Awards. Bring the family, stop by with a few friends, or enjoy a tasty takeaway and see what all the fuss is about. Inside Pizza Posto, the decor is rustic and stylish, with plenty of tables available for parties of all sizes. As you enter, you’ll pass the bar, where you’ll find a variety of beer, cider and wine available, as well as an array of refreshing soft drinks.

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£7 to

£15

Made with slow-rising multi-cereal dough, Pizza Posto’s scrumptious pizzas are all perfectly cooked in authentic clay ovens to ensure maximum flavour. The crust’s mouth-watering texture strikes the perfect balance between chewy and soft, and there’s a huge variety of toppings to choose from including several vegan and vegetarian options. For a tasty Italian classic, opt for a San Marzano tomato base with fior di latte mozzarella and fresh basil, or if you’re feeling more adventurous choose a rapini broccoli base combined with olives, fresh chilli, tomatoes and crunchy walnuts. The menu also lists a couple of the restaurant’s most famous pizzas: the Grande Italia is a feast of Parma ham, creamy burrata, fior di latte mozzarella and San Marzano tomato sauce, and is finished off with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan.

To make your visit extra special, why not order a cocktail? The refreshing Citrus Cooler comprises SKYY vodka, limoncello, San Pellegrino sparkling blood orange, soda water, fresh lemon wedges and mint leaves.

Open: Sun-Thurs noon-10pm; Fri & Sat noon-11pm

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

For those who like to mix things up, Pizza Posto offers a variety of extra toppings that can be added to any pizza. These range from hot chillies, freshly prepared artichokes and perfectly cooked mushrooms to spicy Italian sausage and mouth-watering Parma ham. You can also order a delicious side to accompany your pizza. The Caprese salad is a popular option, and the focaccia is deliciously light and comes studded with garlic and rosemary. *Price range represents the cost of a pizza and a drink.

Pizza Geeks

Pizzeria

 Location 19 Dalry Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2BQ t: 0844 625 7704 w: www.pizzageeks.co.uk e: hello@pizzageeks.co.uk

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Just outside the city centre, opposite Haymarket train station, is a pizzeria unlike any other. Pizza Geeks was inspired by its founders’ love of tasty food and their fascination with all things sci-fi and fantasy. This unexpected combination has proven itself to be a recipe for success and since opening, Pizza Geeks has captured the attention of local geeks and visiting foodies alike: the creative menu of movie-inspired dishes offers something for every palate and there’s even vegan cheese available.

£14 to

£23

Pizza Geeks started out at Edinburgh’s bustling food markets, where the team’s recipes were tried and tested by enthusiastic crowds. Today, the well-loved brand continues to visit some of the city’s best festivals, while also offering a handy takeaway service and boasting its own quirky Mothership base. Inside the restaurant, you’ll find a lively but laid-back atmosphere and the friendly team of staff is always on-hand to offer recommendations or help with any dietary requirements. Behind the counter, you’ll notice the roaring oven – heated to 400 degrees, this authentic pizza oven helps create a subtle charred flavour and a crust that’s perfectly chewy on the inside and a little crispy on the outside.

The dough at Pizza Geeks is made in classic Neapolitan style: flour, water, salt and yeast are expertly mixed before being slow-proved for at least 48 hours and lovingly kneaded and shaped by hand. Each pizza is cooked to order too, so you can always be assured of the freshness of your food.

The menu comprises a huge selection of fare, as well as delicious sides and delightful desserts. If you’re visiting for lunch, perhaps you’ll opt for a small pizza: the Luigi, which is topped with tomato sauce, fresh garlic and basil, is a great choice if you want something simple but tasty, and the G.O.A.T option is a mouth-watering combination of goat’s cheese, red onion, rocket, Grana Padano cheese and tangy balsamic glaze. Alternatively, those seeking a sumptuous feast will not be disappointed by the Braveheart pizza: a quintessentially Scottish recipe comprising tomato and mozzarella, haggis, Stornoway black pudding and salami. To accompany your delicious food, select your favourite beer or cider or order a refreshing G&T.

Open: Sun-Weds noon-10pm; Thurs-Sat noon-11pm

Edinburgh Guide 2019

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Italian

La Bruschetta  Location 13 Clifton Terrace, Haymarket, Edinburgh, EH12 5DR t: 0844 502 2230 w: www.labruschetta.co.uk e: enquiry@labruschetta.co.uk

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Italian chef and owner Giovanni Cariello has created a perfect slice of Italy in the tastefully decorated La Bruschetta, situated in the busy heart of Haymarket.

With only 20 covers, the restaurant is intimate without being crowded, and the £25 to dedicated and friendly team is on-hand to share their knowledge of the menu. The £40 freshly decorated dining room showcases La Bruschetta’s extensive collection of exclusively Italian wine.

With a wealth of experience working in Italy and Scotland, and a large local following, chef Giovanni takes fresh local produce and creates menus that change with the seasons, specialising in fresh fish and seafood which is delivered daily. When we visited, the daily specials board boasted langoustines, scallops in a delicious sauce served with warm fresh bread, and sea bass cooked in rich Open: Tues-Sat noon-2pm, lemony butter with sautéed potatoes and rosemary. The menu del giorno was a 6pm-10.30pm delight, offering choices such as fresh mussels with garlic and black pepper, mixed bruschetta paired with beautifully seasoned tomatoes, and filleto di pollo Nostrano: succulent chicken fillets pan-fried in green peppercorn, whisky and cream sauce. Desserts included delicious crème brûlée with rum and Grand Marnier, and a warming fig and nut tart made with Vin Santo.

No matter what the occasion, the whole restaurant may be hired for special functions. As one of the few restaurants in Scotland to have been awarded the Eccellenza Italiane, this little haven of Italian fine dining in the middle of Haymarket is sure to delight.

Italian

Osteria  Location 71 High Street, North Berwick, EH39 4HG t: 0844 625 7630 w: www.osteria-no1.co.uk

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Established in 2006, Osteria takes its name from the Italian word for an eatery that serves simple food and wine. Over the years, Osteria has gained a fantastic reputation amongst locals and visitors alike, as well as several impressive awards, including Best Italian Restaurant in Scotland and Best Customer Service. Stop by for an excellent all-round dining experience and some truly delicious Italian fare.

£15 to

£43

The kitchen team at Osteria is led by dedicated head chef Daniele di Marco (chef profile page 53), who is influenced by hearty Italian cooking. Each dish is freshly made to order and crafted with the finest local produce, and diners are offered varied menus of tasty fare throughout the day. At lunchtime, treat Open: Mon 6pm-10pm; yourself to a sumptuous starter of risotto with squid ragout before enjoying Tues-Sat 12.30pm-2pm, a main of flavoursome stuffed veal escalopes in a delicious mushroom sauce.

6pm-10pm Alternatively, perhaps you’ll opt for the perfectly flaky lemon sole coated in dill breadcrumbs and served with garlic mayonnaise. In the evening, the options include classic pasta dishes such as scampi ravioli and seafood tagliolini, as well as meat-based plates like juicy grilled lamb cutlets and succulent pancetta-wrapped chicken breast.

To accompany your food, Osteria offers an extensive and carefully curated wine list that showcases a great selection of modern and vintage Italian bottles.

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Quattro Zero

Italian

 Location 40-41 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4RA t: 0844 502 2205 w: www.quattro-zero.co.uk

CC After a busy day out in Edinburgh, pop into centrally located Quattro Zero to enjoy an exquisite meal. The interior is contemporary and sleek, and the atmosphere cool yet welcoming. £14 to Comprising three courses of Italian fare, the menu offers plenty of variety. To £20 start, why not share an antipasti board? If cured meats and fresh cheese don’t tickle your fancy, opt for freshly made soup or plump for king prawns served in delectable butter, garlic and white wine sauce. Then, move on to one of the much-loved pizzas. Fans of spice can enjoy the Diavolo – a crispy dough base topped with homemade spicy sausage, fresh chillies, onions and peppers. If you’d prefer something creamy, choose the pizza Milano – a scrumptious pairing of salami with Gorgonzola. Pasta dishes also grace the menu, as do steaks, burgers Open: Mon-Thurs 9am-10pm; and seafood options. For a grand finale, sample treats from the mouth-watering Fri & Sat 9am-11pm; dessert menu. The lemon sorbet is delightfully tangy, while the profiteroles Sun 10am-10pm accompanied by cream, chocolate sauce and ice cream are sweet and undeniably moreish. Alternatively, truly indulge with a Knickerbocker Glory, described on the menu as both a delight to see and devour. Prices are pocket-friendly.

If you’d rather enjoy your meal from the comfort of your own home, make use of the takeaway and delivery service available through Deliveroo. Serving breakfast, lunch and takeaway menus throughout the day, alongside the main menu and children’s options, there’s always time to enjoy the delectable Italian cuisine at Quattro Zero.

Miros

Mexican

 Location 184 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4BA t: 0844 502 9783 w: www.miroscantinamexicana.com e: miroscantinamexicana@yahoo.com

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Located in the heart of the city, just off Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street, you’ll find Miros, a lively, independent Mexican restaurant serving up delicious, authentic cuisine. Tasty food and a vibrant atmosphere have ensured that Miros has been a popular spot with customers since it first opened its doors in 1991. Inside, the decor reflects that of a traditional Mexican eatery – think patterned tablecloths, bright colours and various curios adorning the walls.

£18 to

£27

The menu offers an extensive range of home-cooked dishes made from locally sourced Scottish ingredients, as well as those imported directly from Mexico.

To start, try the iconic guacamole served with homemade corn chips, or perhaps the beautifully fresh ceviche. Follow with the popular fajitas served on a sizzling platter, or pollo en mole poblano, a typical Mexican dish comprising free-range chicken served with rich mole sauce made of nuts, chillies, spices and chocolate. Open: Mon-Sun noon-10.30pm Other tempting dishes include borrego con miel – mouth-wateringly succulent lamb slow-cooked in Mexican honey and chipotle chillies. To finish your meal on a sweet note, there’s a selection of desserts including tasty churros.

Miros is a popular spot for celebrations and fun evenings out, thanks to its range of Mexican beer, wine and cocktails, as well as several varieties of tequila and mezcal. Particularly delicious are the lime Margarita, and the decadent Medianoche, a delicious blend of Kahlua, Cointreau and vanilla ice cream. During the summer months you can dine al fresco on the terrace. What could be better?

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Mediterranean

Merienda  Location 30 North West Circus Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 6TP t: 0131 220 2020 w: www.eat-merienda.com e: enquiries@eat-merienda.com

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For an authentic taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of the Scottish capital, be sure to visit Merienda. This contemporary and stylish restaurant strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and fine dining, providing a space that’s elegant yet welcoming – the perfect place to enjoy a romantic date night and a great venue for a celebratory evening meal with friends. It’s also the ideal size for private parties of around 20 guests, with exclusive hire available.

*

£30 to

£50

Inside Merienda, the restaurant is light and airy: soft stone and cream tones make the space feel spacious while gentle lighting and candles add a feeling of cosiness that is guaranteed to make you feel right at home. Of course, the jewel in Merienda’s crown is their outstanding small plates menu that utilises the finest artisan Scottish produce and features a tasting menu that diners build themselves. This offers foodies the opportunity to sample a huge variety of rich flavours, vibrant colours and textures of seasonal ingredients, all inspired by modern Mediterranean cuisine.

Open: Weds-Sat noon-2.30pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm; Sun noon-8.30pm

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Since its opening in August 2018, the restaurant has built an extraordinary reputation for its fantastic fare. The kitchen team (chef profile page 54) has established a great working relationship with local producers and artisan suppliers.

