Latest reviews for Restaurants in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Home Bistro - by richardwb

richardwb — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:58:09 +0000

Review by richardwb

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 667 7010

I eat here at least every two weeks both at lunchtimes and early evening. Very friendly and efficient service and very good food. The menu could do with changing a bit more often, but that is a minor issue.

It is definitely our favourite pre-theatre eatery. Booking advisable as it is very small and deservedly popular.I eat here at least every two weeks both at lunchtimes and early evening. Very friendly and efficient service and very good food. The menu could do with changing a bit more often, but that is a minor issue.

It is definitely our favourite pre-theatre eatery. Booking advisable as it is very small and deservedly popular.

The Witchery By The Castle - Dissapointing by DBF

DBF — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:51:46 +0000

Review by DBF

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0131 225 5613

Website: http://www.thewitchery.com

Tags: romantic, expensive, scottish

We paid a long awaited visit to the Witchery recently and found the whole experience rather dissapointing and pretentious.
The Fish chowder starter was uninspiring and watery, the Chateubriand for two (at Â£56.00) was minuscule. We had a side dish of Brocoli with Anchovey butter, but this was too strong to acomany anything less than a Vindaloo!
We eventually found a nice bottle of wine (having scoured the 89 page wine list) but were so dissapointed with the dining experience that we left without attempting a sweet.
We liked the unique surroundings and atmosphere...but have eaten far better food at Gastro pubs, and at a fraction of the cost.

We paid a long awaited visit to the Witchery recently and found the whole experience rather dissapointing and pretentious.
The Fish chowder starter was uninspiring and watery, the Chateubriand for two (at Â£56.00) was minuscule. We had a side dish of Brocoli with Anchovey butter, but this was too strong to acomany anything less than a Vindaloo!
We eventually found a nice bottle of wine (having scoured the 89 page wine list) but were so dissapointed with the dining experience that we left without attempting a sweet.
We liked the unique surroundings and atmosphere...but have eaten far better food at Gastro pubs, and at a fraction of the cost.

Szechuan Restaurant - Just like China by keiboy

keiboy — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 19:22:46 +0000

Review by keiboy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 229 4655

Tags: chinese, lively, good value

After having lived in China for a few years, I gave up on finding decent Chinese food in Edinburgh, that was until the Szechuan Restaurant came on the scene.
It replaced an ok-ish Chinese restaurant and all of a sudden Chinese food was good again :)
The staff are friendly and generally helpful - plus any Chinese restaurant where you find Chinese people eating is a good place to dine.

This one delivers.

* * * * * * * * *

Just went back to the Szechuan Restaurant (08/10/08) with a party of 23 people and they were again fantastic. The food was great and the staff were attentive - and very helpful in their suggestions.
Even the picky eaters in the group left happy, promising to return.After having lived in China for a few years, I gave up on finding decent Chinese food in Edinburgh, that was until the Szechuan Restaurant came on the scene.
It replaced an ok-ish Chinese restaurant and all of a sudden Chinese food was good again :)
The staff are friendly and generally helpful - plus any Chinese restaurant where you find Chinese people eating is a good place to dine.

This one delivers.

* * * * * * * * *

Just went back to the Szechuan Restaurant (08/10/08) with a party of 23 people and they were again fantastic. The food was great and the staff were attentive - and very helpful in their suggestions.
Even the picky eaters in the group left happy, promising to return.

