Being an Edinburgh food blogger I probably go out for food a lot more than any sane person on my salary should. I don’t want all of my hard work of eating my way around Edinburgh to be in vain, so here are my recommended restaurants in Edinburgh. I’ve linked to my restaurant reviews where applicable.
I’m a an average chick with a very average salary, and although I do enjoy a nice fancy dinner every now and again, I won’t recommend anything too fancy here. These are nice places where you can get a good midweek supper without apologising to your bank manager.
Best for Takeaway
La Favorita: by far the best pizzas in Edinburgh. Try the Cinque Formaggio for a cheese-fest, or create your own (I like pear, pancetta and gorgonzola)
Guru Balti: A tiny little restaurant nearby Fountain Park; I didn’t like curry until I tried their lamb passanda. The naan’s are as big as your head.
Shapla: If you’re in Leith, don’t even consider ordering your Indian food from anywhere else.
Los Cardos: Big tasty quesadillas; I’ve never got round to trying anything else. Lovely carnitas, an array of salsas, and service with a smile.
Imperial Palace: Out in suburbia, they do great dumplings and authentic Chinese cuisine to rival the mighty Chop Chop. It’s fairly cheap too.
Wannaburger: I loved this place when it was a proper restaurant, and although I’m a bit sad that they changed there is no denying that their burgers are still on top form; particularly the veggie burger (I like mine with roquefort).
Lazybones bonus: Guru Balti, Shapla and Los Cardos both offer online ordering via Just-Eat.co.uk, and you can order La Favorita from their own site (I’ve done it via my smartphone, it’s that simple).
Best for Sitting In
Tapa: Lunchtime tapas for two are brilliant. Try the aubergines with honey, yum yum yum.
The Smokestack: Veggie burger with blue cheese and bacon. They don’t even look at me funny when I order that.
Sushiya: Tiny wee hole in the wall in Dalry, but the best sushi I’ve ever tasted. Staff are friendly and will bring you more food if you like, they’re in no rush to clear the tables even though they’re very small and busy. Get the rainbow roll for great success.
Illegal Jacks: They profess to be a tex mex hangout and they are. A nice informal place to catch up with friends.
Dusit: Very nice reasonably priced Thai food
Best for Something a Bit Different
The Aghtamar Lake Van Monastery in Exile: To go here you have to phone and leave a message on a very old answering machine and hope that the eccentric owner will phone you back. Edinburgh’s first supper club.
XiangBala Hot Pot: Like fondue, only healthier. Order your food raw (razor clams, crab claws, thinly sliced lamb) and cook it in bubbling broth.
Nile Valley Cafe: Delicious sudanese food: lots of hummus, aubergines, and lamb. Another BYOB.
Taste of Africa: BYOB and located on Great Junction Street, this is really worth popping in just to meet the friendly owner and take in the decor. The food may not be to everyone’s tastes, but try it and you might be surprised.
Kublai Khan: Famous for their buffet restaurants in Glasgow and Edinburgh, you choose your food raw (including exotic meats like camel and kangaroo) and it’s stir fried Mongolian style. If you go on your birthday you get the full warrior treatment…
If you think there’s somewhere in Edinburgh that might blow my mind (after reading that modest list) gimme a shout and I’ll pop in and see what I think.