Each dish looks just as good as it tastes – the exquisite presentation is both elegant and appetising. The evolving menu has up to 30 dishes, all visually stunning. From tasty staples like sundried tomato focaccia and bresaola with dressed artichoke hearts, to indulgent desserts like rhubarb Pavlova and rice pudding with white peach, there’s plenty to choose from. For vegetarians, the fields- and garden-inspired plates provide a creative selection of light and refreshing dishes: the goat’s cheese mousse with salted walnuts, roast beetroot and tarragon emulsion is delicious and satisfying. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a rich and indulgent plate, opt for the herb-crusted lamb with confit ratatouille and red wine jus from the farms and pastures section or try the beautiful Tobermory oak-smoked trout with scorched cucumber and gel and spiced crème fraîche from the rivers and seas selection. Of course, a journey around the Mediterranean wouldn’t be compete without sampling some of the region’s finest wine, and Merienda boasts an impressive array of Old World wines to choose from, including crisp whites and deep, fruity reds. *Price range represents the average spend per head.

Tapa

Tapas

 Location 19 Shore Place, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6SW t: 0844 502 2206 w: www.tapaedinburgh.co.uk e: tapa@tapaedinburgh.co.uk Tucked down a cobbled street behind Edinburgh’s trendy Shore area, you’ll find Tapa. Seek it out and you’ll discover that this authentic eatery is well worth a visit.

Set in a refurbished former bonded warehouse, beneath high vaulted ceilings, you’ll find whitewashed walls adorned with vintage Spanish movie posters and a stunning floor-to-ceiling bull fighting poster, all of which help establish a charming Iberian setting. Head chef Paco Martin Romano is renowned for his creative, modern take on the tapas culture of his home city of Seville. Whilst there is a firm focus on the Iberian black pig, consideration has also been given to those with dietary requirements. Over a third of the menu is vegetarian-friendly, and plenty of the dishes can be adapted for vegans, as well as gluten-free and lactose-free diets.

Escape the bustle of city life at Tapa and drink in the Spanish atmosphere with amazing tapas. *Price range represents the cost of two tapas and a glass of wine.

Le

*

£15 to

£22

Open: Tues & Weds noon-9pm; Thurs noon-9.30pm; Fri & Sat noon-10pm

Malvarosa

Tapas

 Location 262 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh, EH15 2AT t: 0844 502 2232 w: www.malvarosa.co.uk e: booking@malvarosa.co.uk For an authentic taste of Spain in Edinburgh’s seaside spot of Portobello, visit Malvarosa. This excellent neighbourhood tapas restaurant has created its tempting menu using only the best organic ingredients, sourced locally as well as from Spain. Whether you visit for a light lunch of tapas dishes, or a relaxing evening sampling the best of Spain, Malvarosa has something for everyone. Indulge in one of the many home-baked breads and then move on to fabada Asturiana, a traditional slow-cooked hotpot, or pescado adobado – crispy haddock marinated in sherry and spices. If you fancy paella, you’re in good hands – the selection includes the paella de marisco, packed full of flavoursome seafood. Washed down with a refreshing Spanish beer, or a glass of wine from the wide-ranging list, this dining experience is essential for lovers of Spanish cuisine. *Price range represents the cost of three tapas and a glass of wine.

SE

*

£15 to

£25

Open: Mon & Weds-Sat noon-10pm; Sun 12.30pm-9pm

Sabor Criollo

Latin American

 Location 36 Deanhaugh Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1LY t: 0844 502 1103 w: www.saborcriollo.co.uk e: saboredinburgh@gmail.com Sabor Criollo is a little ray of sunshine in the heart of Stockbridge, with an enticing South American menu. From the bright and colourful decor to the warm welcome from owner Mercedes and her daughter Zeevar, the atmosphere here is sure to delight. Starters include traditional nachos and delicious street tacos, in our case sampled with shredded chicken, as well as the day’s special of moreish fish ceviche with chopped onion and green pepper – perfect with the house-recipe Sangria or a South American beer.

To follow, we wholeheartedly recommend the Pabellón criollo: a traditional Venezuelan dish of perfectly seasoned shredded beef with succulent black beans and plantain. For a hearty main bursting with flavour, try the guarache: a tortilla topped with refried beans, tomatillo sauce, feta, avocado, and a choice of either meat or vegetables.

NW £20 to

£25

Open: Mon-Fri 5pm-11pm; Sat & Sun 2pm-11pm Edinburgh Guide 2019

23

Greek

Spitaki  Location 133-135 East Claremont Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4JA t: 0844 625 7631 w: www.spitaki.co.uk e: info@spitaki.co.uk

Le

Opened in 2015, Spitaki was launched by owner Christos as a way to share his passion for great Greek food with the city of Edinburgh. Now a family-run affair, Spitaki draws guests from far and wide and provides an excellent standard of service that will make you feel right at home.

£14 to

£22

‘...excellent standard of service...’

Greek dining is all about spending time with loved ones and the menu here centres around sharing. Order a couple of meze for yourself, or choose a whole range of dishes to share with your table – this is a great way to sample a few different items. Vegetarian options range from crispy fried aubergine with fennel and coriander to spicy baked feta, seafood dishes include classic calamari and succulent grilled octopus with traditional dressing, while the meat Open: selection encompasses juicy lamb chops with lemon and rosemary and hearty Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm; chicken souvlaki. To accompany Fri & Sat noon-11pm; your meze, why not order some Sun noon-10pm classic Greek dips? The tzatziki is a particularly popular option and the aubergine-based melitzanosalata has a delicious tang of chilli.

A trip to Spitaki isn’t complete without sampling the mouth-watering homemade baklava. Made with layers of thin, crispy filo pastry this sumptuous dessert is packed with nuts and syrup and is a big hit with diners of all ages.

Greek

Taxidi  Location 6 Brougham Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9JH t: 0844 625 4397 e: taxidibistro@gmail.com

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Consistently receiving glowing reviews, Taxidi is a well-loved local spot, and for good reason. Book a table and you’ll see what all the hype is about. This small Greek bistro’s bold blue exterior catches your eye when passing by, and once inside, you’re immediately met with a warm welcome and a light and pleasing interior. Pale colour schemes are matched with delicate wall art and trendy Edison lighting to make for a relaxing space and a buzzing atmosphere when paired with a crowd of delighted diners.

£22 to

£28

‘...well-loved local spot...’

The menu consists of classic Greek family recipes with contemporary influences that really blow you away. Opt for the vuono to share and you’ll be impressed Open: by the lavish portions of mixed grilled meat, salad, fries, tzatziki and Tues-Thurs noon-9.30pm; pitta bread. Don’t miss the daily changing specials board for something Fri noon-10pm; seasonal and exciting. With Sat 10am-10pm; friendly, knowledgeable staff Sun 10am-9.30pm on-hand, Taxidi is the ideal place in which to spend a long evening catching up with loved ones, or a quick and indulgent meal before a trip to the nearby King’s Theatre. Drop by for a hearty breakfast and coffee, or visit on a busy lunchtime to pick up a convenient takeaway. If you’re planning a celebration, Taxidi’s catering service is perfect for adding a delicious Greek twist to any occasion or event.

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Hendersons

Vegetarian

 Location 94 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DR t: 0844 625 4196 w: www.hendersonsofedinburgh.co.uk e: mail@hendersonsofedinburgh.co.uk

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Since 1962 Hendersons has been one of Edinburgh’s vegetarian hotspots.

Having started out as an outlet for Mac and Janet’s farm produce, Hendersons is now a fully fledged vegetarian and vegan restaurant, serving Edinburgh’s foodies locally and ethically sourced produce. Over the decades, Hendersons has grown rapidly and now also boasts a deli and a bistro.

£18 to

£22

The menu is carefully set out so you can see exactly which ingredients are in every dish, so many of the dishes can also be prepared for gluten- and nut-free diets. The imaginative menu changes regularly to showcase the best of the season’s produce. You’ll find starters like freekah salad with kale, butternut Restaurant Open: squash, pear, red grapes, and almond flakes drizzled with cumin and maple Mon-Fri 8.30am-9pm; dressing. Representing amazingly good value for money, the menu features Sat 8.30am-9.15pm; small plates like cured carrot rye bread bruschetta topped with lemon and dill Sun 10am-4pm cashew cream, and the popular Vegan Shop & Deli Open: stuffed courgette with smoked Sun-Thurs noon-9pm; garlic and creamy vegan cheese Fri & Sat noon-9.30pm risotto with crispy capers. Perhaps Hendersons’ most popular dish is their vegan haggis served with steamed and pickled turnips, roasted Brussels sprouts and tarragon whisky sauce – the perfect Scottish vegan plate. If you have room for dessert, direct your attention to the specials board to see what tasty vegan sweets are on offer each day.

Kilted Lobster

Seafood

 Location 112 St Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AD t: 0844 502 1183 w: www.kiltedlobster.com e: kiltedlobster@yahoo.co.uk

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Kilted Lobster is an award-winning seafood restaurant nestled in the heart of Stockbridge. Serving sustainably and ethically sourced seafood, game and beef, as well as delicious vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, Kilted Lobster has something for every palate. There’s even a carefully considered wine list to match.

Tempting starters include fresh Isle of Mull scallops, smoked turbot Carpaccio, rumbledethumps, and hearty Scottish seafood chowder. For the main course, it’s difficult to resist the signature dish of Kilted Lobster, which is prepared and served with samphire butter and goes perfectly with a glass of Taittinger Nocturne Champagne. If you’re struggling to choose between the delicious meat and seafood options, why not sample the best of both and try the dry-aged beef fillet with creel-caught langoustines? Don’t forget to leave room for dessert; sample the ever-changing cheese selection or enjoy freshly picked wild Scottish berries.

£30 to

£45

Open: Mon, Weds & Thurs 5.30pm-10pm; Fri 5.30pm-10.30pm; Sat noon-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10.30pm; Sun noon-8pm

In recent years, Kilted Lobster has won a number of awards, including Best Seafood Establishment in Scotland at the Food Awards Scotland and Bistro Chef of the Year at the Scottish Food Awards. As well as serving delicious food, Kilted Lobster also provides cookery classes, hospitality training and educational opportunities for those facing financial difficulties or barriers to work. Not just a destination restaurant, Kilted Lobster is a well-loved neighbourhood favourite.

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Bar & Restaurant

Drinks & Dining at Ten Hill Place Hotel  Location 10 Hill Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9DS t: 0844 502 1174 w: www.tenhillplace.com e: dining@tenhillplace.com

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Within walking distance of The Festival Theatre, Princes Street, Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh’s ever-popular museums and galleries, Drinks & Dining at Ten Hill Place Hotel is a stylish, contemporary restaurant run by Alan Dickson, executive chef and winner of Chef of the Year for Edinburgh in 2018.

£25 to

£45

Ten Hill Place Hotel recently expanded to boast 129 bedrooms and is owned

by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. All of the venue’s profits go towards the training of surgeons worldwide.

‘...a stylish, contemporary restaurant...’

Drinks & Dining has earned an AA rosette for its superb food. The seasonally changing à la carte menu features sumptuous starters such as pan-seared scallops, black pudding and apple purée, and mains like pan-roasted cod loin with potato and thyme rosti and sautéed Brussels sprouts.

Desserts here are a real indulgence, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. You might see the likes of caramelised white chocolate mousse, cocoa Genoise and popcorn ice cream, or Glayva-glazed pineapple with coconut, granola and almond ice cream.

‘...desserts here are a real indulgence, guaranteed to put a smile on your face...’

If you’re looking for a lighter meal or just a few nibbles with a glass of wine, head to the Lounge Bar. Here, you’ll find a fantastic selection of Corney & Barrow wine. You can also book The Snug for a private dinner or an informal buffet for up to 14 people.

Food Served: Mon-Sun noon-9.30pm

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh for the first time or you’re a local looking for a new treat for a special occasion, the afternoon tea offering at Ten Hill Place is sure to impress. For celebrations, be sure to add a glass of chilled Prosecco – what better way to while away an afternoon with loved ones?

Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar & The Dining Room

Bar & Restaurant

 Location 28 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JX t: 0844 502 1169 w: www.smws.com/queen-st e: queenstreet@smws.com

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Just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street and The Royal Mile, and situated in a grand Georgian townhouse, you’ll find Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar and The Dining Room restaurant, both run by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

*

£22 to

£33

Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar offers an unrivalled array of around 150 single cask whiskies, as well as a carefully selected range of rare proprietary malts.

