Tony is a movie of soil and seeds: a young Anthony Bourdain moving through the early encounters that will shape his life, miscreant line cooks, the first kitchen skills like shucking an oyster, drugs, booze, sex. These are the seeds scattered across him, and he is raw matter where the forces that will shape his life begin to germinate. This indie‑biopic had its world premiere at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival and is now rolling out in limited release. It takes place over ju

MALMAISON is bringing together two of its most popular dining concepts, Chez Mal and SORA, for a limited-time menu celebrating the best of Japanese and steakhouse cuisine. Rolling out across all 18 Malmaison hotels until 30 September 2026, including Malmaison Edinburgh; 1 Tower Place, EH6 7BZ and Malmaison Edinburgh City; 21-22 St Andrew Square, EH2 1AY the exclusive SORA at Chez Mal menu combines signature dishes from both brands to create a unique dining experience inspir

A Dairy Story captures the Finlays’ pioneering experiment in cow‑with‑calf dairying, revealing how welfare, ecology and resilience can reshape dairy farming and how one woman’s legacy helped drive the change. A Dairy Story is a Scottish documentary that explores how keeping calves with cows at The Ethical Dairy holds the potential to change the future of dairy farming. The film was born from a simple, poignant question asked repeatedly by visitors to Rainton Farm, now bette

Aberargie Distillery deepens its barley‑to‑bottle philosophy this coming September with the launch of Laureate and Golden Promise — two limited single malts that spotlight how grain variety shapes flavour. The inaugural duo opens a new series, Aberargie Expressions, inviting whisky drinkers to explore the character of barley in its purest form. Aberargie Distillery, the Perthshire producer known for its barley‑to‑bottle philosophy, is preparing to build on the sell‑out succes

The Tollhouse - riverside cooking in full flow

Bread Street Kitchen promises polish and personality, but six years after its debut, the food still can’t keep pace with its neighbours — or its own name above the door. I first visited Bread Street Kitchen when it opened in 2021. I didn’t like it then; the food was pricey, forgettable, and when you put your own name above the door, you’re announcing a standard you then have to meet. It didn’t. Fast‑forward to summer 2026 and I’m invited back. Given the competition in the are

Nico Simeone Lea Harris dives into Nico Simeone’s newest evolution: Lennox, a stripped‑back, swagger‑heavy reboot where indulgence rules, flavours misbehave, and the kitchen hums with raw, boyhood energy. Nico Simeone is a culinary David Bowie; he has the ability to evolve his style without losing his ideas and philosophy. Lennox, named for his childhood football team, is a swagger back to boyhood freedom and raw energy. Six by Nico on Queensferry Street has been stripped bac

With notes from my granddaughter Macau Kitchen’s late‑July secret menu evening became a vivid portrait of Luso‑Asian cuisine in motion — and for Simone Hilliard, sharing it with her granddaughter Erica VR brought the experience into sharper focus. As Erica documented each dish with the intent of a critic in the making, the night revealed how food can carry heritage forward, and bind generations. Macau Kitchen’s late‑July secret menu evening became a vivid portrait of Luso‑A

Mrs Bite is delighted to offer Bite readers 20% off their food bill at Celestia throughout the Edinburgh Festival, right up until 31 August. It’s a generous offer — and a brilliant excuse to experience one of the city’s most confident Indian kitchens at the busiest, buzziest time of the year. Celestia’s cooking is bold, colourful and full of personality: refined without ever feeling fussy. I’ve written about their lunch menu before — dishes like Bhatti Murgh, Paneer Tikka and

Crémant d’Alsace celebrates a major milestone this year as it marks 50 years of AOC status — a half‑century that has seen it evolve from a regional speciality into France’s leading AOC crémant and one of Europe’s most exciting sparkling‑wine categories. Although the AOC was formalised in 1976, Alsace’s sparkling wine story began decades earlier, when producers experimented with traditional‑method winemaking inspired by neighbouring Champagne. The region’s cool climate, long

A much-loved Category A listed Edinburgh pub reopens this week following a major refurbishment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs, which is headquartered in the city. The investment has turned Joseph Pearce on Elm Row into a top-class neighbourhood pub with a stunning new décor. The landmark pub formally opens its doors at 12pm 24 July following nearly seven weeks closure for the extensive works. Edinburgh born-and-bred Paul Henderson – a local resident and former regular – is movin

