Edinburgh Restaurant Tips by leok

Maison Bleue: Délicieux Maison Bleue Review

The sign outside claims to offer 'A new way of eating', and while that may be a boast too far you will certainly get one of the best meals on offer in Edinburgh.
Over recent years the menu has moved from French tapas to larger dishes mixing European and Scottish flavours to superb effect. Though the prices have gone a bit, so has the quality.
The setting is relaxed but intimate, suitable both for parties of eight or a romantic date. Highly recommended - though its great location and reputation mean that you will need to book in advance for a Friday/Saturday night table.

Open:
12-3pm and 5pm til late

Favorite Dish: The duck dishes

Address: 36-38 Victoria Street, Edinburgh

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 0131 226 1900

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 5

Theme: French

Website: http://www.maison-bleue.co.uk/

Bar Alba: Gracias-market

Airy friendly bar serving tasty bites from huge hamburgers to succulent duck salads at a reasonable price. Its recently added a selection of basic tapas to the meny including calamari and spanish meatballs. Yum.
A good place to meet up with a few friends for a Sunday bite to eat before moving onto the nearby pubs. At night it offers a more modern alternative to the many traditional and student bars next door.
My only criticism is that the coffee could be stronger and served in slightly larger mugs - you'll definitely need a couple of servings to get you going after a big night out.
However it gets brownie points for being one of the few Edinburgh bars in the area to have had free entry last Hogmanay after the bells.

Opening hours
Mon-Sat 11am-1am
Sun 12pm-1am.

Food served daily betwwen midday and 9pm

Address: 11-13 Grassmarket

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: At the edge of the Grassmarket in the direction of Lothian road.

Phone: 0131 229 2665

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Mamma's American Pizza Company: Mix it up

Ever popular American style pizza diner offering a huge selection of toppings - more than 50 at the last count. Cactus, haggis and chocolate with extra cheese anyone? Discounts for students or large groups. Child-friendly.
There also branches in the city at:
1 Howard Street, Canonmills 0131 558 7177
2 Broughton Place, Broughton 0131 558 8868

Address: 30 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 1JU

Comparison: about average

Phone: 031 225 6464

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Pizza

Bar Napoli: Late Night or Early - Always good value

Great value Italian restaurant right in the centre of town. Extremely popular with locals due to its great food, low prices and the fact it often does not close until 2.45am!!!
The waiters make a fuss of everyone. For cheap eats in Edinburgh it can't be beaten.

Address: 75 Hanover Street

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: 0131 225 2600

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian