Ante
1b Haddington Place
Like its wine-bar sibling Spry upstairs, Ante is cool and considered, with top-notch sourcing, a minimalistic interior, beautiful ceramics and a relaxed vibe. From the short menu try the crab butter brioche, packed with white crab, pickled cabbage and celery and fermented chilli mayo: it’s knock-out.      

Brunswick Book Club 
113 Brunswick Street
Brunswick Book Club has a spacious outdoor restaurant set-up, and there’s a cosy library-inspired interior when the weather doesn’t play its part. Part of the established Vittoria group, this new café/bar serves a hearty brunch ’til 5pm, with full fry-ups, rosti and waffles ready to set you up for the day, whatever time it starts.

Eleanore
30-31 Albert Place 
There’s a soft minimal design to this bijou restaurant, making it feel calm not crowded. It’s all sleek lines, handmade ceramics and thick curtains, allowing undivided focus on the outstanding food. There’s a regularly changing set menu (though add the oysters), and keep an eye out for the cult ‘Tirami-choux’ bun. 

Ella - Taste Of Greece
134-136 Leith Walk
Bringing a little Greek sunshine to Leith Walk, Ella offers tapas, meze, grilled dishes and packed gyros wraps. Practice your Greek and order kolokithokeftedes (hot courgette and feta fritters), or go for the hearty Spartan salad: a loaded bowl of hummus, figs, fat chickpeas, olives, edamame beans and honey-dressed cucumber with warm pitta.

Origano
236 Leith Walk
Handmade pasta and gourmet pizza are on the menu at this casual spot, which radiates Italian rusticana. A stone pizza oven roars away and the mood is set by flickering candlelight. Start with a piled-high meat or cheese board, then dive into cannelloni stuffed to bursting or spinacio pizza topped with oozing egg.

Urban Jungle Brunch Room
187-189 Leith Walk
Formerly Seb’s Urban Jungle, here you can dine in a lush plant-filled paradise; just being in this sunny plant shop and café feels good for you. Avocado on toast is the house special, topped with rocket, feta and optional eggs or bacon. Take home a potted leafy friend, ask for plant care tips or browse arty gifts.

Also try... La Casa for Mediterranean dishes and tapas to share, and The Walnut for good value set lunch and dinner menus in an intimate bistro setting. The handmade dumplings at 5 Dumplings and big bowls of pho and banh mi sandwiches at Bami are also great for a speedy bite. 

This TipList is taken from Eat & Drink 365, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more across Edinburgh. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Scotland’s capital. Main picture: Eleanore/Ailsa Sheldon.