Asu, the latest culinary project from the team behind Glasgow’s much-loved Five March, is set to open at Brown’s of Leith this month. Launching on Friday 24th July, Asu will bring the vibrant flavours of Asia to The Shore in Edinburgh. Owned by restaurateur Joanna Nethery, Asu is her latest venture, which will boast a menu of fresh and exciting Asian-inspired dishes. The menus and kitchen team will be led by Five March’s executive chef, David Cleary, who previously headed u

The Tollhouse has unveiled a refreshed line‑up of seasonal menus, introducing updated lunch offerings, an expanded prix fixe, and a renewed Sunday roast service. The move marks a deliberate push to strengthen neighbourhood dining options while spotlighting producers from Edinburgh, Fife, the Borders and surrounding regions. Weekday Lunch Gets a Revamp One of the most notable changes is the updated weekday lunch menu, now running Monday to Friday from midday until 3pm. The res

Amorino, the luxury Italian gelato brand, announced that its first Scottish venue would open in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town on Friday 17 July 2026. After much anticipation, the new venue opened its doors at 12pm at 27 North Bridge, just steps away from the city’s iconic Royal Mile. The launch marked a significant milestone in the brand’s UK expansion, bringing its internationally renowned gelato experience to Scotland for the first time. The Edinburgh opening drew stron

My youngest daughter sits at the table. She is approaching middle age. Well, all three are! There is a plate of pasta before her… pappardelle, wonderful luscious ribbons, folding soft, enfolding and yielding. This pasta must surely be the king or queen of the pasta world; a pasta that is reliable and substantial; a pasta with presence which distinguishes itself at any gathering; demands attention; and a pasta which is never eaten al dente should that be your choice, though ne

One of Edinburgh’s most popular neighbourhood cocktail bars is shaking things up with a £100,000 interior makeover in time for this year’s Fringe Festival. Since opening its doors in 2012, The Blackbird on Leven Street in Tollcross has established itself as one of the capital’s most popular independent food and drink venues. Located just two minutes from King’s Theatre in a lively hub for culture, dining, and shopping, The Blackbird is also home to a unique beer garden t

Edinburgh’s cocktail scene has a new summer initiative as Signature Group launches the city’s first Daiquiri Dash, a month‑long celebration of rum, creativity and customer‑led ideas. Running 1–31 July, the Dash brings together five standout bars across the capital in partnership with Angostura Rum, each serving its own £10 signature daiquiri to mark National Daiquiri Day on 19 July. The concept comes from Emma Hazzard, a cocktail lover and marathon runner from East Lothian, w

A new independent cheese store is set to open its doors to customers on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street Saturday 1st August. ‘The Big Cheese’ will initially stock over 50 carefully selected varieties of fine cheese from around Scotland, the rest of the UK and Europe. Around half of the cheeses at ‘The Big Cheese’ are not currently available to buy from any of Edinburgh's other speciality cheese shops. Unique varieties are smoked over whisky barrel chips, washed in red wine

The Scottish Government’s proposal to introduce statutory caps on essential food items has sparked contentious debate around Scotland’s fragile food infrastructure. Ministers argue that intervention is needed to protect households from rising costs. Retailers warn of distortion and disruption. And somewhere between the political noise and the economic modelling, deeper issues emerge around Scotland’s food systems and supply chains. Many stakeholders have already questioned th

A visit to Loch Leven’s Larder is always a pleasure, especially in summer when the loch sparkles and the fields around Channel Farm are alive with colour. With thoughtful cooking, home‑grown produce and a setting that celebrates the best of Fife’s farmland, this much‑loved café shows how good seasonal food can be when it’s treated with care. A visit to Loch Leven’s Larder is always a treat, but never more so than on a hot summer’s day when the loch glints in the sun and the s

Capetto brings a slower, sun‑drenched Italian rhythm to Howe Street, blending exceptional coffee, thoughtful plates and effortless all‑day charm in a space that feels as inviting at 8am as it does at midnight. Rosie Higgins explores. It didn't take long for Little Capo to become one of Edinburgh's most sought-after tables. Since opening in 2025, the intimate Italian small plates restaurant has earned a place in the Michelin Guide and welcomed visitors including Stanley Tucci