This gorgeous venue was once for members only, but now Kaleidoscope offers the public the opportunity to sample their enticing whisky. While whisky is the main attraction here, there’s also an extensive selection of cocktails, wine, Champagne, draught and bottled craft beer. The Dining Room presents a modern Scottish menu of beautifully refined dishes with French influences.

The service is exceptional and the restaurant now caters for 65 covers, but this in no way inhibits the relaxed and informal atmosphere at this newly refurbished venue.

‘…perfect for whisky-lovers and foodies alike…’

The à la carte menu features delightful dishes such as the veal sweetbread starter with crispy tongue, wild garlic foam and Parmesan potato purée, and lobster cannelloni with fennel purée, orange and tarragon cream. Next, perhaps tuck into loin of venison accompanied by game pie, pickled red cabbage, roasted root vegetables, prune compote, and venison jus infused with Earl Grey tea – a truly wholesome treat. Alternatively, opt for the five-course taster menu of wonderfully fresh dishes, each of which is matched by complementing whisky or wine. A new and unique bespoke Champagne table is also available to accompany the five-course taster menu, when booked in advance. Each dish is paired with Charles Heidsieck Champagne.

The Dining Room has beautiful views of the surrounding area and provides an unforgettable dining experience – perfect for whisky-lovers and foodies alike. *Price range represents the cost of two courses and a glass of house wine in the restaurant.

Bar Open: Mon-Weds 11am-11pm; Thurs-Sat 11am-midnight; Sun noon-9pm

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Bar & Restaurant

Checkpoint  Location 3 Bristo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 1EY t: 0844 625 7731 w: www.checkpointedinburgh.com e: us@checkpointedinburgh.com

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Set on the edge of Edinburgh’s beautiful old town, Checkpoint is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, cool minimalist interior, and delicious freshly made fare. Open every day of the week and serving food from morning to evening, this popular bar and restaurant is ideal for anything from a tasty energising breakfast to indulgent late-night cocktails.

£16 to

£25

Inside, large windows and white walls create a sense of spaciousness and there’s plenty of seating for groups of all sizes. The service is efficient but laid-back; you can take your time over a meal and, if you’re struggling to choose, feel free to ask for a recommendation.

Served until 5pm, the breakfast menu is suitable for early morning visitors as well as late risers. If you’re craving something healthy, opt for the overnight oats with blueberries, almonds and honey, or sample the smashed avocado on toast with cherry tomatoes – you could also add a perfectly cooked poached egg. For those who want to treat themselves, there’s the chunky brioche French toast or the indulgent full vegan or veggie breakfast. These plates go perfectly with a Bloody Mary or a glass of refreshing Buck’s Fizz.

Those stopping by later are greeted by a whole host of menus, all comprising freshly made dishes that have been crafted with the finest local produce. At lunchtime, the selection includes homemade burgers and fresh salad bowls, as well as light mains such as delicately steamed mussels with crusty bread, flat-iron steak with garlic and herb butter, and rocket pesto linguine with peas and asparagus. In the evening, you’ll find an equally varied array of dishes: from spicy vegan chickpea, spinach and sweet potato dahl to rich venison haunch with celeriac, blue cheese and broccoli gratin, there’s something for everyone. The beautifully succulent and juicy chicken and chorizo ballotine is a particularly popular option, and the pan-fried trout is a firm favourite among seafood lovers.

Open: Mon-Sun 10am-late

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

To finish your meal, Checkpoint offers a variety of sweet treats: the creamy avocado and lime cheesecake is full of flavour and subtly tangy, and the kiwi and passion fruit mess is a tropical twist on a well-loved British classic.

The Auld Hoose

Bar & Restaurant

 Location 23-25 St Leonard’s Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9QN t: 0844 502 2264 w: www.theauldhoose.co.uk

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Home to Edinburgh’s largest portions of nachos, The Auld Hoose is famed for serving delicious food in a big way. Somewhat an Edinburgh institution, The Auld Hoose is adored by locals and visitors alike. The venue’s laid-back atmosphere goes hand in hand with quality food and an excellent selection of drinks. This popular pub operates an 18 and over policy, and you can always be sure of a friendly and fun atmosphere whenever you visit – you can even bring your four-legged friends along. Expect to hear the legendary jukebox in action featuring the best selection of metal, punk and gothic music.

Renowned for its generously portioned pub classics, the menu truly has something for everyone, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Why not try the legendary Hoose nachos served with beef or five-bean chilli topped with cheese, jalapeños, sour cream and guacamole, or share the gigantic sharing plate of nachos for up to six people? If nachos don’t tickle your fancy, the delectable burgers and hotdogs come highly recommended, as do the delicious burritos.

£15 to

£20

Open: Mon-Sat noon-12.45am; Sun 12.30pm-12.45am

It’s not just incredible food that The Auld Hoose is renowned for.

Passionate about great beer, the friendly team is always on-hand to recommend a tipple, whatever you fancy. With a student discount, weekly quiz nights, and mouth-watering food, you’ve every reason to stop by The Auld Hoose.

Whiski Bar & Restaurant

Bar & Restaurant

 Location 119 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SG t: 0844 502 2231 w: www.whiskibar.co.uk e: bar@whiskibar.co.uk

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Whiski Bar & Restaurant is one of Scotland’s premier whisky bars, a winner of Dram Awards’ Whisky Bar of the Year, and is also listed in the AA’s guide to pubs and on the World’s Best Bars website. The venue’s impressive collection of over 300 different whiskies is no doubt a huge attraction, but with fantastic fresh Scottish food, a great atmosphere and compelling live Scottish music every night, Whiski Bar & Restaurant really does shine.

This multi-award-winning bar and restaurant celebrates not only whisky but all things Scottish, with craft beer, cider and Scottish spirits and cocktails.

The menu features only the finest, freshly prepared, local produce. Food is served all day, with dishes including pasta, salad, fish, burgers and chargrilled options – not to mention a host of Whiski classics. Try the lip-smacking chicken whisky mushroom – a fresh chicken breast with whisky and mushroom sauce, served with creamy mash and seasonal vegetables.

£15 to

£25

Open: Mon-Sun 10am-1am

Family-friendly, great for groups and with an electric atmosphere in the evening, this is a must-visit establishment for an all-round great experience. Be sure to try its sister venue, Whiski Rooms on The Mound, which not only has the same superb range of whiskies but an adjoining whisky shop as well. With Edinburgh Castle a mere ten-minute walk down the road, Whiski Bar & Restaurant could not be better located – and, with its incredible variety of food, whiskies and entertainment, there’s every reason to visit.

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Bar & Restaurant

Brewhemia  Location 1a Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE t: 0844 625 4036 w: www.brewhemia.co.uk e: info@brewhemia.co.uk

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Framed by the deceptively plain stones of the former Scotsman building, Brewhemia’s welcoming exterior doesn’t quite prepare you for the spacious opulence and design flair within. Occupying what once housed The Scotsman newspaper’s many printing rooms and offices, Brewhemia is a superb establishment that’s fully deserving of the rave reviews it receives. Inside you’ll find six themed areas ranging in style from the cosy classiness of the Boudoir cocktail lounge and the relaxed atmosphere of the Bothy to the vast and thriving Taproom, ensuring that all manner of patrons are catered for.

£23 to

£28

‘...excels in every area...’

We sought the convivial warmth of the Bavarian-themed Beer Palace for a Bluesy Brunch – so called for the accompaniment of thrumming strings of the 12-Bar Brews playing live on the recessed bartop stage. Inspired by traditional beer halls, the space was embellished with statement chandeliers and wooden benches, complementing the brass and copper fixtures and impressive tanks of sweetly scented beer.

Open: Mon & Tues 9am-11pm; Weds & Thurs 9am-midnight; Fri & Sat 9am-1am; Sun 9am-midnight

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

We opted to start with warming pea soup accompanied by sourdough, and the ham hock terrine, which struck the perfect chord with harmonious piccalilli lending a gentle heat to the subtly seasoned ham. From the sandwich selection, The Ultimate Cuban provided the perfect main course for my dining partner and saw a rich combination of cured ham, pulled pork and Loch Arthur Cheddar slathered in mustard and pickles and bound with toasted white bread.

Combining the best of Cuban influences with locally sourced ingredients, this was a real highlight. The American-inspired Old Town Stack presented me with a generous portion of light, fluffy pancakes sprinkled with pistachios, pecans and berries and paired with temptingly sweet candied rashers of smoked bacon.

The only fitting way to round off such a lunchtime extravaganza was to order a Bloody Mary, which was seasoned expertly.

Brewhemia excels in every area, from the exquisite food and drinks to the convivial atmosphere and impeccable service. A visit to this unique venue is a must.

Boat House

Bar & Restaurant

 Location 22 High Street, South Queensferry, Nr. Edinburgh, EH30 9PP t: 0844 502 9779 e: hello@theboathouse.online

OW

South Queensferry’s best-kept secret is nestled on the very edge of the River Forth. Follow a flight of stone steps down to the shore, and there you’ll find Boat House. Once primarily a fish restaurant, Boat House has been lovingly adapted for today’s casual diner.

Chef-proprietor Paul Steward stays true to his vision, but has introduced classics such as homemade burgers and fish and chips. No matter what’s on the menu, the wonderful produce and talented craftmanship shines through.

£18 to

£40

The menu showcases daily fish specials and traditional favourites such as Scottish mussels, but we began with squid marinated in fresh lime, chilli, garlic and sea salt, perfectly cooked and seasoned with light, crispy batter, and a beautiful Scotch egg, made with free-range pork and chorizo and fried Open: in panko breadcrumbs. For the main course, it was difficult to choose between Mon-Sat noon-9.30pm; the Malaysian-style seafood curry Sun 12.30pm-9pm and the rich and comforting oak-smoked haddock poached in milk and served with chive mash, a poached egg and cheese sauce. The vegetarian wild mushroom ravioli with ricotta cheese sauce was a revelation. To round things off, we found room for a sticky toffee pudding and a delicate heather honey panna cotta. With excellent service, a varied wine list and beautiful views of the Forth Bridges, Boat House is a secret well worth sharing.

For more information, be sure to visit the restaurant’s Facebook page.

The Street

Bar & Restaurant

 Location 2b Picardy Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JT t: 0844 502 0869 w: www.thestreetbaredinburgh.co.uk e: the-street@hotmail.co.uk

CC The Street has been a favourite on Edinburgh’s nightlife scene for 15 years.

Situated in the city centre with a broad range of shops, a cinema and the Edinburgh Playhouse all in close proximity, this quirky bar serves international street food £15 to from noon until midnight daily. Boasting two outside seating areas, The Street is £20 a fantastic place to grab a morning coffee and snack, lunch and a glass of wine during the day, or share an antipasti platter with Prosecco and graze into the night in fun and sociable surrounds. Choose from artisan toasties, loaded nachos, dirty fries, or bowls of homemade fiery beef or vegetarian chilli.

Offering a range of beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, shakes and smoothies, and boasting a regular events calendar, this bar has something for everyone. The entertainment schedule begins on Mondays with Glamoor, The Kweer Kabaret. Every Wednesday, a game show night called Prize Surprize is packed with hilarious games and a Open: Mon-Sat noon-1am; cash jackpot. Tuesdays and Thursdays see D’Elders, LouLou on the decks from Sun 12.30pm-1am 9pm until 1pm; every Friday and Saturday night, The Street’s basement transforms into a buzzing nightclub and attracts a livelier crowd. The nightclub is open until 3am and is accessed from Broughton Street after 1am. On a Friday night, resident DJ Trendy Wendy hosts The Wendy House, and the Saturday line-up features some of Scotland’s most popular DJs. Fortnightly Saturdays play host to MFSB – Edinburgh’s only daytime disco. On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday selected cocktails are only £5 each.

