Sabzi is a genuinely unique Indian restaurant. Sitting on Ferry Road in a former Blockbuster Video, the family‑run spot began life as a COVID pop‑up — and the rest, as they say, is history. Acid‑bright rainbow colours and a bold, chubby font define the branding, which frontman Stevie Singh tells me was the result of a bit of bootstrap creativity in 2021. The family were twiddling their thumbs during lockdown, but Stevie’s dad had once owned The Far Pavilions restaurant and l

One of Edinburgh’s most iconic rooftop bars is getting a major £500,000 makeover in time for the Easter weekend from Friday 3 rd April.   Since opening its doors in 2019, Cold Town House in the Grassmarket has established itself as one of the capital’s most popular rooftop bar experiences with a stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.   A two-month construction project is now underway to transform and elevate the venue even further with a state-of-the-art retractable roof,

After exploring twelve diverse regions across India in a nine month culinary journey, chef Dhaneshwar Prasad , of multi award-winning Dhoom Indian Streatery & Bar in Dunfermline has unveiled his latest menu.   Named “Chef Prasad’s Desi Eats” , his 13th menu since launching Dhoom in 2018, the menu is an exploration of dishes that Prasad considers are some of the very best he's come across on his many travels.   “As the name suggests, this menu is the “very best of the best,”

Saturday 21 March · Early Session Only (12–3pm) March 21 lands right as the Northern Hemisphere tips fully into spring — the equinox hits the day before, on 20 March 2026 , marking the moment daylight starts stretching, temperatures lift, and everything feels newly switched on. And what better way to celebrate the first bright weekend of the season than with a glass (or several) of Australia’s most exciting wines? Matthew Jukes is back in Edinburgh with his 100 Best Australia

On the Grapevine Margarita Mile  continues with its citywide celebration running from 18 Feb–31 Mar . Dinner meets detective work with Six by Nico's latest themed dinner Sherlock Holmes Edinburgh chef Jun Au of Pomelo is set to star in primetime cooking programme Great British Menu New restaurant Clarets to open in St Andrews Where We Sipped & Savoured L ea visited Umi in Edinburgh's west end. Tracy Griffen wrote about Where a Leither Eats Mr & Mrs Bite had Sunday lunch t

Tucked away in Edinburgh’s leafy West End, The Bonham  has a quietly genteel air at the best of times. But in the soft spring light of the afternoon — when the sun falls in dapples across the dining room and the only sound is the gentle pour of tea — it feels especially serene. The idea of Afternoon Cheese , rather than the more familiar sweet‑and‑savoury spread, had me immediately. I adore cheese, but it so often arrives at the end of a meal — cue the eternal quandary of de

Gurkha Café brings the warmth and spice of the Himalayas to Cockburn Street, where rustic charm, generous hospitality and deeply flavoured Nepalese cooking – from street‑food sekwa to must‑order momos – make this long‑standing favourite well worth the pilgrimage. Gurkha Cafe on Cockburn Street has established an excellent reputation for its Nepalese food in the 15 years since opening, and we decide it is high time we pay a visit. Upon entering we are instantly transported to

A new all-day dining destination from The Rocca Group launches Spring 2026   A striking new restaurant concept is set to open in the heart of St Andrews this Spring, as  Clarets, the latest venture from The Rocca Group, takes residence in The R&A World Golf Museum , overlooking the world-famous Old Course.   Perfectly positioned with panoramic views across the iconic Old Course, sweeping West Sands and the historic Royal & Ancient Clubhouse (R&A), Clarets promises an all-da

A kitchen cooking with intent and imagination, Dogstar turns discipline into creativity. Strict zero‑waste thinking and seasonality shapes the menu, but the experience is all generosity, precision and quiet brilliance. When Bite was a young pup back in the 2000s, there was a bar called Sirius  at Dock Place in Leith. Then, in Autumn 2025, a namesake — Dogstar   — arrived along the road at Portland Place. Dogstar , or Sirius , means “bright star”, and this collaboration betwe