Many years ago, when The Tail End expanded from St Andrews to Leith Walk, Bite hosted Fish, Chips & Champagne — a night of crisp batter and cold bubbles that reminded everyone why fish and chips remains a national treasure. The Edinburgh branch is long gone but the original St Andrews institution still stands strong, and has been joined by Cromars — an eponymous chippy set up by Colin Cromar, the same mind behind The Tail End. Colin comes from Anstruther and worked in its fam

St Andrews is buzzing these days, driven by what feels like an insatiable appetite for good food and drink. The town is a lively blend of old and new: icons like Janetta’s ice‑cream parlour and Fisher & Donaldson bakery sit alongside historic pubs, while more modern arrivals such as the St Andrews Seafood Restaurant, HAAR, Clarets and The Adamson add fresh energy. Dean Banks, Roy Brett, Julie Dalton and Stefano Pieraccini are among the creative forces shaping this new chapter

Edinburgh’s lunchtime dining scene is famously changeable, but every so often a restaurant introduces something that shifts the midday landscape. Celestia — Mohammed Abbas’s contemporary Indian restaurant on Eyre Place achieves this with the lunchtime menu: bold flavours, refined technique, and exceptional value wrapped into one very generous offering. Abbas, who also brought the popular Cilantro to Leith Walk, has built a sleek, elegant restaurant befitting of its New Town s

This summer, two of Britain’s most celebrated foodie destinations come together as Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh welcomes Daylesford for the organic pioneer’s first UK pop-up beyond London and the Cotswolds. From 8 to 11 July 2026, Daylesford will take over the hotel and members’ club’s stylish St Andrew Square home, bringing its celebrated produce, craftsmanship and seasonal philosophy to the Scottish capital for a four-day residency. The farm shop will take over The Tel

Cromlix emerges from a bold transformation with two new restaurants, a sharpened culinary vision and its sights firmly set on a Michelin Star. As chef James Mearing and head gardener Kathy Beckett work in tandem to coax exceptional produce from a heat‑struck garden, the hotel owned by Andy and Kim Murray enters a new era of ambition, sustainability and quietly confident excellence. On just about the hottest day of the year so far, I revisit Cromlix hotel owned by Andy and Kim

Whilst influencers and travel writers jet off to far‑flung corners of the globe, at Bite we’re more than content exploring Scotland’s endless pretty pockets. We can be quietly smug knowing our country has it all — landscape, history, a natural larder that spoils us, and weather that may deliver four seasons in a day but remains, somehow, reliably temperate. And so Mr Bite and I set off for our latest staycation in Helensburgh. Famous for its outlook over the Clyde, for Hill H

According to the Scotch Whisky Association, there are over 150 malt and grain distilleries in Scotland. Their website maps them, providing an impressive visual representation of these precious havens for Scotland’s most famous drink. Ian Buxton, a man who knows a thing or two about the industry, with more than 40 years of experience under his belt, is perhaps best known for his ‘100 Whiskies to Try Before You Die’ book. Whiskies Galore, first published in 2017 and updated and

The Old Chain Pier, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic pubs, is celebrating a historic milestone following the implementation of the new Scottish Pubs Code. The landmark legislation, which gives pub owners the right to request a rent-only agreement without being tied to a pub-owning business for stock supply, has empowered the venue to break free from restrictive purchasing obligations. This newfound independence means the historic pub can stock a wider, more exciting range of b

“I love food!” A familiar refrain that so often means nothing. If loving food means ogling a cheese‑draped burger on Instagram or inhaling a spice bag, then that’s just entertainment — no different from football or theatre. But, of course, the best football and the best theatre aren’t merely entertainment; they’re about experience, identity and meaning. Consider the Tartan Army during the 2026 World Cup: their pageantry and humour expressed Scottishness more vividly than any

