12 places to eat around Leith Walk
We're spotlighting our top places to grab a bite during festival season
Leith Walk is always evolving, and that’s the beauty of it: there’s always somewhere new to try. Keeping it fresh, fine-dining favourite Eleanore has had a makeover in the past year, stripping back both interiors and menus but keeping reasonable pricing and exceptional quality. Daily two or three-course set menus in a bistro style offer confit duck leg with lentils and radiccio, gloriously green watercress gnudi with purple sprouting broccoli or hake in a rich buttermilk sauce. Mirin is one of the toughest tables to book on Leith Walk; it’s small in size but serves dishes big in punchy flavours, like hand-ripped noodles with wild boar, Stornoway black pudding ragù, chilli, confit egg and cashews. We’re excited to see the company’s earlier iteration Gulp Ramen return in new premises at 126 Leith Walk (replacing Chorrito). Though it’s hard to imagine that booking a table will get any easier, it is worth the hassle.
Spry is a chic wine bar, but with a menu that punches well above bar snacks. Try crab and Jerusalem artichoke on a sourdough crumpet with buttered kale, or partridge with medlar jus and dukkah-coated carrots. The knowledgeable staff will keep you right with interesting wine pairings. Sister business Ante downstairs does a great line in pastries, brunch dishes and excellent coffee. Ella: Taste Of Greece brings a little Greek sunshine to Leith Walk, with a menu of tapas, mezze, grilled dishes and packed gyros wraps. The hearty Spartan salad is a joy, heaped with hummus, figs, fat chickpeas, olives, edamame beans and honey-dressed cucumber with warm pitta. For family friendly dining, Origano is always a winner and the flickering candles and cosy vibes work for a date night, too. Start with a piled-high meat or cheese board, then dive into spinacio pizza topped with oozing egg.
Part plant shop, part brunch spot, Urban Jungle Brunch Room is a warm leafy haven. Try ‘eggs Venice’ with pesto, chilli, goat's cheese and bacon. For tables in the sunshine, Brunswick Book Club has some of the best outdoor seating, or a cosy library-inspired interior when the weather is more challenging. Part of the Vittoria group, this café/bar serves a hearty brunch until 5pm, with full fry-ups, rösti and waffles to set you up for the day. Also check out the handmade dumplings at 5 Dumplings, sharing tapas at La Casa and big bowls of pho at The Bami.
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.