Edinburgh’s restaurants are beginning to stir from their autumn hibernation, that lull when the city takes breath after the insatiable level of demand for big plates of food during the summer festival season.
While there is a flurry of Michelin stars around these parts and an abundance of white linen clad tables in fashionable salons, we prefer the charms of Edinburgh’s burgeoning gastropub scene. We’ve picked out five of the best dishes we have sampled recently to give you a flavour of what you should be looking for.
Seafood platter at King’s Wark
One of Edinburgh’s oldest bars has some of the finest food you’ll enjoy with a pint of craft ale. They have many dishes we could mention, some garnished with bacon jam (BACON JAM!) but that’s for another post. If you are looking for an array of seafood beside the Water of Leith check out their impeccably presented platter.
Brunch at Hamilton’s Bar
Another bar, another outstanding dish. Hamilton’s is a cosy, comfortable and well appointed hangout in genteel Stockbridge. On a Saturday morning you should visit. Brunch is ever so fashionable and there are a variety of contenders for best in Edinburgh. Right now our favourite is Hamilton’s sliced avocado and poached egg on toasted sour dough with homemade chorizo jam (more meat based jam, it’s definitely a thing). Give it a go.
Hot dogs at The Other Place
The Other Place was originally a pub called The Stag’s Head. There’s a little mosaic at the threshold to commemorate this fact. This is not actually much of a pub anymore, more of a casual neighbourhood restaurant that happens to have a nice dark wood bar in the corner.
Gastro gourmet hot dogs are a major food trend at the moment and these guys have their own recipe: half pork, half beef. Toppings options include chilli, salami or haggis. It’s Edinburgh, pretty much anything you order comes with the option to add haggis. We approve.
Scotch egg at a Room in Leith
Teuchtar’s Landing used to be the ferry station for the boat to Aberdeen. Across the cobbled street outside they have a small dining room, opposite the offices of the Scottish government. A much under-rated Scottish dish is given the full gourmet treatment here. Service is impeccable and there is much to explore in the menu. For mains, look out for spectacular seafood specials.
Scottish tapas at The Canon’s Gait
Head to the old part of Edinburgh and you’ll find this modern bar with a historic name. The room a bit too bright and generic for our tastes but the food is worth the trip. Look for the small plates, surprising preparations of all kinds of Scottish artisan fare. A pint of Black Isle Blonde is quite tasty too.