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Bar & Restaurant

The Orchard  Location 1-2 Howard Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5JZ t: 0844 502 0998 w: www.theorchardbar.co.uk e: theorchardbar@gmail.com

NW

The Orchard is a relaxed, informal bar and restaurant situated only a few minutes’ walk from the botanic gardens in Canonmills. With a regularly changing and varied menu that uses locally sourced produce, The Orchard provides classic meals with a modern touch. The menu changes with the seasons, making it the perfect place to return to. Starters such as Cockburn’s of Dingwall award-winning haggis fritters with delightfully spiced apple chutney may feature on the menu, and you are guaranteed a choice of wholesome mains, such as Borders’ lamb, fillet of sea trout, classic haddock and chips and the legendary Orchard steak pie. The quality of the food here is truly excellent and everything is freshly cooked to order.

£20 to

£25

‘...classic meals with a modern touch...’

With a fine range of beer, wine, gin, rum and whisky to offer, this Food Served: bar and restaurant is the perfect Mon-Sun noon-8.30pm place to enjoy a quiet drink or a casual dinner, but it would also make for a lovely space for functions and celebrations. The Orchard caters for parties of up to 50 people for drinks or 30 dining guests, and is able to adapt its offering to suit the style of the event, whether it’s an office party, birthday celebration, retirement do or even a Christmas night out.

Bar & Restaurant

Frankenstein

 Location 26 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EN t: 0844 625 7791 w: www.frankensteinedinburgh.co.uk e: enquiries@frankensteinedinburgh.co.uk Housed inside a converted 19th-century church, Frankenstein takes inspiration from all your favourite horror movies. A quirky pub serving a fusion of American and Scottish cuisine, this is a great place to stop for some food £16 during the day, while at night the space is transformed into a lively events to £26 venue, complete with flashing lights, dancers and huge screens playing the original 1931 Frankenstein movie.

The fantastic decor and unique atmosphere makes Frankenstein the ideal location for a memorable birthday celebration, a brilliant stag or hen do, or an end-of-year work party. There’s a huge selection of drinks available including trendy cocktails, wine and various spirits. For larger groups, the team offers a fantastic buffet menu that consists of delicious snacks like lamb samosas, sliders and breaded jalapeño poppers.

Open: The main menu is just as mouth-watering: appetisers such as chicken wings, Mon-Thurs noon-1am; nachos and breaded mozzarella Fri-Sun noon-2am sticks are great for a snack or a starter, and homemade mains like fish and chips, eggplant Parmigiana, and chilli cheese beefburger are a fantastic way to refuel at lunchtime or during the evening.

Downstairs, visitors to Frankenstein can also find the famous Bier Keller. Available for private hire, the cellar serves a variety of German and Continental beer with live music and sports to accompany your drinks.

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Fahrenheit Restaurant & Bar

Bar & Restaurant

 Location Genting Casino, Fountain Park, 124 Dundee Street, Edinburgh, EH11 1AF t: 0844 502 2236 w: www.gentingcasinos.co.uk e: fountainparkhospitality@gentingcasinos.co.uk The stunning Fahrenheit Restaurant & Bar at Genting Casino offers the very best in contemporary dining. The restaurant overlooks a dynamic casino gaming floor, adding a real sense of excitement to your evening. With comfortable seating and stylish designer fittings to match, the atmosphere is second to none.

CC £18 to

£22

From the open-theatre kitchen, head chef Lauris and his dedicated team use locally sourced ingredients to produce dazzling food that never fails to impress.

A new menu launched in summer 2019 showcasing an array of delicious Scottish dishes. There are plenty of options to take your fancy, including starters such as haggis croquettes served with whisky sauce, and warm goat’s cheese crostini. Tempting mains include succulent chicken breast stuffed with haggis, wrapped in pancetta and served with whisky cream sauce – and, of course, juicy flame-grilled steaks. Whatever your choice, the knowledgeable and attentive waiting staff are on-hand to add to the memorable experience, and will always deliver enthusiastic and personable service with a warm, welcoming smile. A meal at Fahrenheit also promises excellent value for money – why not take advantage of the special offers? From Sunday to Thursday, visitors can enjoy two courses from the à la carte menu, a drink from a concise menu for just £18.95 (a supplementary charge applies to certain dishes; please see the terms and conditions on the website for full details).

Fahrenheit caters to a broad range of bookings, from stag and hen parties to the Genting Nights package, which provides an all-inclusive night out at incredible value. Groups of six or more guests can enjoy a delectable three-course meal accompanied by a drink at the bar, as well as a fun learn-to-play session with a croupier. Private booth packages are also available in the bar. Hire a private booth for your party to enjoy the big sporting events on the 90-inch HD TV. Genting Casino is also a fantastic destination for a festive night out, thanks to its Christmas and Hogmanay events.

Membership to the casino is completely free, but please note that Genting operates a strictly over-18s policy and anyone who appears to be under 25 will be asked for photographic ID.

Restaurant Food Served: Mon-Sun 7pm-1am Bar Food Served: Sun-Thurs 5pm-4.30am; Fri & Sat 4pm-4.30am

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Bar & Restaurant

The Newsroom  Location 5-11 Leith Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3AT t: 0844 502 2218 w: www.newsroomedinburgh.co.uk e: info@newsroomedinburgh.co.uk

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The Newsroom on Leith Street makes a remarkable first impression; floor-to-ceiling windows are lit up by jars filled with halogen bulbs. Venture past the quirky exterior and you’ll emerge in a contemporary space with an industrial feel and a welcoming atmosphere of post-work bonhomie. Take in the exposed girders and solid wood, with a quirky collage of reclaimed doors lining the snug dining area, and make yourself at home.

£15 to

£20

The menu offers pub fare on its best behaviour, with favourites such as haggis, neeps and tatties presented alongside plenty of burger options and the usual suspects, like crunchy beer-battered haddock and chips.

Like any good media outlet, The Newsroom gives the people what they want.

For me, that was a bowl of creamy carrot and coriander soup, exquisitely balanced and vivid in colour. To follow, I tucked into beautifully tender beef Stroganoff served on a bed of fragrant mixed wild rice, which proved to be a fantastically tasty delight. A delicious pairing of chocolate and fudge made for an equally impressive dessert – you simply have to try this sweet and rich combination. As for drinks, cocktails are The Newsroom’s headliners. Choose from the likes of the fragrant Perfect Stormy with hints of ginger and lime, and the refreshing You Takin’ the Peche.

Open: Mon-Sun 11am-1am Food Served: Mon-Sun noon-9pm

Whether you’re visiting for drinks or dinner, this newsworthy bar and restaurant will have you returning time and again.

As the UK’s largest producer of eating-out publications, we’re always looking to snap up new photographers.

If you’re talented with a camera, organised and personable, send your CV and examples of your work to photojobs@foodanddrinkguides.com

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

The Sheep Heid Inn

Bar & Restaurant

 Location 43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh, EH15 3QA t: 0844 625 4215 w: www.thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk e: enquiry@thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk The Sheep Heid Inn is a contemporary pub located in a building built in the 14th century. The pub offers a mouth-watering menu, a fully stocked bar and a suntrap garden. The seasonal menu includes hearty traditional Scottish dishes alongside lighter options. The kiln-smoked salmon tacos and the chargrilled lamb and balsamic koftas prove to be the perfect starters. For your main, delve into one of the wood-fired pizzas, the wagyu burger or the lobster crabcakes.

There is also a special vegan menu – The Sheep Heid Inn happily accommodates all dietary requirements, and offers a children’s menu for little ones. The spacious bar is the ideal spot in which to host a celebration, with a selection of dining options tailored to specific tastes and price ranges. Visit The Sheep Heid Inn after a climb up and down Arthur’s Seat and enjoy a relaxing and well-deserved rest in the beautiful beer garden.

SE £22 to

£28

Open: Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm; Fri & Sat 11am-midnight; Sun noon-11pm Food Served: Mon-Sat noon-10pm; Sun 12.30pm-9.30pm

The Voodoo Rooms

Bar & Restaurant

 Location 19a West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA t: 0844 502 2208 w: www.thevoodoorooms.com e: info@thevoodoorooms.com From the moment you enter the ornately decorated Voodoo Rooms, you are made to feel special by the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The food and drinks menus have been carefully redesigned to showcase the best European and British cuisine, complemented by a large range of inventive drinks and cocktails. Try the Be All, End All: Absolut vodka, apricot brandy, Angostura bitters, green tea, honey water, ginger and pineapple juice served over ice – just wait until you see how it’s presented. For a tantalising main, we recommend the fennel- and mushroom-crusted pork fillet, goat’s cheese and roast pepper ravioli with caramelised walnuts, or the cauliflower risotto with scallops, with chocolate jelly and flaked almonds. Follow with any of the delicious desserts, or a Millionaire’s Shortbread cocktail of Laphroaig whisky, walnut liqueur, espresso, caramel and brown sugar, served with crushed biscuits and chocolate shavings – perfection.

CC £18 to

£35

Open: Mon-Thurs 4pm-1am; Fri-Sun noon-1am Food Served: Mon-Thurs 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sun noon-10pm

Amati Deli

Café

 Location 81 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 8LX t: 0844 625 4476 e: info@amatideli.co.uk Situated on the picturesque and bustling Leith Walk, Amati Deli is the ideal café in which to while away an afternoon. This charming Italian café has gained a following of coffee connoisseurs thanks to the delicious brews on offer. Every bean is carefully blended and roasted, resulting in a beautiful cup of Italian coffee every time. Alongside the coffee you’ll find a range of tempting authentic food, such as hearty lasagne and stone-baked pizza.

All ingredients are sourced locally or imported directly from Italy, and only the freshest produce is served. Amati Deli also offers outdoor catering for special events like parties and corporate events. The team can create a unique menu that’s suitable for any type of event. Make sure you visit Amati Deli and see for yourself why this café has taken Edinburgh by storm. *Price range represents the cost of a panini and a coffee.

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£7 to

£10

Open: Mon-Sun 7am-5pm Edinburgh Guide 2019

35

Hula Juice Café & Gallery

Café

 Location 94a Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 9QA t: 0844 625 7960  Location 103-105 West Bow, Edinburgh, EH1 2JP t: 0844 625 7949 w: www.hulajuicebar.co.uk e: hello@hulajuicebar.co.uk

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With two central locations for you to choose from, Hula Juice Café & Gallery offers a variety of tasty, healthy dishes for breakfast, brunch and lunch. £8 Inside each café, the vibrant and enticing menu is complemented by equally to colourful decor. Splashes of red and green and a well-lit interior make this the £13 perfect place to relax, and the outdoor seating is ideal for al fresco drinks and people-watching.

Of course, the jewel in Hula’s crown is the outstanding menu, which has received rave reviews and specialises in vegetarian and vegan food. Start your day right with a nutritious breakfast: the selection includes avocado on toast, a classic smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich, and several porridge dishes – the option laden with Nutella, banana and toasted hazelnuts is especially popular. For lunchtime guests, there are several bowls to choose from. Try the Open: Mon-Sun 8am-6pm Hawaiian-inspired poké bowl, opt for the curry-based rainbow bowl or, if you’re craving a heartier lunch, be sure to order the scrumptious vegan chilli. If you fancy something lighter, you can’t go wrong with warming homemade soup.

Alternatively, sample a tasty wrap or chunky sourdough sandwich. For those seeking fast refreshment, Hula also offers a fantastic menu of drinks: from fruity smoothies to creamy milkshakes, freshly squeezed juices to invigorating boosters, there’s something for everyone. *Price range represents the cost of lunch and a drink.

*

Edinburgh Larder

Café

 Location 15 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1NB t: 0844 502 1158 w: www.edinburghlarder.co.uk e: info@edinburghlarder.co.uk The moment you step inside this lovely little café and delicatessen, you’ll realise you’re in for a treat. The Edinburgh Larder is well known for the delicious seasonal, local and sustainable food and produce it sells. Settle down and tuck * into fresh sandwiches and salad plates. Think local cheese with homemade chutney, £7 to and roast chicken and herb mayo – all of these sandwiches can be made using their £9 homemade gluten-free bread.