David Bicket (centre) delights in his success with (left) father David and (right) Grandpa Alex. Talented young Kilwinning butcher David Bicket has secured a nationwide industry title for Scotland in this year’s “Battle of the Butchers”. The 20-year-old took on some of the country’s leading aspiring butchers to lift the Dalziel Ltd Centenary Show’s apprentice category at Harrogate Yorkshire Showground. As the only Scot, David went head-to-head with 10 top level apprentice but

What began as pop‑up dinners exploring the flavours of the Portuguese spice routes has become Macau Kitchen, the UK’s only Macanese restaurant. For Kei de Freitas and Hoeyyn Ngu, each dish is a link in a long Luso‑Asian story — a diaspora cuisine they are still uncovering. Kei de Freitas and his wife, Hoeyyn Ngu never wanted to run a restaurant. Now they have one of Edinburgh’s most happening eateries but their story began long before Macau Kitchen opened its doors. The coupl

Ondine Oyster & Grill at Seaton House in St Andrews opened in March 2025 under the patronage of Roy Brett, following the closure of his long‑standing seafood restaurant, Ondine, on George IV Bridge, where it had operated since 2009. Brett chose to vacate the original site after years of surrounding building works and scaffolding with no confirmed end date. He said he could no longer offer guests the standard of experience he wanted under those conditions. His move to the East

The first question I have on being invited to sample the menu at Anderson’s, Glasgow’s newest pub, before it opens next month is: is it a gastropub? After all, the head chef Inesa Dirginciute was previously head chef at London’s Michelin-starred Angler seafood restaurant (she also worked at Le Pain Quotidien), and being invited to try her menu might suggest she’s given it a lot of thought - a departure, I suspect - from the usual pie, chips, beans and a pint. Turns out the an

Lennox brings Chef Nico Simeone’s raw, instinctive cooking style to Edinburgh this July, transforming the former Six by Nico site into an intimate, fire‑led restaurant built around flavour, technique and a fully open kitchen. Chef and restaurateur Nico Simeone has announced the opening of Lennox Edinburgh this July, marking the third location for his acclaimed new restaurant concept following openings in Manchester and Glasgow. Created as a more personal expression of Simeone

Bayne’s is backing the Tartan Army with serious swagger this summer — promising 7,000 free sausage rolls across its 70‑plus shops the morning after any Scotland Group C win. First come, first served, no faff: just a national victory, a hot roll and a queue of very happy fans. Scottish bakery Bayne’s has announced it will back the Tartan Army in the tastiest way possible this summer. If Scotland secures a win in their upcoming Group C matches, Bayne’s will give away a total o

One of Glasgow’s most beloved Italian institutions has arrived in Edinburgh, with Eusebi opening a handcrafted bakery counter at Bonnie & Wild. Bringing its iconic cornetti, pastries and classic dolci east for the first time, the family‑run deli introduces Edinburgh to the Italian rituals, seasonal baking and warm hospitality that have defined Eusebi since 1954. It’s one of Glasgow’s best-loved institutions, as famous for its pasta and pastries as it is its dolci and Italian

Wahaca turns up the heat this season with a sunshine‑soaked line‑up of seasonal specials, vibrant veg‑forward plates and spritz‑bright cocktails inspired by the colour and energy of Mexico. Lea Harris, finally stepping across the threshold after years of admiringThomasina Miers, visited the Edinburgh branch with her hubby to put the new summer menu through its paces. I have watched Thomasina Miers many times on MasterChef, but I'm ashamed to say, I never stepped across Wahaca

Neighbourgood Market is set to transform the Ross Bandstand into Neighbourgood Gardens this summer, bringing independent Scottish food and drink traders, Cold Town Brewery pours and daily live performances to Princes Street Gardens from 23 July to 31 August 2026. The organisers of Neighbourgood Market in Stockbridge have been awarded the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens by the City of Edinburgh Council for up to four years. Suitably called ‘Neighbourgood Gardens’, t

The Auld Hundred has unveiled its own limited‑edition single malt: the Auld Dram. Created with Annandale Distillery and drawn from a six‑year bourbon cask, this 50% ABV release adds a new chapter to the Rose Street pub’s story – a relaxed, unpretentious dram designed to be shared, discussed and enjoyed in one of the city’s most characterful bars. The Auld Hundred on Rose Street is intertwined with the city’s past. Originally a mission hall in the 1700s – about the same age as

