10 places to eat near Edinburgh's Southside
We've put together our top spots to grab a bite near Southside this festival season
Argile
21 Argyle Place
An intriguing dining experience in bohemian Marchmont, where Jack Montgomery has created a bit of a culinary hotspot with his intimate nine-seater chef’s table. A single-sitting, seasonal multi-course menu is the only option but commit to it and you’ll be able to view the creation of, and then consume, a series of thought-provoking dishes. It’s all underpinned by French technique featuring local and global ingredients. Engaging chat and wines accompany the evening.
Leftfield
12 Barclay Terrace
The kind of neighbourhood restaurant everyone wants in their ’hood: welcoming, stylish, accessible enough to be regular-ish, special enough to be a treat. Perch at the bar for glimpses of kitchen action or take in calming views of Bruntsfield Links and Arthur’s Seat from the modest main room. Chef Phil White’s speciality is seafood, often on the bone or in the shell, but you can equally be charmed by plates centred on roast cauliflower or venison. Tempting wine list too.
Nàdair
15 Rosneath Street
A small, calm and minimal restaurant with Scandi sage tiles and sprays of dried flowers. In the kitchen there’s a fondness for local and foraged ingredients, while wooden cutlery and tree-slice placemats add an earthy, foresty feel: ‘nàdair’ is Gaelic for nature. A five-course set menu is available in the evening, with a shorter lunchtime menu.
The Rabbit Hole
11 Roseneath Street
There’s always a bit of a buzz at this family-run neighbourhood brasserie thanks to an eclectic clientele of students, family groups and curious visitors. The French-inspired menu with seasonal Scottish produce turns out classic steak frîtes and confits along with fresh salads and lovingly presented fish dishes.
Tempo Perso
208 Bruntsfield Place
Stylish décor and towering ceilings keep things feeling classy in this popular Italian. While the menu doesn’t stray far from the classics, each familiar dish is done well with rich sauces that have simmered for hours. There’s an extensive wine list to explore, too.
Three Birds Restaurant
3–5 Viewforth
Three Birds belies its compact size with a big glass frontage and a multi-faceted, adaptable menu. Brunch, a set-priced lunch deal and dinner options are complemented by varied sides and nibbles, kids' picks and blackboard specials. Well-cooked and well-flavoured meat, fish and vegetarian dishes span the menus, with a variety of vegan options and, handier still for many, most dishes are gluten-free.
Also try… Holy Corner’s Fin & Grape or classy fish dishes, Japanese delight Harajuku Kitchen, Henderson’s for classic vegetarian and 12-seater Condita for special top-end dining.
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: Tina Leahy.