Jun Au , chef-owner of Pomelo  in Edinburgh, will be making his TV debut on BBC’s Great British Menu on Tuesday 3rd March at 7pm on BBC Two and iPlayer. Jun will be representing Scotland in the twenty-first season of the cooking show, alongside a line-up of exceptional Scottish culinary talent. Jun’s rivals include; chef Orry Shand; Rohan Wadke, chef at Cameron House, Loch Lomond; and superyacht chef, Hannah Rose. This year’s series is presented by Andi Oliver, and the judge

A £1m revamp has breathed new life into this 400‑year‑old Grassmarket pub, adding a handsome whisky bar and refreshed dining room without sanding off its character. We dropped in for Sunday lunch to see whether the Beehive’s new buzz is worth the trip. The Grassmarket isn’t an area I wander into often, but perhaps that’s on me. With Mary’s Milk Bar , Cold Town House , Divino Enoteca a nd the new Skoll and Hati from The Cocktail Geeks just around the corner on Merchant Str

A small Southside spot turning out seriously good Korean fried chicken, handmade kimchi and generous, comforting bowls — CrispyQ is the kind of unassuming place you walk past once, then never again. Wandering down Nicolson Street early one Saturday evening (moderately busy given it was the weekend before payday), CrispyQ Asian Kitchen is inconspicuous among the surrounding supermarkets and barbers. A red neon sign promises Korean fried chicken , diners sit in the window chatt

After two decades living on the Walk, Tracy Griffen has learnt that Leith’s best food isn’t always found in the newest openings. In this article, she identifies the long‑standing, weekday‑reliable spots that keep the neighbourhood fed. Leith is a hotbed of culinary talent. It’s tempting to rush around and try all the new openings, which means many established eateries get ignored. I’ve been living in Leith for over 20 years , and here are my favourite places for reliable, af

Minimalist, warm and quietly confident, Umi delivers a lunchtime escape where precision, comfort and serious flavour meet—at prices that feel almost implausible for the West End. We tumble into Umi on a chilly February lunchtime. With its minimalist wooden décor and cosy booths, it feels like a neighbourhood eatery you’d find down a side alley in Tokyo. The light wood, soft lighting and gentle buzz of conversation set the tone: this is somewhere you can happily linger over

The Beehive, an historic pub in the heart of the Scottish capital, officially reopened its doors to the public today (20 February) following a significant programme of refurbishment. Set at the foot of Edinburgh Castle in the Grassmarket, the flagship Belhaven pub has received a major £1 million investment to reinvigorate the pub’s interior and exterior whilst taking care to preserve its unique character. The Whisky Bar   The Beehive investment has created multiple jobs in th

Sponsored Post Low-Key Evenings Done Properly There's something deeply satisfying about an evening that doesn't demand anything from anyone. No elaborate plans, no pressure to be "on" just the gentle art of doing very little and doing it well. These are the nights that often end up being the most memorable, tucked away in the corners of memory where the best moments hide. The beauty of a proper low-key evening lies in its complete rejection of performance. Nobody's taking pho

Edinburgh’s hospitality sector is entering one of its most turbulent periods in years, and as the foodie podcast Eating and Waiting to Eat closes its first season, host Carlos Miranda reconnects with Mirin’s Sharif Gergis to take stock of where the industry stands in 2026. From rising labour costs to shifting diner behaviour, he offers a clear-eyed view of the pressures reshaping restaurants across the city — and the opportunities that still give operators reason to stay hope

Traitors UK Champion Jake Brown Fronts Six by Nico’s Sherlock Holmes immersive menu experience Six by Nico is launching its latest immersive tasting menu,   Sherlock Holmes , a six-course murder mystery dining experience inspired by the world's most famous detective. Running from  9th March to 19th April 2026 , the new menu invites guests to step inside a live investigation, where each course reveals a new clue and advances the story of a suspected murder clouded by superstit

​ Edinburgh’s wine calendar is overflowing this spring — and Bite readers are getting first pick. From generous walk‑around tastings to expert‑led masterclasses, here are three unmissable wine fairs  landing in the city, each with an exclusive Bite offer. Great Grog Big Spring Wine Fair — Sat 18 April Greyfriars Charteris Centre, Pleasance Edinburgh’s most generous wine tasting returns with 100+ wines , producers pouring on the day, and a relaxed, roam‑as‑you‑like format. Bit