Monster Mash - masssshhhhhh by messydesk

messydesk — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:18:06 +0000

Review by messydesk

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 225 7069

Website: http://www.monstermashcafe.co.uk

Tags: british, crowded, good value

Ah, Monster Mash, what better than sausage and mash after a long day in a cold, wet, hilly city like Edinburgh? It's a lovely looking place, very simply decorated with lovely booth tables but the best thing about the place is the food. Sausage and mash is pretty good even if it's bad but at Monster Mash they've taken the art to a higher level. It's one of the few places I visit a lot where I've only ever tasted one dish, the vegetarian sausages with the mustard mash and onion gravy. It's so good that I can't bear not to order it no matter what else looks good on the menu. They have different sausages every day I remember things like leek and cheese, rosemary and mint and once even a carroty affair. The rest of the menu seems to be mostly different kinds of pie and the puddings are school dinner faire like steamed pudding but like I say, I just can't tear myself away from the sausage and most particularly, the mustard mash. It gets a really busy but I always go off peak as it's so good to go there really really hungry and stuff your face with their warm, delicious comfort food.Ah, Monster Mash, what better than sausage and mash after a long day in a cold, wet, hilly city like Edinburgh? It's a lovely looking place, very simply decorated with lovely booth tables but the best thing about the place is the food. Sausage and mash is pretty good even if it's bad but at Monster Mash they've taken the art to a higher level. It's one of the few places I visit a lot where I've only ever tasted one dish, the vegetarian sausages with the mustard mash and onion gravy. It's so good that I can't bear not to order it no matter what else looks good on the menu. They have different sausages every day I remember things like leek and cheese, rosemary and mint and once even a carroty affair. The rest of the menu seems to be mostly different kinds of pie and the puddings are school dinner faire like steamed pudding but like I say, I just can't tear myself away from the sausage and most particularly, the mustard mash. It gets a really busy but I always go off peak as it's so good to go there really really hungry and stuff your face with their warm, delicious comfort food.

The Nile Valley Cafe - A hidden gem! by afterevent

afterevent — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:24:25 +0000

Review by afterevent

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 667 8200

Tags: cheap eat, crowded, good value

Walking past the Nile Valley Cafe you may think that it looks just like any normal 'greasy spoon'. but that couldn't be further than the truth. I love it here. There is such a diverse choice of foods, both from something hearty to a quick bite to eat. The prices are unbelieveable too. What is also unbelieveable is the amount of food they manage to cram into their sandwiches, rolls and wraps. It looks like a struggle for them to put it all together, and it is certainly a struggle to eat it all! Service here is fantastic, and so is their coffee - really mellow and smooth. Highly recommended place to go and unwind!Walking past the Nile Valley Cafe you may think that it looks just like any normal 'greasy spoon'. but that couldn't be further than the truth. I love it here. There is such a diverse choice of foods, both from something hearty to a quick bite to eat. The prices are unbelieveable too. What is also unbelieveable is the amount of food they manage to cram into their sandwiches, rolls and wraps. It looks like a struggle for them to put it all together, and it is certainly a struggle to eat it all! Service here is fantastic, and so is their coffee - really mellow and smooth. Highly recommended place to go and unwind!

PizzaExpress - Great food! by afterevent

afterevent — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:20:11 +0000

Review by afterevent

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 225 8863

Website: http://www.pizzaexpress.co.uk

Tags: italian, romantic, lively

Ok, so Pizza Express is a chain of pizza restaurants, but so is pizza hut. So whats the difference? Why should Pizza Express get a fab five stars? Its because of the delicious food, the great service, the cool and sophisticated decor and the excellent prices. Pizza hut is a million miles away in all respects! Although they don't just do pizza's, this is where their speciality is. All are absolutely delicious and are 'proper' pizzas - none of that stodge served in the other place! Toppings are sophisticated and all are delicious. For what you get and the quality of it, the price is also cheap!Ok, so Pizza Express is a chain of pizza restaurants, but so is pizza hut. So whats the difference? Why should Pizza Express get a fab five stars? Its because of the delicious food, the great service, the cool and sophisticated decor and the excellent prices. Pizza hut is a million miles away in all respects! Although they don't just do pizza's, this is where their speciality is. All are absolutely delicious and are 'proper' pizzas - none of that stodge served in the other place! Toppings are sophisticated and all are delicious. For what you get and the quality of it, the price is also cheap!

