A flexible gastropub in Leith’s competitive Shore district. Mara shines with its outdoor seating, local craft ales, and late weekend hours. The menu is strong, though some main dishes feel more like light bites. A stylish spot for discerning friends.
Eat your fill with food and drink in Edinburgh
Ah, a favourite subject of ours! When it comes to food and drink in Edinburgh, the city is just brimming with restaurants, cafes, bistros, gastro pubs, pizzerias, chippies and just about everything else to tickle your fancy.
If you're looking to dine out, Girdy & Birdy are gradually eating their way through the 'Burgh and updating their restaurant experiences regularly, both on the blog, and - more frequently - through social media.
You don't even have to eat out, either! You can order in, with many delivery services (such as JustEat, Deliveroo and UberEats) happy to bring exactly what you want straight to your door. Food and drink in Edinburgh is always a delight!
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Review: Mother Hubbard’s, Fish and Chips at Ocean Terminal
A practical, clean spot with room for prams, located by the Vue cinema. Sadly, the slow service is a deal-breaker if you’re in a hurry. You’ll find better, faster fish and chips on Bernard Street.
Waverley Station’s Costa Coffee reopens (and it’s great news for early commuters!)
Great news for Edinburgh commuters. The Waverley Station Costa has reopened with a fresh new look, baked pastries, and is now serving coffee from 5:15am.
Review: Nobles by Bellfield, a worthy successor to Leith’s Nobles
Bellfield takes over Leith’s iconic Nobles bar, and it’s a triumph. The stunning brass and stained-glass interior is safe, now with Bellfield’s (gluten-free!) craft beer on tap. Guest kitchen Bia provided delicious burgers on a buzzing, dog-friendly opening night.
Review: The King’s Wark, a gastropub in Leith
Located in a building of Royal construction, The King’s Wark offers a classic gastro pub menu, featuring standout fish and chips, and relaxing window views on Leith’s famous Shore.
Review: Gin and Rum Festival, Assembly Rooms
While the lengthy queues and £7-a-drink tokens might give you pause, the Gin and Rum Festival delivers on its core promise: an incredible variety of spirits you won’t find on the high street. For enthusiasts, exploring this collection in the beautiful Assembly Rooms makes it a worthwhile, if expensive, treat.
Review: Cafe Kawaii, a bubble tea and art toy gem on London Road
For the best bubble tea in Edinburgh and a unique collection of art toys, look no further than Cafe Kawaii. This small, independent shop packs a mighty punch with its quality, charm, and authentic connection to fan culture. It’s a well-deserved 5/5.
Review: Paradise Palms, a vegetarian restaurant on the Southside
Paradise Palms offers an inventive and delicious vegetarian menu in a quirky, vibrant setting in Edinburgh’s Southside, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.