A self-styled cosmopolitan Nepalese restaurant, Thamel brings the ever-popular Gautam’s brand to the corner of East London and Broughton Street with plenty of eye-popping aesthetics. Perhaps in a nod to Nepal’s vast and varied national parks, there’s a veritable jungle of lush green plants clashing pleasingly with the deep orange décor. It all feels vibrant, dynamic and very much in keeping with the Instagrammable, photogenic backdrops we’ve come to expect in the 2020s. 

A selection of starters can also act as small plates to accompany an extensive cocktail list, with diners opting for crowd-pleasing pakoras, tikkas or tandooris, or delving into Himalayan tradition with a plate of steamed, squishy momos (dumplings). Alongside classic curries like creamy korma or hot rogan josh, there are dishes inspired by the mountain villages of Nepal. The Himalayan hot pot is a fabulously tangy curry that refreshes the taste buds rather than weighing them down with heavy coconut cream. Spice lovers can opt for a lamb or chicken naga, which has a fiery kick after every delicious bite. Garlic naan comes dripping with butter and tastes freshly baked. And, while the menu naturally heavily features the spices and flavours of Nepal, dishes like the indulgent scallops moilee and janti bakhro lamb make the most of Scottish produce. 

Rather than dessert, there’s the option to descend to Thamel’s secret speakeasy bar for a cocktail or two. This atmospheric subterranean space is hidden behind a bookshelf and serves a selection of mixology-forward drinks with a hit of spice: Margaritas come with a rim of Himalayan salt and the Cloud Temple (like a Piña Colada) contains a hint of mountain herb liqueur. Down here, you can also order small plates and snacks from the restaurant if you want to make a more drinks-focused night of it.

Thamel, 7–11 East London Street, Edinburgh; average price for main course curry and rice £23.