Mosque Kitchen - Unusual place! by afterevent

afterevent — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:16:25 +0000

Review by afterevent

Rating: 3.00

Tags: indian, cheap eat, crowded

Ok, so i didnt believe my friends when they said about a mosque serving indian food which closes when prayer time comes around. However is all true! I did feel quite old when i went to the mosque kitchen, the clientelle appears to be predominantly student based. That could be because of the price? Its so cheap! Also, don't expect fine cutlery or plates! Maybe i'm a bit old fashioned to expect in a restaruant to eat of plates that you don't throw away at the end of the meal! However the food itself is clearly why they are so busy. its delicious! and recommended based on that and that alone!Ok, so i didnt believe my friends when they said about a mosque serving indian food which closes when prayer time comes around. However is all true! I did feel quite old when i went to the mosque kitchen, the clientelle appears to be predominantly student based. That could be because of the price? Its so cheap! Also, don't expect fine cutlery or plates! Maybe i'm a bit old fashioned to expect in a restaruant to eat of plates that you don't throw away at the end of the meal! However the food itself is clearly why they are so busy. its delicious! and recommended based on that and that alone!

Orchid Lodge - Really nice food, but relatively small portions! by afterevent

afterevent — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:11:10 +0000

Review by afterevent

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 226 2505

Tags: chinese, good value, lively

Don't get me wrong, i really like the Orchid Lodge. Its fab for lunches with work or just a meal when you are out in the evening. Its nice and homely and the staff here are friendly, approachable and are happy to do whatever they can to make you happy! The menu choices are also as you would expect of any chinese - quite a varied choice but as a previous reviewer has said, not in the dessert section (although i never usually select a chinese dessert). In comparison to other chinese restaurants, i don't think you quite get as much, hence the four stars instead of five. Prices are the same as any other restaurant so i almost felt a little cheated! Food tastes fantastic though!Don't get me wrong, i really like the Orchid Lodge. Its fab for lunches with work or just a meal when you are out in the evening. Its nice and homely and the staff here are friendly, approachable and are happy to do whatever they can to make you happy! The menu choices are also as you would expect of any chinese - quite a varied choice but as a previous reviewer has said, not in the dessert section (although i never usually select a chinese dessert). In comparison to other chinese restaurants, i don't think you quite get as much, hence the four stars instead of five. Prices are the same as any other restaurant so i almost felt a little cheated! Food tastes fantastic though!

Old Penang - Great place for a sexy date! by afterevent

afterevent — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:04:53 +0000

Review by afterevent

Rating: 5.00

Tags: good value, lively, romantic

If i were to say what Old Penang would be best for, it would be to take someone on a date. The restaurant is actually quite small, but that, along with the decor, makes it a very intimate and romantic atmosphere. Therefore, the perfect place to take someone on a first, second, third or fiftieth date! Although you do feel a little boxed in, you still seem to have privacy which is even better. The food here is fabulous, quite a choice from the standard menu and some delicious specials as well. So far i tend to stick to the specials as they change regularly. Price wise its also greatIf i were to say what Old Penang would be best for, it would be to take someone on a date. The restaurant is actually quite small, but that, along with the decor, makes it a very intimate and romantic atmosphere. Therefore, the perfect place to take someone on a first, second, third or fiftieth date! Although you do feel a little boxed in, you still seem to have privacy which is even better. The food here is fabulous, quite a choice from the standard menu and some delicious specials as well. So far i tend to stick to the specials as they change regularly. Price wise its also great

Hanedan Restaurant - Great food! by afterevent

afterevent — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:01:07 +0000

Review by afterevent

Rating: 5.00

Tags: lively, crowded, cheap eat

This is a fantastic, abeit small, restaurant. You could be understood if you carried on walking after making assumptions about what it would be like, but if you do, you will be making a terrible mistake. The chef here is truly a master of the culinary arts and is so welcoming and friendly to his customers - not something i've experienced before! Service is lightningly fast and with a smile so that just adds to the wonderful experience you will have here. There is a good choice of dishes, all prepared in full view of the customers so that is reassuring too. The meat is so tender and just melts in your mouth!This is a fantastic, abeit small, restaurant. You could be understood if you carried on walking after making assumptions about what it would be like, but if you do, you will be making a terrible mistake. The chef here is truly a master of the culinary arts and is so welcoming and friendly to his customers - not something i've experienced before! Service is lightningly fast and with a smile so that just adds to the wonderful experience you will have here. There is a good choice of dishes, all prepared in full view of the customers so that is reassuring too. The meat is so tender and just melts in your mouth!