On the Grapevine Edinburgh is buzzing . Margarita Mile  is a six‑week citywide celebration running from 18 Feb–31 Mar . Salt rims at the ready. Panda & Sons   are going full agave with a one‑night mezcal takeover  for National Margarita Day , 22 Feb . Vittoria Group  are importing a little Italian glamour, bringing Amorino®’s luxury gelato  to Scotland for the first time. Uncle Tiger   has landed on Bristo Place , shaking up the late‑night scene with rotating Asian flavours

Between Kinross and Balado, tucked just off the M90 along a potholed private road, sits The Grouse & Claret . Opened in 1992 by Vicky and David FuTong , it’s a restaurant that has held its ground for more than three decades by serving classic dishes with the occasional Asian flourish. Set among meadows and lochans, the place feels almost suspended in time. We arrive on the first crisp, sunny day after what feels like weeks of relentless rain; snow still clings to the distant

This World Margarita Day ( Sunday 22 February ), Edinburgh cocktail institution Panda & Sons hosts a one-night takeover from acclaimed London bar Dram , with bartender favourite Zacal Mezcal at the centre of the celebration.  Recently named Best Mezcal of 2025 [1] , Z acal Mezcal sits at the heart of the one-night-only cocktail menu, created by Dram’s Chris Tanner, who joins Panda & Sons’ Nicky Craig behind the bar for the evening. Following a successful first collaboratio

Edinburgh is deep into its sandwich renaissance — a city happily obsessed with bread engineering and filling integrity. We have seen Wahaca team up with local dough deities Twelve Triangles for a Dusty Knuckle special; The Alby roll into The Spence with a bespoke breakfast sanger; and Mootz rocked up in Stocky late summer circa 2023, after research in Florence and Brooklyn ready to hand you a sandwich so gigantic you briefly reassess your life priorities. Mootz, co‑owned by A

This Spring, Edinburgh’s Crolla family have announced plans to introduce the internationally recognised luxury Italian gelato brand Amorino to Scotland for the first time. The family, which has been operating the Vittoria Hospitality Group in Edinburgh for over 50 years, has secured a franchise agreement with Amorino and will open its first Scottish location on North Bridge, just steps from the city’s iconic Royal Mile. The new venue will sit right beside Vittoria Group’s

Stepping into The Spence feels like rediscovering the quiet thrill of eating out — where a historic room, confident cooking and Elliot Hill’s produce‑led touch turn a simple dinner into something genuinely special. From the opening pages of Jeremy King’s Without Reservation , I’m struck by how precisely he captures the often overlooked pleasures of eating out — the way restaurants create space for real conversation in a life increasingly dominated by screens, and the viscera

A new restaurant opening on Edinburgh's Bristo Place this February is offering diners something a little different — a place that changes its culinary destination every six weeks, without changing its character: retro Asian canteen meets supper club afterparty.  Uncle Tiger w ill run a rotating line-up of night-time sessions, inspired by some of the most exciting food cultures across Asia. Each one focuses on a single destination, bringing together chef-led dishes, inventive

When the glitz and razzle of a Friday and Saturday night are over and you want a quiet meal out, no drama; to wear something low key …chill but ever on trend, and you want a space with some cachet, comfort and good fare too, the issue is where, for “Man does not live by bread alone” and all that!! Neighbourhood restaurants vary and Sunday nights in Edinburgh can be dismal, especially if you are the only diners… never the case in London of course with its plethora of cool, bud

Edinburgh’s top bartenders and mixologists are getting set to shake things up with the city’s first ‘Margarita Mile’ for Margarita Month.   From Wednesday 18 th  February until Tuesday 31 st  March, five bars across the capital are teaming up with tequila brand, El Jimador, to celebrate the iconic margarita cocktail and National Margarita Day on Sunday 22 nd  February.   The Basement on Broughton Street, The Boozy Cow on Frederick St, Badger & Co on Castle Street, Copper Bl

Typically hungover and feeling utterly wretched, these impeccably dressed reprobates drag themselves to Bistro Du Vin’s Jazz Sunday Lunch—only to be resurrected by pâté, pét-nat, and the dangerously charming Alexi. Typically hungover, and feeling UTTERLY wretched, these Bitches have risen from the dead. Despite the pain, odd dizzy spell, and inability to focus, we somehow find ourselves impeccably dressed, and seeking solace at Bistro Du Vin’s Jazz Sunday Lunch . Ding Dong!