Scotland’s most anticipated new restaurant of 2026 is on track to open the doors to its first guests on Wednesday 15th July. With just six weeks still to go until its official launch, Falls by Orry Shand in Aberdeenshire has already secured over 65 per cent of advance bookings for the first three months of trading from July until September. Advance online bookings opened on Monday 20th April and have been live for just over six weeks. People from across the region and a

Choosing a bottle in a restaurant can feel daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. Diana Thompson from Wine Events Scotland speaks to three leading figures from Scotland’s restaurant scene to explore how they approach their wine lists, what they love to pour, and the shared philosophy that helps diners choose with confidence. Jason recommends trying Newton Johnson Falkirk Mourvèdre 2022. Jason Davidson - Restaurateur, Champany Inn How would you describe your wine list? “My par

A first‑anniversary dinner that proved tasting menus are far from dead — Cardinal delivered charm, confidence and some of the most thoughtful pairings to be had in Edinburgh For our first wedding anniversary, we treated ourselves to the tasting menu at Cardinal. We'd loved Heron and were keen to try Tomás Gormley's latest venture. As we arrived, Maribou State drifted over the speakers, a band we'd chosen for our wedding music, and we knew we were in the right place. At £89 fo

A brand-new national cookery competition is set to take Scotland by storm, shining a spotlight on the country’s exceptional chefs and world-class produce. Tartan Pantry, the brainchild of multi award-winning chef Fraser Cameron and respected culinary personality Jacky Moss, will bring together rising stars and established talent from across Scotland in a celebration of the nation’s rich food heritage and innovative modern cuisine. Open to professional chefs with a minimum of

A look at how Scotland’s slice scene is evolving — from street‑food roots to Flùr’s modern take inside Bonnie & Wild. Street food remains one of the fastest‑growing forces in casual dining, driven by demand for affordable, high‑quality dishes that fit modern, on‑the‑move lifestyles. Food you can grab between the jigsaw pieces of daily life — whether that’s a streetside bao bun or a fold‑and‑go slice of Margherita. Pizza is a major player in this space. The global street‑pizza

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is set to transport guests to the heart of Havana with the launch of the Eminente Terrace, a Cuban-inspired rooftop retreat created in partnership with Eminente rum. Set on the fourth floor of St James Quarter, the terrace offers views across Edinburgh’s historic skyline. It centres around a textured wild wall - a mix of tropical foliage and delicate, dried flowers, complete with a raffia Eminente sign - creating the perfect backdrop for photos. Other care

Bite Exclusives cuts straight through the hype and takes you to the places in Edinburgh that actually deliver — the spots that won’t fleece you, bore you, or waste a night out. Real flavour, real value, no mystery bills, no sad beige food. Just the restaurants and bars we’ve eaten in and would send our pals to without blinking. This is the first drop. More are coming — and they’ll only get better. Pinky promise. More info on all here Tanpin Tasting Night at Harajuku Kitchen E

Carlo Petrini’s impact on Scotland runs deeper than many realise. In her thoughtful tribute, Cate Devine traces how the Slow Food founder’s ideas have shaped chefs, growers, policymakers and communities across the country — a quiet revolution whose roots now reach from kitchens and markets to allotments, classrooms and culture itself. The steady flow of tributes from across the globe to Carlo Petrini, the Italian founder of the global Slow Food movement who died on May 21, wa

A few weeks ago, I went to the opening night for Uncle Tiger, a new Asian-fusion restaurant with a fun pop-up menu twist. Tempting delights floated through the crowd, and I was instantly addicted to the flavours and fancies on offer. As everyone’s “fun, favourite uncle”, keeping it fresh, fun and fascinating is what Uncle Tiger is all about. While I’m a creature of habit who frequents the same places and eats the same meals on repeat so I am intrigued by the concept of a rota

I recently took part in the Fish & Shellfish Day Course at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, a place best known for its rigorous professional training alongside an impressive range of recreational courses — relaxed, hands-on sessions designed for food lovers, groups and teams looking to cook, learn and have fun together. I chose this particular session because — let’s be honest — fish, bivalves and their armour‑plated, crustacean pals can be intimidating. Hard shells, sharp cl