International Starters - Fantastic idea! by afterevent

afterevent — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:57:33 +0000

Review by afterevent

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 555 2546

Tags: lively, bar, romantic

I think the principle behind International Starters is a fantastic idea - something of a new principle in restaurants and i wouldn't be suprised if it doesn't take off across the country! The idea is that you get to sample food from across the world but in smaller portions. We arrived on time and were seated immediately (but not rushed). Service here is most definately impressive, the staff are really friendly and out to have some fun. You kind of get swept up in the euphoria of the place and can't help but enjoy yourself! Food is cooked perfectly and such a wide choice you don't actually know what to go for! Recommended!I think the principle behind International Starters is a fantastic idea - something of a new principle in restaurants and i wouldn't be suprised if it doesn't take off across the country! The idea is that you get to sample food from across the world but in smaller portions. We arrived on time and were seated immediately (but not rushed). Service here is most definately impressive, the staff are really friendly and out to have some fun. You kind of get swept up in the euphoria of the place and can't help but enjoy yourself! Food is cooked perfectly and such a wide choice you don't actually know what to go for! Recommended!

La Garrigue - Great french food! by afterevent

afterevent — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:53:25 +0000

Review by afterevent

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 557 3032

Website: http://www.lagarrigue.co.uk

Tags: french, lively, romantic

Until now, I had never been to a proper french restaurant. I'm glad La Garringue was my first one! It set the high standard that all other french restuarants need to meet in my opinion! Its really nicely decorated and has a bit of a homely feel, yet its cool and sophisticated as well. The service is prompt, polite and very friendly. The menu choice is wide, many different dishes to choose from and several specials as well. Food arrived promptly and tasted divine. Couldn't fault anything with them, even the price wasn't excessive for what we had! I'll definately be going back, i suggest you do too!Until now, I had never been to a proper french restaurant. I'm glad La Garringue was my first one! It set the high standard that all other french restuarants need to meet in my opinion! Its really nicely decorated and has a bit of a homely feel, yet its cool and sophisticated as well. The service is prompt, polite and very friendly. The menu choice is wide, many different dishes to choose from and several specials as well. Food arrived promptly and tasted divine. Couldn't fault anything with them, even the price wasn't excessive for what we had! I'll definately be going back, i suggest you do too!

Wing Sing Inn - A unique experience! by afterevent

afterevent — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:49:28 +0000

Review by afterevent

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 228 6668

Tags: lively, crowded, chinese

Having been invited to join some friends at Wing Sing Inn, i have to admit i wasn't quite prepared for the experince i was about to have. It started innocently enough, it wasn't too busy (it was quite early) and we were seated quickly. Then the menu's came. I don't really know what i expected, probably the standard chinese menu - but this is most definately not that! I really didn't know what to have, so my friends who have been here a few times ordered for me. I actually have no idea what i had during the meal, but it was absolutely delicious. Some of it tasted like chicken, but based on the menu, i expect it wasn't! Prices are pretty good too, you really do get a lot!Having been invited to join some friends at Wing Sing Inn, i have to admit i wasn't quite prepared for the experince i was about to have. It started innocently enough, it wasn't too busy (it was quite early) and we were seated quickly. Then the menu's came. I don't really know what i expected, probably the standard chinese menu - but this is most definately not that! I really didn't know what to have, so my friends who have been here a few times ordered for me. I actually have no idea what i had during the meal, but it was absolutely delicious. Some of it tasted like chicken, but based on the menu, i expect it wasn't! Prices are pretty good too, you really do get a lot!

Restaurant Martin Wishart - recommended! by afterevent

afterevent — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:48:13 +0000

Review by afterevent

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 553 3557

Website: http://www.martin-wishart.co.uk

Tags: french, expensive, romantic

I really enjoyed my visit to restaurant Martin Wishart. I went there with my girlfriend and she was was impressed too! The atmosphere is quiet, but that also means its a romantic and intimate place to go with the one you love! The staff here are really friendly too and go out of their way to make you relaxed. There is a good choice of food, and it will appeal to all tastes. The food we chose was absolutely delicious, a huge mountain of food cooked perfectly! It not the cheapest place to eat in the area, but one of the best! Its well worth it!I really enjoyed my visit to restaurant Martin Wishart. I went there with my girlfriend and she was was impressed too! The atmosphere is quiet, but that also means its a romantic and intimate place to go with the one you love! The staff here are really friendly too and go out of their way to make you relaxed. There is a good choice of food, and it will appeal to all tastes. The food we chose was absolutely delicious, a huge mountain of food cooked perfectly! It not the cheapest place to eat in the area, but one of the best! Its well worth it!

A Room In The Town - Great Scottish fare by bluedog

bluedog — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:57:10 +0000

Review by bluedog

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 225 8204

Website: http://www.aroomin.co.uk

Tags: scottish, vegetarian dishes

A lovely atmospheric restaurant in the heart of the new town. selling unashamedly Scottish fare but in a beautiful and tasty way. The owner is a genial and friendly chap even if he did try and convince us that banofee pie was invented in Scotland!

A very popular place with few sittings means you will have a great time but make sure you book in advance.

the restaurant operates a bring your own service so you can save even more money (and there's a good off-licence just across the road!)

Highly recommended, espeically if you are a visitor and want a 'taste of scotland'A lovely atmospheric restaurant in the heart of the new town. selling unashamedly Scottish fare but in a beautiful and tasty way. The owner is a genial and friendly chap even if he did try and convince us that banofee pie was invented in Scotland!

A very popular place with few sittings means you will have a great time but make sure you book in advance.

the restaurant operates a bring your own service so you can save even more money (and there's a good off-licence just across the road!)

Highly recommended, espeically if you are a visitor and want a 'taste of scotland'

The Mussel & Steak Bar - by olliebax

olliebax — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:35:45 +0000

Review by olliebax

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 225 5028

Tags: terrace, scottish

Excellent little place specializing in surf and turf, just off the Princes Road, so an ideal meal out for any Edinburgh Festival-goers. The prices are not too shocking, and the food tastes really good. Needless to say, there is a faint nautical theme, and the walls are all white, making you feel like you could be in a local restaurant right on the coast (having said this, this is far from a 'themed' restaurant, just a definite choice of decor!) Highly recommend this place, I still have the card in my wallet from when I visited about five years ago!Excellent little place specializing in surf and turf, just off the Princes Road, so an ideal meal out for any Edinburgh Festival-goers. The prices are not too shocking, and the food tastes really good. Needless to say, there is a faint nautical theme, and the walls are all white, making you feel like you could be in a local restaurant right on the coast (having said this, this is far from a 'themed' restaurant, just a definite choice of decor!) Highly recommend this place, I still have the card in my wallet from when I visited about five years ago!

David Bann - delicious by richfair

richfair — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:14:25 +0000

Review by richfair

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 556 5888

Website: http://www.davidbann.com

Tags: vegetarian, romantic, good value

I had an amazing meal at David Bann during the Edinburgh festival. I went with a group of 8 and they were very friendly and accommodating. It was one of those very long leisurely dinner with lots of great food an wine and it was lovely!

I thought the food was delicious-- I had pumpkin ravioli and chili with chocolate coriander sauce. Just thinking about it now makes my mouth water! Everyone with me absolutely loved their meal. The atmosphere is very clean and nice-- a bit upscale. The prices are a little expensive, but you get what you pay for-- it was well worth it.I had an amazing meal at David Bann during the Edinburgh festival. I went with a group of 8 and they were very friendly and accommodating. It was one of those very long leisurely dinner with lots of great food an wine and it was lovely!