I moved to Scotland from Canada so long ago that homesickness is a bit of a dull ache I rarely notice: until I walk into Down the Hatch. It’s hard to define what makes a burger place Canadian, but I know it when I find it.  Walls are decorated with hockey jerseys, Canadian stickers, flags and ice skates. The big screen is showing Hockey Night in Canada. An older couple at the adjacent table was visiting from the south of England. She hadn’t been “home” in 10 years and was em

The original idea was to send out this update weekly, but it seems to have developed a rhythm of its own. I think it’s been almost two weeks since the last one — but in fairness, there is a lot happening. The snippets below are just a handful of highlights from our inbox. We’re in danger of drifting into full‑on Bite rather than Nibble territory. On the Grapevine The Beehive in the Grassmarket has had a refurb — we’re heading over soon. A Scottish Cheese Academy has launched

The Scottish Cheese Academy aims to give Scottish Cheese the global status of Scottish Whisky Tanny Gill, Scotland’s only World Cheese Awards judge, today announces the launch of The Scottish Cheese Academy. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, the Scottish Cheese Academy has been created to fill a gap in professional education, help cheese lovers learn more about Scottish cheese, and help give Scottish cheese the cultural status and global reverence of Scottis

There’s something inherently theatrical about watching a great bartender at work, and at Dine’s Martini Experience that role belonged to Will — part‑mixologist, part‑historian, part‑future‑lawyer, and entirely captivating. We’d booked a girls’ treat for the 4pm cocktail hour at Dine , perched above The Traverse in Edinburgh’s theatre district — a fitting setting for an evening built on performance. Once settled into our comfortable bar stools, perfectly positioned at the pol

It took 2500 bookings before it even opened, and as a result the owners felt compelled to close their new restaurant to walk-ins for the first few days. What, you might wonder, was the attraction? An expertly-curated social media campaign? That obviously helped, but the location of Kochchi, Glasgow’s new Sri Lankan restaurant, must surely have played a part. It’s situated down a very cute mews lane off Byres Road in the city’s bustling West End , is close to the University

Scotland’s bakery sector came together on january 26 at Fife College, Dunfermline in a spectacular celebration of skill, creativity and jam filled ambition at the Scottish Baker of the Year 2026 Empire Biscuit Challenge . The event marked the official launch of the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards, which will take place in May 2026 .  Company Bakery, McGhees, Harry Gow, John Gillespie & Sons, Lesley Cameron, Peter Sawkins Hosted by Great British Bake Off winner Peter Sawkin

For those of us who work full time and not in the centre of town, a weekday lunch out is a rare treat, and this is often where the best deals can be found. Though a well-known name to me, my only previous experience of Harajuku Kitchen was the excellent gyoza stall at Stockbridge Market, and I learn that this is where the company started out originally, before opening their award-winning restaurant in Bruntsfield in 2013. Authenticity is very important in the growing world

Dishoom is a UK‑wide restaurant group celebrating the Irani cafés of twentieth‑century Bombay — the bustling institutions founded by Zoroastrian (Iranian) immigrants. Their Edinburgh outpost also nods to the visionary town planner Patrick Geddes , appointed Bombay’s first Professor of Sociology and Civics in 1919. Geddes frequented the city’s cafés, suppor ted the independence movement, and advised on planning during his years living there. Dishoom folds this local connect

Left to Right: Claragh, Nicola, Jacob and Jaynie Kean A family‑run Lowland distillery steps into a new chapter as Jackton prepares to reveal the single malt that has quietly shaped its identity from day one. Six years after filling their very first cask, the team at Jackton Distillery are finally ready to lift the lid on their inaugural RAER Single Malt . And in true Jackton style, they’re doing it with a Burns Night gathering on the former family farm. Between 23–25 January

Tea Scotland has won the 2025 Pioneer Award  at the internationally recognised Leafies Tea Awards marking a major moment for Scotland’s fast‑growing tea sector. The network, which supports the commercial cultivation of Camellia sinensis   across the country, was praised for producing rare, small‑batch, traceable teas shaped by distinctive Scottish microclimates that echo high‑altitude terroirs. The Awards ceremony commended Scottish Tea Companies The Leafies —organised by t

