Review: La Querencia, an Argentine restaurant on Leith Walk

La Querencia hails from Buenos Aires, and the meat served at this authentic Argentine restaurant is also from Argentina. However, the team behind the restaurant didn’t come straight from Buenos Aires to Edinburgh; they also established themselves in Paris. So there you have it: Buenos Aires, Paris, and Leith.

Indeed, La Querencia is an exciting new addition to the very competitive Leith Walk. As it is an Argentine grill, you would likely visit initially for fine wine and high-quality steak. Although when Birdy and I visited, we agreed that the highlight was actually the desserts, which we sampled thoroughly just to be sure.

We both really liked the restaurant staff, who were very friendly. The atmosphere was lovely, and the food was fantastic. Importantly, it is worth noting that this is a “date restaurant” or a place to murmur chat with friends. It is not really a kids’ restaurant. There are, for example, no soft drinks on the menu, though I imagine they could offer orange juice or water. You are generally expected to drink wine, but don’t worry, the wine list is fantastic. You have good quality wine because you get good quality food.

A Meat Lover’s Paradise

For a starter, you can get a selection of empanadas, and I definitely recommend that you do because they are gorgeous. I had the provoleta, which was very good, and I stole lots of Birdy’s potatoes. We shared the steak, and I am increasingly snooty about steaks, a habit formed by Birdy’s influence. I am pleased to say that La Querencia passes with flying colours.

We were both enamoured with the dagger-like knives that come in a sheath, adding a touch of theatre to the meal. I thought the food presentation was clever; we were given a pot of meat with the cuts balanced on a grill tray so they didn’t get greasy while sitting in their own juices. The cuts of meat ranged from sausage to steak, and you could dig in and pick your favourites. Sharing wasn’t a problem; Birdy and I were cutting things in half and passing a plate back and forth for the other person to balance another juicy-looking morsel onto their own plate.

Birdy’s Note

I was delighted by this generous offer by La Querencia, and having never eaten at an Argentinian restaurant before, I was excited.

I was looking for a big sign above a shop window that proudly pronounced ‘La Querencia’ – there was none. Apparently I walked past it twice before Girdy made himself known.

I came in not knowing what to expect, but the staff were very lovely and welcoming. We got a friendly guided tour of the menu, which was helpful as I didn’t know some of the words or what some things were. Very helpful!

I ordered the patatas bravas as a starter, not knowing this was actually a sharer, as described on the website. Luckily, Girdy had no issue helping me out with a very generous portion of potatoes! They were very yummy.

We then shared the recommended Parrillada Argentina for two, which was a selection of premium Argentinian cuts from the grill, and included some absolutely fabulous steak! My least favourite was the blood sausage, but luckily Girdy helped me out again.

Save Room for Dessert

I rarely leave a restaurant feeling full, but I did here. In part, of course, because of the desserts. As mentioned, they were amazing. We had the special, which was basically meringue and flaky pastry cake stuck together with dulce de leche. It was gorgeous. Remember the Edinburgh Reviews’ tip: always check the specials board.

We also had a Panqueque with dulce de leche. Birdy couldn’t decide which she wanted, so we agreed to have one of each and share halves – an interesting way to do dessert, but I recommend it.

Birdy’s Note

Along with the steak, the real highlight of the meal for me was the desserts, which we also shared. The dessert of the day included flakey pastry layers with dulce de leche and a generous layer of soft meringue on top – AMAZING! I wish I could eat that every single day. A new favourite. The Panqueque with Dulce de Leche was also delicious, and more like a crepe than what we’d call a pancake. Best desserts I’ve had in a long time – and that’s saying something! I think I’ll be back for more desserts from this place.

When we were eating, fellow diners were speaking what I believe was French, and had come specifically to eat at this restaurant. I don’t know whether they knew the Paris equivalent or had been recommended by French friends, but they stayed behind after the meal to thank the staff, which I think is a green flag for any eatery.

Things to do in Leith

Leith Walk is a vibrant artery connecting the city centre to the historic Shore, and it is a destination in its own right. If you are visiting from further afield, National Express coaches offer a convenient way to arrive right in the heart of the city, just a short walk or tram ride from the start of Leith Walk.

For accommodation that perfectly matches Leith’s blend of history and style, the Malmaison on the Shore is an iconic choice. Housed in a converted seaman’s mission, it offers a boutique experience that feels a world away from the standard chain hotels.

If you are looking for entertainment before or after your meal, the Edinburgh Playhouse is situated at the very top of Leith Walk. You can check ATG Tickets to see what West End musicals or touring comedians are currently gracing the stage. Alternatively, if you want to make a day of it, Virgin Experience Days often offers local food tours, spa days, or creative workshops that let you explore the unique character of this port district.

Overall

We were certainly well cared for. The venue was very clean, though potentially a little bit squished. As I said, I wouldn’t bring your pushchair or your stroller. I wouldn’t actually bring your kids; I don’t know what they would do with a pot full of steak, as it might be a bit too hardcore for them. But if you want to impress a meat-eating friend, or if you’re wooing somebody and the way to their heart is through their stomach, then this Argentinian restaurant is absolutely one for you. I’m confident we’ll go back. I suspect Birdy may treat her husband to a meal because she’s kind like that, which also means another chance to sample the desserts.

Disclosure: We were lucky enough to enjoy our La Querencia meal for free. Thank you. We weren’t paid or asked to write anything.