Daily brunches are the talk of the town; start on the right foot with homemade granola and local yoghurt, eggs Benedict, or a full veggie or Scottish breakfast with delicious homemade beans. Choose from a selection of daily specials made using seasonal ingredients, including homemade organic sausage rolls, daily soups, tarts made with seasonal veg and deli plates with local meats, fish and cheese. Put your feet up with a coffee, roasted on-site, or slice of cake – make sure you don’t miss the Open: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm; dark chocolate and nut brownies, which are always gluten-free, though you’d never Sat & Sun 9am-4pm guess. Alternatively, opt for light scones served with clotted cream and homemade jam. Unpretentious and laid-back, this little gem is ideal for any occasion.

The friendly team has a conscience; they’ve set up a social enterprise that aims to make local food more accessible by working with local communities to develop cooking skills. They can also put their passion and knowledge to good use and provide outside catering for offices and parties; contact catering@edinburghlarder.co.uk for more details. *Price range represents the cost of a main meal from the lunch menu.

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

The Beach House

Café

 Location 57 Bath Street, Portobello, Edinburgh, EH15 1HE t: 0844 502 1171 w: www.thebeachhousecafe.co.uk e: the-beachhouse@hotmail.com Situated on the grand promenade of Portobello, The Beach House’s location is about as good as it gets. It’s not just stunning views on offer; the food here matches the picturesque setting in quality. Expect artisan baked bread (including a popular seaweed loaf), award-winning coffee, fabulous cakes, homemade gelato, local craft ale and great wine – seaside cafés don’t come much better than this. A focus on locally sourced ingredients results in a variety of tasty treats that can be enjoyed al fresco overlooking the beach, or in the cosy interior. Poached eggs for breakfast, sandwiches, panini and fresh soup for lunch, sharing platters in the evening – the menu delights all appetites, any time of day. The team’s commitment to using local, free-range and organic produce where possible ensures your first visit here won’t be your last. *Price range represents the cost of a main course, cake and cup of tea.

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*

£10 to

£20

Open: Mon-Sun 8.45am-9.30pm

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

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Café at the Palace

Café

 Location Palace of Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX t: 0131 652 3685 w: www.rct.uk e: holyroodhouse@chandcogroup.com

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The Café at the Palace is a tasteful and convivial eatery that boasts a relaxed atmosphere of effortless elegance. Bedecked in shades of grey and white, and offset by stark black and white images, the café has a classy atmosphere befitting of its royal pedigree and proximity to the Scottish Parliament Building, a mere stone’s throw away.

*

£19 to

£27

The team at Café at the Palace prepares the menus using the finest Scottish produce, as demonstrated by their Visit Scotland Taste our Best accreditation.

The perfect place to warm up after a wander in the grounds and a great spot in which to reflect on the grandeur of the Queen’s Gallery, the café offers an array of sweet treats and coffees. However, the team is most famous for its glorious afternoon teas.

When my guest and I visited, we opted for the Champagne afternoon tea and we were not disappointed. Served on a beautiful three-tiered stand, the assortment of finger sandwiches, cakes and scones epitomised this great British tradition and we were made to feel like royalty by the friendly and attentive staff. The savoury element of our tea comprised mouth-watering cuts of roast beef and tangy horseradish, smoked salmon atop irresistible oatcakes, crostini and sandwiches filled with rich mature Cheddar and real ale chutney.

Each component was wonderfully flavoursome.

Open: Mon-Sun 9.30am-6pm Afternoon Tea Served: Mon-Sun noon-4pm

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Of course, the most important factor in an afternoon tea is the tea itself.

Café at the Palace excels with a wide selection of loose-leaf tea and fruit infusions – all of which are served in authentic Burleigh china. This was the perfect follow-up to a glass of crisp Champagne. The range of confectionery delights included delicate Ecclefechan tarts, strawberry creams, chocolate and Chantilly cream eclairs, and Victoria sponge. To top off the whole affair, the bite-sized scones with jam and clotted cream were divine, and the orange scones with an apricot glaze were a culinary revelation. As well as traditional and Champagne afternoon teas, Café at the Palace offers a popular gin cocktail afternoon tea – a fantastic weekend treat and a great gift for any cocktail enthusiast. *Price range represents the cost of afternoon tea per person.

Boardwalk Beach Club

Café

 Location 50 Marine Drive, Edinburgh, EH4 5ES t: 0844 502 9766 The life and soul of Silverknowes beach promenade, Boardwalk Beach Club has become something of a local legend. On sunny days the ice cream, homemade cake and refreshing iced coolers are an irresistible proposition, while on Saturday mornings hundreds of runners seek out the attractive medley of outdoor seating for a well-earned rest. For walkers wishing to explore the area, the café is located conveniently close to the famous Cramond Roman Fort and Lauriston Castle with its lovely Japanese botanical gardens. This is an especially popular option with dog-walkers who flock to make use of the numerous dog treats and water bowls.

NW

*

£8 to

£12

‘...an idyllic picture...’

Perched on the edge of the promenade, Boardwalk Beach Club looks directly out to the sea. The ample outdoor seating is perfectly placed for soaking up the sun, while the passing horses from local stables and the cricket club playing on the sand present an idyllic picture. Visitors can also enjoy regular performances from local jazz musicians who play under the shade of one of the gazebos. It’s little wonder that the café has been praised by local MPs across the board for rejuvenating the promenade. In 2018, Boardwalk Beach Club was also named Best Café and Deli by Edinburgh Evening News and was nominated for Best Informal Eating Experience at VisitScotland’s Scottish Thistle Awards.

If you’re feeling peckish, the café offers everything from sweet treats like milkshakes, crêpes and waffles to delicious meals. You might sample a tasty avocado and hummus wrap, or indulge in a juicy burger with haggis, bacon and gherkins. In winter, when the cold weather sets in, the café loses none of its charm, with visitors retreating into the cosy interior, or settling down in one of the sheltered nooks outside under canopies and umbrellas. The menu fills up with warming soups and stews, while guests warm their hands around delicious cups of hot chocolate, mocha and the ever-popular Illy coffee. The popular barbecues that run throughout the summer also continue into the winter, with guests wrapping up warm in winter jackets and fleecy blankets to enjoy the delights on offer. *Price range represents the cost of a meal and a drink.

Open: Weds-Sun 10am-5pm

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Coro the Chocolate Café

Café

 Location 13 Frederick Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EY t: 0844 502 9705 w: www.corochocolate.co.uk e: hello@corochocolate.co.uk

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Since opening its doors in 2015, Coro has been delighting chocolate-lovers with its sweet treats. The team behind this laid-back spot believes that eating chocolate should be a fun, shared experience, and aims to give diners a delicious chocolate fix in an exciting way.

*

£8 to

£12

The menu boasts a plethora of offerings that are sure to please those with a sweet-tooth. Try a delicious crêpe served with lemon meringue, or perhaps peanut butter, melted chocolate, fresh banana and crushed peanuts. Thicker pancakes come in stacks with accompaniments such as strawberries, crushed shortbread and berry coulis with melted chocolate. There’s also a variety of decadent waffles topped with everything from fresh fruit and cream to pretzels and salted caramel.

Cool off with an ice cream sundae in the summer, or tuck into comforting gluten-free waffles, or perhaps a dairy-free chocolate fondue with fresh fruit when the weather isn’t quite so favourable. Coro is also a great place for a beverage, thanks to its range of coffee, tea, milkshakes, fruit smoothies and of course, decadent hot chocolate. If you’re heading to Glasgow you can also check out their excellent venue on Sauchiehall Street.

Open: Mon-Sun 10am-10pm

*Price range represents the cost of a meal and a drink.

Café & Restaurant

AtlanticOrganic at Whitmuir  Location Lamancha, Nr. West Linton, EH46 7BB t: 0844 625 7591 w: www.whitmuir.scot

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AtlanticOrganic is the organic café-restaurant at Whitmuir Farm, a working organic farm south of Edinburgh. With over 30 years’ experience, head chef Alexander Escobar is passionate about farm-to-table dining. He strives to * £5 source sustainably and ethically and as locally as possible according to to the seasons. Alex is always developing new and delicious ways to use fresh £10 produce from the farm and across Scotland. Stop by for a breakfast roll with Whitmuir-reared bacon, enjoy a light seasonal salad for lunch or try a delicious homemade cake with Fairtrade coffee. If none of these staples tickle your fancy, be sure to check out the ever-changing list of tempting specials.

The regular AtlanticOrganic Supper Club is proving a big hit with foodies.

On the last Friday of every month, guests can sample seasonal ingredients in imaginative combinations around a communal table. Whitmuir is also home to a farm shop and butchery, as well as Dancing Light Art Gallery, Quercus plant nursery, Junkshop Antiques, Open: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; and a few sheep, pigs and cattle.

Sat & Sun 9am-5pm Whitmuir provides a great day out – a popular choice with environmentally conscious shoppers and families. Kids love the rustic fairy walk, seeing the animals and finding out where food comes from. There are toys, toilets and baby changing facilities in the café. The café and shop premises are completely accessible. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. *Price range represents the cost of a lunchtime meal deal.

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

The Garvald Inn

Traditional

 Location Garvald, Nr. Haddington, EH41 4LN t: 0844 502 9769 w: www.thegarvaldinn.co.uk e: garvald_inn@garvald.org

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Tucked away in the charming village of Garvald, The Garvald Inn is a watering hole that’s popular with both locals and visitors alike. Inside, the pub’s cosy atmosphere provides the perfect environment in which to unwind with a drink or a satisfying meal. The traditional decor enhances the homely ambience, complete with exposed stone walls, wrought iron table legs and log-burning fires – perfect during chilly evenings.

The menu showcases a range of classics such as succulent home-cooked burgers, fish and chips, and delicious pies, alongside chef’s specials like chicken and prawn cataplana. Vegetarians are well catered for, with offerings including rich mushroom Stroganoff, and comforting pumpkin and sweet potato soup.

For dessert, the bread and butter pudding is a must-try that receives rave reviews from diners. There’s also an excellent children’s menu for little ones, and the pub welcomes dogs with open arms, making this the perfect spot for the whole family.

£15 to

£45

Open: Tues-Sat noon-11pm; Sun 12.30pm-6.30pm (hours vary seasonally, please call for details)

The bar boasts a great selection of wine and beer, as well as a fantastic array of Scottish gin, including The Garvald’s own homemade sloe gin. During fairer weather, take your drink outside and relax in the lovely beer garden. For flavoursome food in a cosy setting, there’s no better destination than The Garvald Inn.

The Flotterstone Inn

Traditional

 Location Milton Bridge, Nr. Penicuik, EH26 0PP t: 0844 502 9765 w: www.flotterstoneinn.com e: info@flotterstoneinn.com

ML The Flotterstone Inn is beautifully framed by tall trees and overshadowed by the soaring Pentland Hills in a picturesque corner of Midlothian. The inn is warm and inviting, with a welcoming fire roaring in the restaurant area and luxurious, £15 to modern decor in the Garden Room. The latter is especially useful for all types of £30 function, particularly weddings. The Garden Room is licensed to hold ceremonies, seats up to 80 and looks out onto the beautifully kept, dog-friendly beer garden, complete with a rippling stream, where weddings can also be performed.

My meal began with a traditional starter of haggis, neeps and tatties. My partner opted for the homemade chicken liver pâté with tangy pear chutney and smoked oatcakes. The pâté was rich and luxurious, with a scattering of fresh salad and a splash of fine balsamic vinegar completing the experience.

Open: Mon-Sat The mains were equally impressive, with the fresh fillet of haddock proving a fine 11.30am-11pm; exemplar of the seafood choices; Sun 11.30am-10pm it was delicately cooked with the choice of being either breaded or battered, served with chef’s coleslaw and salad garnish. The more familiar fillet of beef Stroganoff combined tender steak strips with sautéed vegetables and was flambéed with brandy – delicious. The desserts were our final delight, and choosing from the day’s selection of homemade cakes, cheesecakes and variety of ice creams presented a somewhat tricky decision. It’s well worth veering off the beaten track to find The Flotterstone Inn – a true treasure.

