Culinary Culture: Leith's Dining Destinations

With Edinburgh’s festivals in full swing there is no better time to put your tastebuds to the test – so pay a visit to one of Leith’s international restaurants. The area’s rich melting pot of cultures truly set the area apart – with those in the know earmarking it as one of the most eclectic foodie destinations. To help you find your feet, we’ve spotlighted five of our favorites....

Massimo

10/11 Antigua Street, www.massimo-restaurants.com

Chefs at contemporary Italian venue Massimo create exciting fusion dishes – putting a modern slant on traditional Italian favourites. The varied menu incorporates antipasti, risottos, pastas and pizzas as well as ‘Carne E Pesce’ – expertly cooked meat and fish dishes to make your mouth water. End the evening with a treat from the dessert menu where Coppa Macedonia, fruit salad with maraschino liqueur and cream or vanilla ice cream covered with espresso are amongst the highlights to savor.

Jolly Ristorante

9 Elm Row www.jollyristorante.co.uk

Visit the Jolly Ristorante on Elm Row for some of the best Italian dishes outside of Italy itself! The famous Elm Row restaurant has been serving up authentic log fired pizzas for over thirty years and their extensive traditional toppings include smoked salmon, parma harm and roasted vegetables to name a few. A range of classic pastas complete a menu any lover of Italian cuisine would be proud of.

A Passage to India

20 Union Place www.ptiedinburgh.co.uk

With a menu carefully tailored by talented chefs, A Passage To India combines authentic Indian spices with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Specialties include a range of Tandoori dishes, marinated in ground masala spices and cooked on skewers in a clay oven. Haggis Samosas and Dallmakhini, a renowned Asian dish, are also on the menu at the award-winning restaurant.

Nobles

44A Constitution Street www.noblesbarleith.co.uk

One of the longest established bars in Leith having opened in 1896, Nobles brings a taste of fine Scottish fayre to its customers. Menu highlights include Cullen skink, the unusual rabbit burger, hearty fish and chips and sweet treats in the form of cranachan knickerbocker glory or homemade chocolate brownies. Nobles menu is locally sourced and there are is great selection of wines, beers, spirits, fair-trade coffee and teas to choose from.

Englishman, Scotsman, Irishman

46 Queen Charlotte Street www.esibrasserie.com

What was once the site of an old fire station, is now a unique contemporary three level brasserie. e:s:i (Englishman, Scotsman, Irishman) offers hearty fayre using fresh local ingredients. Watch as chefs create your meal in the kitchen from the cut of meat right through to the jus. Highlights on the menu include pan sealed venison saddle on Irish boxty, sautéed green beans and beetroot purée, or try the three cuts of beef served either the English, Scottish or Irish way! The hospitality team headed up by owners Richard and Paul includes expert barstaff who will ensure that your first visit to e:s:i will definitely not be your last.

The Sicilian Restaurant

5A Union Street www.thesicilian.co.uk

A hidden jewel on Union Street, only minutes from Edinburgh City Centre, the family run Sicilian restaurant specialises in authentic home cooked dishes. Head Chef Baigio spent 40 years cooking in Sicily before bringing his expertise to the Capital. His menu includes pastas and pizzas incorporating the freshest ingredients – the mushrooms are even picked here at the weekend!