Review: Bandits Burgers, Leith Walk

Bandits Burgers is a name both new and familiar to Leith Walk. The team, previously a covered startup situated in the Leith Arches, has opened up in the rather funky unit that Kilted Donut used to occupy.

I thought the Bandits’ food truck was okay, but the Bandits’ restaurant is good. Inside, you have a clean, spacious corner unit with wide windows that let you sit and watch the world go by. They have a liquor licence, so there are beers on tap, including Pilot Beer, as well as vodka and other spirits available. But, of course, you are in Bandits because you want a burger.

A Burger-Centric Menu

You have lots of opportunities and choices here, including vegan burgers. The titular Bandit Burger is a five-ounce beef patty with lettuce, tomato, pickle, Bandits burger sauce, and a toasted bun. It is a solid foundation for the menu.

I have in the past gone for the Jail Bird, which is a crispy breaded chicken breast topped with Frank’s buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickle. I’ve also tried the El Bandito, which is a five-ounce beef burger with crispy chorizo, chilli cheese, jalapeño, red pepper, and chilli mayo.

There is more to the menu than just burgers. You can get Frank’s buffalo wings, Honey BBQ wings, or Sriracha wings. There is a whole wing selection and indeed a rib selection. Bandits also do ice cream and churros. Importantly for my stomach, as I am hard to fill up, they do dirty fries. I definitely recommend the Bandit Fries, which are skin-on fries topped with crispy chorizo, melted cheese, and buffalo sauce. I think the buffalo sauce is particularly potent, which I approve of.

From Food Truck to Funky Unit

The difference between the food truck and the restaurant is quite noticeable. The food truck was certainly good enough; there was a place to sit under the Arches, you didn’t have to wait too long, and you would get a pretty decent burger. But now on Leith Walk, you get a food tray, and your burger comes double-wrapped in foil and paper.

The burgers are not smash burgers, which is helpful as there is stiff smash burger competition down Leith Walk. These are good quality, beefy burgers – and I say beefy in volume, not necessarily just meat because chicken burgers are an option. They take five to ten minutes to prepare, depending on when you arrive, but being able to sit in with a beer and just take your time is really appreciated.

The staff in this family-run venue are fantastic. If you go at a busy time, dinner, for example, there are extra staff on hand. They have heaters to ensure everyone is comfortable, though I suspect this is a holdover from their food truck history because the corner unit feels warm enough.

Things to do in Leith

For entertainment, the Edinburgh Playhouse is just at the top of the Walk, offering world-class theatre. If you are planning to explore further afield, Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a readily available option for day trips, or you can catch a train from Waverley after checking times on The Trainline.

Peace of mind is key when travelling, so consider AllClear Travel Insurance before you set off. Whether you are looking for the thrills of The Edinburgh Dungeons or just a relaxed walk down to the Shore, Leith is a fantastic base.

Overall

I am pleased Bandits have rocked up on Leith Walk. It is going to be a challenge because the area is not short of good burger spots; in fact, I think Leith now has a very strong claim to the title of Edinburgh’s burger crown.

If you are in the mood for a hearty burger-centric meal or some wings, popping into Bandits is worthwhile. I definitely recommend it.

You can get Bandits on Deliveroo.