Edinburgh Guide 2019

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Slurp at the Kirk

Japanese

 Location 44 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QE t: 0844 625 4270 w: www.slurpkirk.com e: hello@slurpkirk.com Formerly known as Tangs, Slurp at the Kirk has been serving delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine since 2007. You’ll find Slurp at the Kirk in the historic Old Town, and inside, the restaurant is brightly decorated with bold colours and lights.

Whether you’re a long-term fan of Japanese food or are new to the cuisine, the menu is sure to please with favourites like ramen noodles and gyoza dumplings, as well as Slurp at the Kirk specialities like the Bobby roll with homemade teriyaki sauce and locally sourced chicken topped with fried onion. Guests can enjoy a casual dining experience in an authentic Japanese eatery when they visit Slurp at the Kirk. On the menu, look out for the delicious themed sushi rolls or traditional Japanese chicken katsu curry. After tucking into the tasty tapas-style Japanese food, make sure you head downstairs to the newly renovated bar area to enjoy a couple of Japanese-inspired cocktails.

CC £15 to

£25

Open: Mon-Fri noon-3pm, 5pm-9.30pm; Sat noon-9.30pm; Sun 12.30pm-8pm (hours vary seasonally) Japanese

Bonsai

 Location 46 West Richmond Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DZ t: 0844 502 1173 w: www.bonsaibarbistro.co.uk Located conveniently close to the city centre and the University of Edinburgh, Bonsai is the perfect place for tasty, authentic and affordable Japanese cuisine. The charming interior is complemented by friendly and welcoming staff, who are happy to recommend dishes to Japanese-food novices. An extensive menu offers a plethora of options catering to a wide range of tastes. The teriyaki salmon is particularly delectable: beautifully flaky fish, perfectly accompanied by spicy stir-fried vegetables. The list of flavoursome sides will leave you spoilt for choice – don’t miss the sweet prawn sashimi or luxurious dumplings. To finish, treat yourself to one of the creative desserts; the banana tempura with ice cream hits the mark for both innovation and taste. The perfect spot for a light lunch or a larger evening meal, Bonsai offers tantalisingly fresh food at an unexpectedly low cost.

SE £10 to

£15

Open: Sun-Thurs noon-10pm; Fri & Sat noon-10.30pm

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Harajuku Kitchen

Japanese

 Location 10 Gillespie Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HS t: 0844 625 7750 w: www.harajukukitchen.co.uk

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Harajuku Kitchen brings an authentic taste of Japan to the Scottish capital.

Having trained in Edinburgh, executive chef and owner Kaori Simpson wanted to open a restaurant here that celebrates the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine, including a profound respect for ingredients and their natural flavours.

£18 to

£22

Inside, wooden tables, white walls and contemporary art combine to create a simple and stylish space where it’s impossible not to feel relaxed. The menu is extensive and varied, offering a truly exciting array of beautifully presented dishes. There’s a huge selection of small plates to choose from, including hot dishes like vegetable gyoza, sticky chicken yakitori skewers and tempura sweet potato, as well as cold dishes such as kaiso seaweed salad and tuna tataki.

For those looking for a heartier meal, there’s a range of set mains on offer.

The award-winning aubergine curry is a scrumptious vegetarian choice, and Open: Mon-Fri the tangy chicken teriyaki goes noon-3pm, 5pm-10pm; perfectly with a bowl of fluffy rice. Sat noon-late; The kitchen is rightly renowned for Sun noon-4pm, 5pm-9pm its sushi too. From the generous futomaki rolls to the smaller nigiri, there’s plenty to choose from.

To round off your visit, peruse the selection of traditional Japanese desserts – try the apple gyoza with green tea ice cream, or sample the delicious mochi, which come in an array of flavours.

Shezan

Indian

 Location 24-25 Union Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3NQ t: 0844 625 4365 w: www.shezanedinburgh.com e: enquiries@shezanedinburgh.com

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Set across the road from the Playhouse theatre, Shezan is a bright, pleasantly bustling modern curry house. One glance at the row of gleaming Scottish Curry Awards trophies positioned along the bar told us to expect something out of the ordinary – and we weren’t let down.

£22 to

£25

‘...expect something out of the ordinary...’

We asked our friendly and knowledgeable waiter for recommendations and he was happy to oblige. We settled down with poppadoms, a selection of six tasty pickles and a glass of Kingfisher beer. To begin, we enjoyed tender and aromatic tandoori lamb chops, and perfectly judged vegetable samosas with crispy exteriors and impeccably spiced filling. Our recommended main courses were the succulent Punjabi garlic chicken masala and juicy king prawn karahi.

Both dishes displayed excellent Open: depth of flavour and the spices Mon-Sun noon-midnight were beautifully balanced. We shared a bowl of special rice and some of Shezan’s famous naan breads, which were huge yet unbelievably light. The Peshwari was a particular highlight, stuffed with almonds, coconut and sultanas. For dessert, we cooled ourselves down with scoops of creamy kulfi and an irresistibly sticky gulab jamun – the perfect finale to a truly superb meal. If you like Indian food, you’re sure to love Shezan.

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Indian

Tanjore  Location 6-8 Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9HX t: 0844 625 4405 w: www.tanjore.co.uk

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Striding into its eighth year on Edinburgh’s food scene, Tanjore prides itself on producing exceptionally good authentic South Indian cuisine. This unassuming, family-run restaurant puts food at the forefront of its offering, while consistently friendly service adds to the experience. If you’re looking for quality food in a relaxed environment, make sure you head to Tanjore.

£15 to

£20

‘...authentic South Indian cuisine...’

Everyone who visits will tell you that you have to try the famous dosa – thin and crispy savoury pancakes made from a batter of rice and wet ground lentils.

They’re served with four tempting sauces: sambar, coconut, tomato and mint chutney. Choose from a variety of mouth-watering fillings like lamb masala, Mysore masala and ghee dosa. If you can’t choose just one, you can also opt for the family dosa, which allows you to combine your four favourites – they really are delicious.

The vast menu explains the components of each dish and the intricate cooking processes. The house special is the Hyderabadi biryani with a choice of vegetables, chicken, lamb or prawns. You’ll also find all your favourite South Indian dishes on the menu – think bhajis filled with potato, courgette, onion or paneer, and spinach and paneer dumplings to start. Follow with one of perfectly spiced curries and complete the meal with coconut paratha – a sweet and refreshing dessert.

Open: Mon-Fri noon-2.30pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat & Sun noon-3.30pm, 5pm-10pm

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Tanjore has a bring-your-own alcohol policy, and you don’t have to pay corkage so you can enjoy your favourite tipple while tucking into their delicious food.

This makes Tanjore the ideal hangout for big groups as well as those seeking a more intimate meal. The team also provides a variety of homemade Indian soft drinks. Try the Cool Blast – a refreshing famous beverage made with Indian holy basil seeds, almond gum, mint, ginger and fresh lime – or perhaps opt for homemade mango lassi or salt lassi. Husband-and-wife owners Raja and Boon have created a foodie haven in the middle of Edinburgh, with exceptional food and friendly service at its heart.

Kahani

Indian

 Location 10 Antigua Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3NH t: 0844 625 7932 w: www.kahanirestaurant.co.uk

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Situated just a few minutes’ walk from Edinburgh’s bustling city centre, Kahani is a traditional Indian restaurant with a modern edge. Specialising in hearty, home-style cooking, Kahani has grown to become a firm favourite with locals and a popular dinner destination with tourists, gaining an outstanding reputation for its delicious food and helpful, attentive staff.

£21 to

£27

Upon arrival, guests at Kahani are greeted by a stylish interior. Images of historic and modern-day India populate the walls, comfy sofa-style booths lend a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, and splashes of turquoise create a sense of vibrancy and excitement. Its chic decor makes Kahani the ideal place to enjoy a romantic date night or a celebratory birthday meal – there’s even a private dining room available to hire – and families are always welcome too.

The menu is a mouth-watering mix of Indian classics, contemporary creations, mild flavours and hot spices. However, before you launch into ordering your food, be sure to peruse the tempting selection of drinks.

Speciality cocktails range from a spiced mango lassi to a Mojito, and there’s a great choice of craft beer and fine wine as well as various refreshing soft drinks.

Its location, just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Playhouse, makes Kahani the ideal choice for a pre-show dinner and the restaurant’s tempting theatre menu offers two tasty courses at the very reasonable price of £15.95. Start with a classic onion bhaji or opt for the crispy fish pakora, before indulging in a flavoursome main of creamy chicken korma or rich chicken tikka masala.

For vegetarians, the tadka dal with lentils, onion, garlic and fresh coriander is a particularly popular dish. If you’re seeking even more variety, be sure to peruse the à la carte menu, which offers a huge array of curries, tandoori dishes, sides and sharing plates. Whether you’re sampling the succulent Punjabi roast lamb, the sweet South Indian Kodambakkam curry, the vegetable biryani or the aubergine-based brinjal masala, you can rest assured that your food will be made fresh to order. Even takeaways are crafted with the finest ingredients to ensure that, no matter where you’re tucking into your food, you can enjoy a hearty and flavoursome meal.

Open: Mon-Thurs noon-10pm; Fri-Sun noon-11pm

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Indian

Indian Lounge  Location 129a Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DT t: 0844 502 1023 w: www.indianloungeedinburgh.co.uk e: ttom5381@gmail.com

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For over 30 years Indian Lounge has been doing what it does best – serving great Indian and Punjabi food.

‘...gluten-free and vegan options...’

£10 to

£16

Established in 1983, this family business is regarded as one of the best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh by many food critics. This is partly down to how the head chef carefully and personally sources ingredients from local suppliers to make sure everything is of first-class quality. This includes free-range poultry, grass-fed Scottish lamb, freshly caught seafood and fresh vegetables, along with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.

‘...tandoori salmon, lamb chop karai and haggis pakora...’

The award-winning menu features a good selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes, as well as a famous grill section that proves very popular. The house specialities, like the Indian-spiced fish and chips, tandoori salmon, lamb chop karai and haggis pakora are particular local favourites. Furthermore, the kitchen team ably caters for up to 80 people, including those who require gluten- and dairy-free options. Vegetarians will be spoilt for choice, with options like dahl soup, channa puri and vegetable pakora. For meat-eaters the barbecued king prawn bhuna oozes flavour and is prepared in a traditional cast-iron pot to enrich all of the spices.

The set menu options offer amazingly good value for money. The dinner-for-two set menu is £35 and is specially created by the chef with a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian starters and mains, as well as rice, naan and dessert.

‘...all spices are bought whole and freshly ground...’

Open: Mon-Sat noon-3pm, 5pm-midnight; Sun 3pm-midnight

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

All spices are bought whole and freshly ground to ensure that the team knows exactly what goes into each and every dish. No produce, aside from chips and peas, is cooked from frozen, guaranteeing that your meal has been cooked and prepared to order. The bar is stocked with all the classic Indian drinks, including Cobra beer. At Indian Lounge, a very warm welcome awaits. There’s a reason Indian Lounge is still flourishing in a city that is rapidly becoming a genuine foodie destination. Make sure you pop this eatery on your list next time you fancy traditional and authentic Indian cuisine that’s reasonably priced and always served with a smile.

Bombay Lounge

Indian

 Location 202 High Street, Dalkeith, EH22 1AZ t: 0844 625 7747 w: www.bombaylounge.net e: info@bombaylounge.net

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Established in 2010, Bombay Lounge has breathed new life into the friendly Scottish town of Dalkeith. Stop by and discover an array of traditional Indian favourites and signature dishes, as well as adventurous original creations and an impressive selection of house wine.

£14 to

£25

Inside the decor is sleek and modern, with plenty of seating available in the main restaurant. The intimate ambience makes this the perfect place for a romantic date night, while the private dining table – which sits underneath a large plasma TV – is ideal for groups of friends wishing to watch live sport while enjoying their food. For warm summer days, the beer garden is ideal – there’s even a garden menu offering tasty bites such as chicken tikka wraps and vegetable samosas.

