Having launched our tipLISTs at the start of 2023, we’re rounding this year off with a selection of the local hospitality scene’s best new openings and arrivals:

Edinburgh

THE BLACK GRAPE

The Black Grape, 240 Canongate

The Black Grape transformed a once-familiar space with Scandi-chic and muted green and grey tones. There’s both a casual bar and more traditional seating area to enjoy an extensive choice of wines and aperitivo, with luscious small sharing plates.

EDINBURGH STREET FOOD

Edinburgh Street Food, Omni Centre, Leith Street

ESF have hit on a winning formula for their street food market. It caters to all (Antojitos’ Mexican fare for vegans, The Peruvian for a bit of spice, plus regular guest traders), with app ordering to the long, shared tables keeping it convivial. Great fun.

JUNK

Junk, 58 South Clerk Street

After winning a clutch of street-food accolades, Junk expanded into this permanent spot. Pun-tastic sandwiches and artfully presented small plates populate the evening service, with a democratically priced fixed menu. The service is charming and the cocktails are banging.

SINGAPORE COFFEE HOUSE

Singapore Coffee House, 5 Canonmills

Discover the incredible diversity of Singaporean cuisine at this snug café, inspired by the chef’s childhood visits to traditional kopitiam (coffee shops). The roti canai is a must, paired with a sweet cup of traditional kopi and condensed milk.

TIPO

Tipo, 110 Hanover Street

Up a set of stairs on Hanover Street, a window table at Tipo is a great chance to people-watch over a glass of crisp soave. Tipo combines the smart-casual feel of a wine bar with Italian flair. Follow the small plate trend or buck it completely with a filling bowl of strozzapreti and sausage ragù.

Glasgow

CIVERINOS

Civerinos, 9–13 Radnor Street

Edinburgh’s pizza specialist’s first spot in Glasgow takes you diving into skater culture with plenty of fun food to be had. Big New York-style slices dominate a menu that also features deep dish options and a giant mozzarella stick.

NON VIET BA

Non Viet Ba, 279 Dumbarton Road

The youngest member of the trio of Vietnamese restaurants in town is a tasteful wee diner in Partick. They’ve ditched all animal products in their fresh and vibrant menu, featuring spring rolls, hue and pho soups, curries and more.

ROYÂ

Royâ, 59 Elmbank Street

Persian cuisine is celebrated at this attractive corner tenement opposite the King’s Theatre. There’s a luxe feel to an interior that wears its theme lightly, with excellent dishes coming tapas-style, from kebabs and pide to shawarma and more.

USTA

Usta, 1024 Argyle Street

Sister venue to neighbour Meze Meze, Usta delivers much the same Mediterranean food, touching on Turkey, Greece, Morocco and beyond. The charcoal grill is king, dishing out mezze, kebabs and mighty burgers that are among the best in town.

WEST SIDE TAVERN

West Side Tavern, 162 Dumbarton Road

New York dive bars and Italian-American food and culture are the vibe at this bar-diner next to Kelvinhall subway. Quality pizzas and pastas, classy cocktails, and a big outdoor area have solidified its place on the Subcrawl.

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