Wahaca brings big flavour and easygoing charm to plant‑based dining, with vibrant small plates, standout tacos, and a zero‑proof drinks list that makes Dry January feel like a celebration rather than a compromise. Sometimes you just have to treat yourself. I’m not talking about a Michelin starred, white tablecloth kind of treat, more the kind that warms your stomach and ignites a spark in you at the same time. That’s Wahaca. Visiting our local restaurant in Edinburgh, with

One Week On… Just when you think the days are stretching and the chill is easing, Scotland reminds you—firmly—that winter isn’t done with us yet. Luckily, the Bite team has been out gathering plenty of ways to stay cosy in Scotland’s brilliant restaurants, cafés and bars. 🍇 On the Grapevine Scottish wins at The Leafies    A strong showing for Scotland at The Leafies —affectionately known as “the Oscars of the tea world”. Bacaro 42     A new Venetian wine bar has opened at 4

Cold outside? Get your skates on to Hawksmoor Edinburgh to catch their January meal deal! They’re offering their steak‑and‑side deal from as little as £16, and Bite is in there quick to sample Hawksmoor’s specials. The basic deal includes a 35‑day dry‑aged Scottish rump steak with a choice from four sides. Add on a second course and the total of £19.50 still keeps it keen. So much so that my dining companion feels a celebratory Cava is a suitable aperitif, and it’s a delici

Celestia raises the bar for Edinburgh’s midday dining, pairing sharp technique and contemporary Indian flavour with a lunch menu that’s both polished and properly priced. Celestia , Edinburgh’s contemporary Indian dining destination on Eyre Place, has unveiled a new lunch menu designed to deliver bold flavour, refined technique, and exceptional value — and early visits suggest it succeeds.  Priced at £15.95 for vegetarian and £19.95 for non‑vegetarian, the menu invites gue

Giovanna Eusebi has revealed that keenly-anticipated plans for expansion of her popular award-winning family-run Italian restaurant Eusebi Deli in Glasgow’s West End by taking over a derelict bank across the road in Gibson Street to create a new wine bar and restaurant, are on hold - just days after hearing she had been granted new planning permission after two difficult years.  Speaking exclusively to Bite , patron Giovanna Eusebi, whose family has been operating in Glasg

Mowgli brings its trademark sparkle and home‑style Indian cooking to a grand Hanover Street bank building, but while the sauces shine, uneven execution and chain‑style service leave Edinburgh’s independents firmly in the lead. Mowgli Street Food is a UK restaurant group built on Indian home‑style cooking and the lived experience of its founder, Nisha Katona. A former child‑protection barrister, Katona left a 20‑year legal career to open the first Mowgli in Liverpool in 2014.

Edinburgh’s most generous wine tasting returns this spring as Great Grog opens the doors to its Big Spring Wine Fair  on Saturday 18 April 2026 , offering two relaxed, discovery‑driven sessions at the Greyfriars Charteris Centre  on Pleasance. With 100+ wines  to explore and producers pouring on the day, it’s one of the city’s most convivial ways to taste widely, chat freely, and find new favourites. This year, Bite readers get something special: 4 pairs of tickets for each s

One of Scotland’s leading chefs will be hosting a collaborative ‘Captain’s Table’ experience onboard Edinburgh’s five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, on Wednesday 4 February .   For one night only, just ten diners are being offered the chance to step aboard the world-class foodie destination to enjoy a bespoke five-course menu created by Michelin-acclaimed guest chef, Barry Bryson from Barry Fish at the neighbouring Shore area of Leith.   The exclusive pop-up dining ev

Bayne's vision to double retail presence

A cosy East Neuk hideaway where real fires, woodsmoke, and warm hospitality welcome you in.

A decade after its last outing, The Buckstone returns with daytime charm, vintage motorsport flair, and some of the most relaxed views in Edinburgh. Ten years. Where does the time go? It feels like yesterday, but it is nearly four thousand days since I last set foot in The Buckstone. It was once a sports bar (of which more later), it was once a casual diner (also of more later), but what is never in doubt is the exquisite location . It’s been here since before Tenzing Norgay