Visit at lunchtime for a delicious three-course thali meal and enjoy the likes of aromatic bhuna and sweet and sour pathia. In the evening, diners can indulge in Open: Mon-Thurs a plethora of dishes from the Indian noon-2pm, 5pm-11pm; tapas menu or order from the Fri & Sat noon-2pm, popular à la carte selection. The 5pm-11.30pm; flavoursome kebabs are marinated Sun 12.30pm-11pm in a selection of spices before being cooked in an authentic clay oven, seafood dishes range from king prawn jalfrezi to balti chilli cod, and the chef’s recommendations include anaros kahari – diced chicken with fresh pineapple, cinnamon, cardamom and cashew nuts – and spicy karahi skadow.

Roti

Indian  Location 42 South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1LL t: 0844 502 9780 w: www.roti-edinburgh.co.uk e: info@roti-edinburgh.co.uk CC Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Roti is a dynamic restaurant specialising in Indian tapas dishes. The ethos behind the restaurant is to strip Indian cuisine back to its street-food roots, and to provide diners with an * authentic experience of top-notch food. £12 to The vibrant, contemporary interior makes for a stylish and comfortable £20 environment in which to dine, and the friendly staff are on-hand to ensure your visit is enjoyable. Head chef Abdul Ghafoor holds over 20 years’ experience in the kitchen, and has created a menu that will please even the most discerning of diners.

Alongside favourites such as poppadoms, samosas and chicken tikka, you’ll find some exciting new offerings. Particularly delicious are the succulent nihari lamb, a special dish featuring lamb shank cooked in a flavoursome traditional sauce, served with ginger matchsticks, chilli and lemon. The team also serves Open: delicious tawa sharing platters: traditional skillets packed with the likes of chicken Mon-Sun 11.30am-11pm wings, lamb chops, flatbreads and more. Thali is served from Monday to Friday between 11.30am and 2.30pm. To ensure that everybody is catered for, there’s always a range of tasty vegan and gluten-free options available. Serving small plates in this way introduces an exciting new way to enjoy Indian food, allowing diners to sample a variety of delicious dishes as well as larger plates. With friendly staff, flavoursome food and a welcoming atmosphere, Roti is definitely worth a visit. *Price range represents the cost of three tapas dishes.

Edinburgh Guide 2019

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Indian & Pakistani

The Ashmaan  Location 25 Mill Road, Linlithgow Bridge, Linlithgow, EH49 7QJ t: 0844 502 2256 w: www.theashmaan.co.uk e: info@theashmaan.co.uk The Ashmaan in Linlithgow has been welcoming customers since 1984 and serves some of the best Pakistani and Indian cuisine in the area. The restaurant was opened as a family-owned venture by Rashid Ahmed, and remains with his family to this day. Now, 35 years down the line, this well-loved curry house is still providing locals and visitors alike with the same high-quality authentic dishes.

WL £18 to

£25

Open: Sun-Thurs 5pm-10pm; Fri & Sat 5pm-11pm

All of the Asian dishes are exclusively halal, and available at very affordable prices. There are also a few European options to choose from, including omelettes, fish and chips and salads, but if you don’t try The Ashmaan’s special dishes you’ll really be missing out. Particular favourites include the tandoori mixed grill, and the chef’s special, which comprises a choice of chicken, lamb, prawns or vegetables cooked in spicy green chilli sauce with sweetcorn and chopped onions.

The Ashmaan is very popular, especially at weekends, so advance booking is highly recommended.

If you’d prefer to dine at home, the restaurant offers a takeaway and delivery service, with the full restaurant menu available to order online. The Ashmaan can also cater for private functions, including office parties, social gatherings and celebrations, either at home or in your chosen venue. The restaurant offers a bring-your-own bottle policy, and charges no extra corkage fee.

Nepalese & Indian

Gurkha Café and Restaurant  Location 25-27 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BP t: 0845 649 9981 w: www.gurkhacafe.co.uk e: info@gurkhacafe.co.uk

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Set in the heart of Edinburgh, Gurkha Café and Restaurant brings a taste of Indian and Nepalese cuisine to this vibrant city. A firm favourite with locals, Gurkha has built up an excellent reputation for its authentic, delicious and £20 to beautifully presented dishes and the dedicated team ensures that every guest £25 – whether a regular or first-time visitor – enjoys a relaxed and memorable dining experience.

Inside, the simple, tasteful decor creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that provides a wonderful setting in which to enjoy mouth-watering fare. The menu is a veritable feast of dishes and the extensive selection ensures there’s a delicious option for every palate. To start, the delicately steamed momo dumplings are a popular choice: choose from fillings of chicken or spicy vegetables. Alternatively, if you prefer a traditional Indian favourite, sample Open: the juicy chicken tikka, or share the tandoori mixed starter with your partner.

Mon-Thurs 5pm-10.30pm; The selection of mains at Gurkha Fri & Sat noon-11pm; is impressively varied, too.

Sun noon-10.30pm There’s a range of meat-based and vegetarian dishes on offer, many of which are cooked in the restaurant’s clay oven. For those craving something creamy and rich, there’s the mouth-watering butter chicken or the delicious vegetable korma, while spice-lovers adore the chilli garlic fish and the hot lamb madras – these go perfectly with a side of fluffy pilau rice or subtly sweet apricot naan bread.

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Gautam’s

Nepalese & Indian

 Location 13-14 Dalziel Place, Edinburgh, EH7 5TP t: 0844 625 7609 w: www.gautamsedinburgh.co.uk

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Gautam’s is a family-run restaurant set on the edge of Leith, just a short drive from Edinburgh’s city centre. Gautam’s specialises in authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine; in fact, both of the eatery’s founders began their cooking career with small restaurants in Kathmandu, Nepal. A firm favourite with locals and a well-reviewed destination amongst visitors, Gautam’s is particularly popular for group meals with friends and colleagues, although the relaxed ambience means it’s also the perfect choice for a laid-back date night. Alternatively, if you fancy a night in, Gautam’s also offers a first-class takeaway service.

£15 to

£26

‘...authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine...’

Inside the restaurant, the decor is sleek and elegant, with soft lighting providing a sense of warmth. Behind the bar, the huge selection of spirits encompasses everything from Scottish whisky to luxurious flavoured gin. For those who prefer a pint, there’s a range of beer and ale, and wine-lovers will be delighted by Gautam’s great assortment of red, white and rosé varietals.

‘...relaxed ambience...’

The food selection is impressively varied too, so whether you’re a spice-lover or prefer a mild creamy korma, the menu here has something for everyone.

Begin your meal with an appetising starter: try a classic vegetable samosa, authentic Nepalese chicken momo, or trio of succulent lamb chops marinated in ginger and garlic. If you fancy trying a few different dishes, you could even choose the chef’s mixed starter: this tempting sharer comprises mixed pakora, chicken tikka, seekh kebab and juicy king prawns. Once you’ve whet your appetite, move on to the mains. These hearty, tasty plates range from vegetarian dishes like Bombay aloo and popular saag paneer, to rich chicken bhuna and spicy lamb madras. For those struggling to decide, the chefs have put together a list of house favourites, which includes a sumptuous Himalayan lamb hotpot. To accompany your main, order some freshly made naan bread, a soft chapati or a side of fluffy pilau rice. Be sure to keep an eye on Gautam’s website as the team will soon be opening for lunchtime service too.

Open: Mon-Weds 4pm-10.30pm; Thurs noon-3pm, 5pm-10.30pm; Fri & Sat noon-3pm, 5pm-11pm; Sun noon-3pm, 5pm-10.30pm

Edinburgh Guide 2019

49

Chop Chop

Chinese

 Location 248 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8DT t: 0844 625 4304 w: www.chop-chop.co.uk e: yin@chop-chop.co.uk

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After two successful years selling her internationally renowned Chinese dumplings to the public, Jian Wang opened Chop Chop, a first-rate Chinese restaurant that has been impressing diners since 2006. The best way to sample them is during a visit to Chop Chop, which has retained its AA rosette every year since 2010.

£15 to

£20

‘...internationally renowned...’

Chop Chop regulars will tell you that you simply must start your meal with jiao zi – mouth-watering traditional dumplings filled with a variety of meat and vegetables. Particularly popular choices include lamb and cumin, as well as pork and cabbage. For your main course, try the spicy garlic squid, or sweet and sour pork ribs – tender meat falls off the bone and is infused with a rich, sweet vinegar and soy sauce dressing.

Jian travels to China every year to search for new recipes, ingredients and styles in order to maintain Chop Chop’s well-earned reputation as one of Edinburgh’s best Chinese restaurants. Whether you visit for a full banquet or order a meal to take away, you’re sure to enjoy Chop Chop’s delicious, traditional Chinese food.

Open: Mon-Fri noon-2pm, 5.30pm-10pm; Sat & Sun 12.30pm-2.30pm, 5pm-10pm

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Macau Kitchen

Chinese

 Location 93 St Leonard’s Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9QY t: 0844 625 7988 e: macaukitchenuk@gmail.com

SE

The next best thing to visiting a new place is discovering its cuisine. If Macau is anything like the fusion of flavours its cuisine is known for, it must be an exhilarating place. At Macau Kitchen, chef-patron Kei de Freitas has created a concise menu that showcases the food of the South East Asian port founded

by Portuguese traders in the 16th century. As those early settlers yearned for their Iberian home, their cooking evolved and made use of local ingredients.

Spices added a kick to dishes from their homeland, and one of the world’s oldest fusion cuisines was born. Certainly Macanese cuisine is new to Edinburgh and this small specialist restaurant is probably unique in the UK, so we needed to get up to speed. Kei and his wife Hoeyyn happily answered our questions as we sipped the wine we’d brought along – you too can bring your own booze for just a £5 corkage fee.

£16 to

£24

‘...fusion of flavours...’

The Asian addition in the crisp pastry empada was the spice-infused potatoes, while the polvo salad blended imported Portuguese-style squid with Asian spices and herbs to create the most exquisite of flavour combinations. To follow, the bacalhau à Macau, delicate cod cooked with coconut milk, turmeric and shrimp, melted into the rice beautifully. More robust was the braised pork belly with tamarind and shrimp dressing – the perfect combination of tart and sweet flavours.

‘...cross-cultural atmosphere...’

We were so focused on our culinary exploration that it was only as we came to consider the dessert menu that we really took in our surroundings. Look one way and you find yourself in a cosy Portuguese home, turn another and there are cheerful Chinese decorations. This cross-cultural atmosphere is dramatically captured in Hoeyyn’s wall-sized mixed-media artwork. It’s a clever mingling of the two traditions, and appears to captivate happy diners as they tuck into their food. For an indulgent final flourish we chose serradura – rich vanilla cream layered with biscuit crumbs served in a glass – and a sumptuous orange cake that perfectly cleansed the palate after an array of spices from faraway lands.

Open: Tues-Fri 5pm-10pm; Sat & Sun noon-3pm, 5pm-10pm

Edinburgh Guide 2019

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Chef Profile

Paul Wedgwood – Wedgwood the Restaurant – Pg 3 Winner of Edinburgh Restaurant Awards’ Chef of the Year 2019, Paul Wedgwood is one of Scotland’s leading chefs and restaurateurs. Since opening his eponymous restaurant on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile in 2007, Paul has established himself as a prominent figure in Scotland’s food scene, as well as creating an award-winning and much-loved restaurant. The Sunday Times named Wedgwood one of the five best restaurants in Edinburgh. It has been awarded a series of accolades, including Harden’s Best New Restaurant and the Fodor’s Choice.

‘...one of Scotland’s leading chefs and restaurateurs...’

Paul has proudly represented his city and country at events all over the world, including the annual Celtic Festival in Barbados, where he is head chef. With an outstanding ability to share his passion for food and cooking with others, Paul regularly cooks with kids in local schools and makes appearances on STV and at the Edinburgh Restaurant and Foodies Festivals.

Chef Profile

Darren Murray – Borough – Pg 7 Darren’s career in the kitchen started with dish washing at his local pub in Dunbar. Having dreamed of becoming an artist, Darren quickly developed a passion for all things culinary under the guidance of his head chef.

