Review: Mara, a stylish gastropub on The Shore

Mara is a modern gastropub that has confidently set up shop overlooking the scenic Water of Leith. Located on The Shore, it’s in the heart of one of Edinburgh’s most competitive dining areas.

My first impression is of its fantastic outdoor seating area. On a rare sunny Edinburgh day, or even a clear evening, it’s the perfect spot for meeting friends for a drink after work and watching the world go by.

The Venue

Inside, Mara caters to all moods. The space is cleverly divided. As you enter, you’ll find small, casual tables by the bar, ideal for a quick pint and a chat.

If you are staying for dinner, you can head up the back steps into a much larger, slightly more formal restaurant area. This flexibility is one of Mara’s great strengths. It successfully bridges the gap between a proper local pub and a destination restaurant.

Mara “caters to both casual drinkers and full diners.”

The Food and Drink

Mara offers a lovely drinks collection. As a reviewer, I always like to see local breweries represented, and Mara qualifies. It has a good mix, and I’ve previously seen beers from Leith’s own Moonwake Brewery available, which is a definite thumbs-up.

There are several menus depending on when you visit, including a lunch menu and a more substantial dinner menu. The dinner options include light bites and larger, multi-course meals such as steak frites.

I have never had a bad meal at Mara. In fact, I’ve been delighted with almost every dish.

There is, however, one exception: the portion sizes. They can be a little hit-or-miss.

For example, the salmon skewers are listed under the “large meals” section and are one of the cheaper options. You get two skewers, and while they are absolutely delicious, two fish skewers is not a large meal. For me, it “belongs on the light bites menu.”

This is easily fixed. If you couple that dish with a side of chips or a salad, you have transformed it into a proper meal. You just need to know what to order, or be prepared to see what other diners are getting.

Things to do in Leith

Mara operates in an intensely competitive part of Edinburgh, surrounded by top-tier food options. The fact that it has settled in and is trading happily in this commercially cutthroat corner of the district is a very good sign.

Leith itself is a major destination. It is, of course, home to the Royal Yacht Britannia. The area is well served by Lothian Buses, and the new tram line provides a direct link from The Shore to the city centre and out to Edinburgh Airport.

If you are travelling into the city, you can book tickets via TheTrainLine to either Waverley or Haymarket station, both of which connect to the tram network.

For accommodation, Leith offers everything from boutique hotels to serviced apartments. For a longer stay, booking a holiday let from a site like Vrbo can give you a more local feel.

Overall

Mara is a strong and stylish competitor on The Shore. It stays open quite late, closing at 1 a.m. on a Saturday, which is helpful if you are meeting friends after a film or gathering before heading into town.

This is a well-run establishment that knows its audience. “A great spot for catching up with discerning friends.”

I definitely recommend Mara, and I imagine I’ll be back throughout the year.