I thought the food was delicious-- I had pumpkin ravioli and chili with chocolate coriander sauce. Just thinking about it now makes my mouth water! Everyone with me absolutely loved their meal. The atmosphere is very clean and nice-- a bit upscale. The prices are a little expensive, but you get what you pay for-- it was well worth it.

Mammas American Pizza Co - pizza by liam_mackenzie

liam_mackenzie — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:14:28 +0000

Review by liam_mackenzie

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 225 6464

Tags: italian, crowded, lively

There's not a whole lot of choice apart from pizza though lasagne etc are available but there is a massive choice of pizza toppings. If you fancy haggis with marshmallow and anchovie pizza then this is the place to satisfy your craving. There is a huge selection of ingredients from which to make your more usual combinations to choose from which are delicious. The starers are pretty standard such as nachos and butterfly wings but its not fine dining you're here for and its all nice and tasty. Reassuringly the kitchen is in plain view which is always good. A great spot in the grassmarket and if we ever get a sunny day the outside tables will be nice.There's not a whole lot of choice apart from pizza though lasagne etc are available but there is a massive choice of pizza toppings. If you fancy haggis with marshmallow and anchovie pizza then this is the place to satisfy your craving. There is a huge selection of ingredients from which to make your more usual combinations to choose from which are delicious. The starers are pretty standard such as nachos and butterfly wings but its not fine dining you're here for and its all nice and tasty. Reassuringly the kitchen is in plain view which is always good. A great spot in the grassmarket and if we ever get a sunny day the outside tables will be nice.

Viva Mexico - Good grub by liam_mackenzie

liam_mackenzie — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:08:57 +0000

Review by liam_mackenzie

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 226 5145

Tags: american, mexican, lively

This has been open for years and if it aint broke... It's in an excellent location for either nights in old town or new and handy for the station if travelling in.
The food is excelent with the mole poblemo (chicken in chocolate sauce) being interesting and tasty and all the usual fajitas, burritos and chimichangas available. From Stag do's (including my own which must be a recommendation) to family meals out with the kids this place caters to all. There is a good selection of mexican beers -including my favourite bohemia- and the marguritas are great too!This has been open for years and if it aint broke... It's in an excellent location for either nights in old town or new and handy for the station if travelling in.
The food is excelent with the mole poblemo (chicken in chocolate sauce) being interesting and tasty and all the usual fajitas, burritos and chimichangas available. From Stag do's (including my own which must be a recommendation) to family meals out with the kids this place caters to all. There is a good selection of mexican beers -including my favourite bohemia- and the marguritas are great too!

Jimmy Chung's - Great value by liam_mackenzie

liam_mackenzie — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:56:48 +0000

Review by liam_mackenzie

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 228 8688

Website: http://www.jimmychungs.com

Tags: chinese, cheap eat, cheap

It's not high class cuisine but there's a good choice of food which will keep almost everyone happy. Of the chinese bufets in town this is the best I've tried and the food is always good and plentiful. Lots of the usual favourites and the odd unusual dish. The highlight is the duck with pancakes (dinner only unfortunately so a bit of a let down at lunch times).
There's a good choice of deserts with tasty cakes as well as ice cream, jelly or banana fritters.
The staff are friendly and efficient with groups and children well catered for and birthday cakes and awful songs played if requested. I's also in a great spot in town and handy for the castle terrace car park.It's not high class cuisine but there's a good choice of food which will keep almost everyone happy. Of the chinese bufets in town this is the best I've tried and the food is always good and plentiful. Lots of the usual favourites and the odd unusual dish. The highlight is the duck with pancakes (dinner only unfortunately so a bit of a let down at lunch times).
There's a good choice of deserts with tasty cakes as well as ice cream, jelly or banana fritters.
The staff are friendly and efficient with groups and children well catered for and birthday cakes and awful songs played if requested. I's also in a great spot in town and handy for the castle terrace car park.