‘...a passion for all things culinary...’

He honed his craft in several establishments, from pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, before opening Borough in Leith in March 2019. Borough is independently run by Darren and his wife Aleks, and the husband-and-wife team have flourished since working together, allowing Darren’s creativity to shine through on the menu.

It’s not hard to see why Borough has already been nominated for numerous accolades, although Darren believes the highest praise they have received so far is repeat custom and a regularly full restaurant. Darren believes to be a good chef you must be punctual, hard-working and generous.

Chef Profile

Paul Graham – Sonder – Pg 9 Growing up in south Australia, Paul Graham’s passion for cooking and using fresh, seasonal produce developed from an early age. He lived near wineries and small farms which allowed him to experiment with local ingredients at family barbecues.

‘...he pairs mouth-watering

and unique combinations...’

After developing as a chef at The Balmoral, Paul is now head chef at Sonder in Edinburgh. Paul loves to work in every section of the kitchen, continuing to improve his culinary skills and menu.

The influence of Sat Bains is clear in Paul’s dishes, as he pairs mouth-watering and unique combinations. Girolles are Paul’s favourite ingredient; he loves to serve these earthy mushrooms with a simple yet tasty coating of butter and a squeeze of lemon. Paul continues to live by his definition of good food as fresh, tasty, seasonal and simple.

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

Craig Wood – The Wee Restaurant – Pg 12

Chef Profile

Craig Wood has been at the helm of award-winning The Wee Restaurant for over a decade now. Inspired by many of the fantastic chefs and restaurants he worked in, Craig and his wife Vikki opened The Wee Restaurant with the aim of offering uncomplicated yet fresh and mouth-watering food in a relaxed atmosphere. With a strong network of local suppliers, there’s no shortage of exciting new ingredients to work with.

‘...offering uncomplicated yet fresh

and mouth-watering food...’

Craig’s favourite time of year is late spring through to early summer, when he can take advantage of the fantastic produce on offer in the local area. His favourite seasonal ingredient is asparagus, which he sources from Eassie Farm in Glamis, where it is hand-picked, delivered to the restaurant and cooked on the same day.

Peter Duck – La Garrigue – Pg 14

Chef Profile

Peter began his full-time cooking career at the world-famous Claridge’s in London and after being observed by Michelin-starred chef John Williams, was awarded the position of commis chef at The Ritz. Here, Peter honed his skills and nurtured a passion for classical French cooking, which has since translated into La Garrigue’s exceptional menu.

‘...Peter celebrates Scotland’s varied bounty...’

Throughout his career, Peter has worked closely with the likes of Albert Roux and Gordon Ramsay and his experience has taught him the value of using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Working with local suppliers and foraging for his own mushrooms and herbs, Peter celebrates Scotland’s varied bounty in delicious and well-balanced plates. Over the years, La Garrigue’s harmonious flavours have garnered national attention; it currently holds two coveted AA rosettes and was previously featured on Channel 4’s Cooking It.

Daniele Di Marco – Osteria – Pg 20

Chef Profile

Daniele Di Marco grew up helping his aunt and uncle in their restaurant in Italy and was infused with an early respect for authentic flavours and great-quality produce. Now a successful chef in his own right, Daniele is currently at the helm of the award-winning Osteria in North Berwick.

‘...dedication to local provenance...’

Daniele’s favourite time of the year is summer and his favourite seasonal ingredient is fresh lobster, which is often caught in the morning and found on Osteria’s menu by the evening – an impressive show of dedication to local provenance. Daniele believes that a good chef is, above all, passionate, but also understands the importance of having fun and being creative when you’re creating new dishes. A runner-up in the Best Chef category at The Scottish Italian Awards 2018, Daniele hopes to go one better this year and earn the winning title.

Edinburgh Guide 2019

53

Chef Profile

Campbell Mickel – Merienda – Pg 22 Campbell Mickel fell into cooking at a young age and his career started purely by accident. Having intended to get into computer gaming ahead of the curve, Campbell found himself in need of a full-time job at the age of 15; the kitchen was the only place that would take him on. Within a week in a professional kitchen Campbell was hooked, and he’s been making an art and career of cookery ever since.

‘...his positive attitude and natural talent...’

His positive attitude and natural talent took him to some of Scotland’s top restaurants, where he focused on getting the best training possible.

Having worked in the city centre for over 35 years Campbell has forged great working relationships with suppliers, demanding only the best local produce for his innovative menu at Merienda, which continues to thrive under his leadership.

Chef Profile

Abdul Ghani – Shezan – Pg 43 Abdul Ghani has spent his life perfecting the art of cooking Indian cuisine.

What was a much-loved childhood hobby inherited from his parents became Abdul’s life’s work. Honing skills originally taught in his mother’s kitchen and later refined at work with his chef father, Abdul’s determination took him from humble beginnings as a kitchen porter to world travel and a plethora of awards.

‘...spent his life perfecting the art of

cooking Indian cuisine...’

Having brought his inspiring talents to Edinburgh, Abdul took up the position of head chef at Shezan, one of Scotland’s top Indian restaurants, over 30 years ago. His innovative cooking has helped Shezan win numerous awards, including Best of Edinburgh at the Scottish Curry Awards 2014 and 2015, putting him firmly on the map as one of the best Indian chefs in the country. The most important thing for Abdul, though, is customer satisfaction, as he is keen to make sure diners always leave impressed.

Chef Profile

Kei De Freitas – Macau Kitchen – Pg 51 Inspired to pursue cooking by his family, Kei De Freitas trained with chefs from Thailand, Goa and Malaysia – an inspiring array of influences. Kei began his career in Lisbon and he now showcases his flair as head chef at Macau Kitchen.

A firm believer that you never stop learning, Kei’s work reflects the knowledge he has gained from years of experience working with skilled chefs.

‘...he thrives on the challenge of

creating delicious new dishes...’

Kei produces exceptional dishes and now specialises in Portuguese and Macanese cuisine, with the likes of Goan chef Savio Azaredo providing further inspiration. Kei loves to surprise his customers; he thrives on the challenge of creating delicious new dishes to feature on his menu. One of Kei’s favourite ingredients is bacalhau, a popular Portuguese delicacy of dried salt-cured cod, which he enjoys using all year round.

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Edinburgh Guide 2019

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Not only will you find food and drink festivals and markets up and down the country, but there’s also a veritable crop of foodie competitions, festival reviews, interviews with celebrity chefs and up-to-the-minute foodie news to get your teeth stuck into.

Get in touch

hello@foodfestivalfinder.co.uk or call 0117 927 7167 Edinburgh Guide 2019

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Index Above Restaurant at The Abbotsford – Edinburgh............... 5

Ishka – Edinburgh.............................................................. 8

Allan Ramsay – Carlops...................................................... 4

Kahani – Edinburgh.......................................................... 45

Amati Deli – Edinburgh.................................................... 35

Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar & The Dining Room – Edinburgh....27

Amber Restaurant – Edinburgh......................................... 10

Kilted Lobster – Edinburgh............................................... 25

Angels Share Hotel, Bar & Restaurant – Edinburgh........... 10

La Bruschetta – Edinburgh............................................... 20

Ashmaan, The – Linlithgow............................................... 48

La Garrigue – Edinburgh.................................................. 14

AtlanticOrganic at Whitmuir – Lamancha......................... 40

Le Bistrot – Edinburgh..................................................... 13

Auld Hoose, The – Edinburgh............................................ 29

Macau Kitchen – Edinburgh.............................................. 51

Beach House, The – Edinburgh......................................... 37

Magnum, The – Edinburgh.................................................. 7

Boardwalk Beach Club – Edinburgh.................................. 39

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar – Edinburgh........................... 11

Boat House – South Queensferry....................................... 31

Malvarosa – Edinburgh.................................................... 23

Bombay Lounge – Dalkeith............................................... 47

Merienda – Edinburgh...................................................... 22

Bonsai – Edinburgh.......................................................... 42

Miros – Edinburgh........................................................... 21

Borough – Edinburgh......................................................... 7

Newsroom, The – Edinburgh............................................. 34

Brewhemia – Edinburgh................................................... 30

Orchard, The – Edinburgh................................................. 32

Bubba Q – Edinburgh....................................................... 17

Osteria – North Berwick................................................... 20

Burgers & Beers Grillhouse – Edinburgh........................... 16

Oxtail, The – Edinburgh.................................................... 15

Café at the Palace – Edinburgh......................................... 38

Pizza Geeks – Edinburgh.................................................. 19

Carfraemill – Carfraemill................................................. 11

Pizza Posto – Edinburgh................................................... 18

Charwood – Edinburgh..................................................... 17

Purslane – Edinburgh......................................................... 4

Checkpoint – Edinburgh.................................................... 28

Quattro Zero – Edinburgh................................................. 21

Chop Chop – Edinburgh.................................................... 50

Roti – Edinburgh.............................................................. 47

Coro the Chocolate Café – Edinburgh................................ 40

Sabor Criollo – Edinburgh................................................ 23

Drinks & Dining at Ten Hill Place Hotel – Edinburgh......... 26

Sheep Heid Inn, The – Edinburgh...................................... 35

Edinburgh Larder – Edinburgh......................................... 36

Shezan – Edinburgh......................................................... 43

Fahrenheit Restaurant & Bar – Edinburgh......................... 33

Slurp at the Kirk – Edinburgh........................................... 42

Flotterstone Inn, The – Milton Bridge............................... 41

Smoke Stack – Edinburgh................................................ 15

Forage & Chatter – Edinburgh............................................ 6

Sonder – Edinburgh............................................................ 9

Forth Floor Brasserie, The – Edinburgh............................. 12

Spitaki – Edinburgh......................................................... 24

Forth Floor Restaurant, The – Edinburgh............................ 3

Stair Arms Hotel, The – Midlothian.................................. 16

Frankenstein – Edinburgh................................................. 32

Street, The – Edinburgh.................................................... 31

Gallery Restaurant at The Guildford Arms – Edinburgh........ 5

Tanjore – Edinburgh......................................................... 44

Garvald Inn, The – Garvald............................................... 41

Tapa – Edinburgh............................................................. 23

Gautam’s – Edinburgh...................................................... 49

Taxidi – Edinburgh........................................................... 24

Gurkha Café and Restaurant – Edinburgh.......................... 48

Voodoo Rooms, The – Edinburgh....................................... 35

Harajuku Kitchen – Edinburgh.......................................... 43

Wedgwood the Restaurant – Edinburgh............................... 3

Hendersons – Edinburgh................................................... 25

Wee Restaurant, The – Edinburgh, North Queensferry........ 12

Hewats – Edinburgh........................................................... 6

Whighams Wine Cellars – Edinburgh.................................. 9

Hula Juice Café & Gallery – Edinburgh............................. 36

Whiski Bar & Restaurant – Edinburgh.............................. 29

Indian Lounge – Edinburgh............................................... 46

Whiski Rooms – Edinburgh................................................. 8

56

Edinburgh Guide 2019

Indian Restaurant Winner at Scottish Curry Awards 2019

An illustrious, award-winning and stellar restaurant located in Edinburgh’s bustling city centre Now serving an array of vegan, gluten-free and halal dishes

www.shezanedinburgh.com 24-25 Union Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3NQ 0844 625 4365 enquiries@shezanedinburgh.com

BOARDWALK BEACH CLUB –Silverknowes Beach –

Winner of Best Café and Deli by Edinburgh Evening News and nominated for Best Informal Eating Experience at VisitScotland’s Scottish Thistle Awards.

Escape the city and retreat to Boardwalk Beach Club, just three miles from the city centre. Enjoy delicious Illy coffee, luscious cakes and tasty food in a relaxed atmosphere. Surrounded by incredible scenery overlooking the stunning beach, with rolling countryside in the distance, there’s no better place to enjoy Edinburgh than on Scotland’s Bondi Beach. Live the dream.

0844 502 9766

50 Marine Drive, Edinburgh, EH4 5ES