Edinburgh Restaurant Awards: The finalists unveiled
and live on Freeview channel 276
From Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurants to cosy cafes and vibrant street food hotspots, there are plenty of rich culinary delights to celebrate across the city and Lothians.
This article reveals the nominees shortlisted after a nine-strong judging panel of industry experts – including Scotland’s National Chef Gary Maclean and food and drink critic for The Scotsman Gaby Soutar – narrowed down readers’ nominations.
Judging partner for the event is the not-for-profit Sustainable Restaurant Association, while the headline sponsor is Zettle, a point-of-sale solution for small businesses.
Among the 15 accolades are Edinburgh Chef of the Year, sponsored by Chef Works, Sustainability Award, backed by business for good advocates Everyone’s Edinburgh, Best Takeaway Offering, sponsored by food portal Mealzo, and Best Fine Dining Experience, supported by the Edinburgh School of Food & Wine.
On the night, which will be hosted by Forth 1 presenter Arelene Stuart, guests can enjoy a drinks reception by Capital-based Smugglers Spirits and Paolozzi beer.
Emma Cohen, general manager for hospitality clothing provider Chef Works, says: “Chef Works & Bragard are honoured to celebrate the achievements of such talented, creative individuals after such a challenging time for our wonderful hospitality sector.
“It’s going to be a great night and hopefully will also tempt readers to try somewhere new in and around this city’s great food scene.”
Entry to this evening of food and drink celebration cost £70+VAT, and to purchase tickets, go to www.edinburgh restaurantawards.co.uk
Edinburgh Chef of the Year sponsored by Chef Works
Dean Banks
The Pompadour, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, Princes Street
The BBC MasterChef: The Professionals 2018 finalist took over the historic West End restaurant last year, following on from the success of his Haar restaurant in St Andrews.
His evolving tasting menu showcases the best of land and sea in a luxurious fine-dining setting.
Roberta Hall-McCarron
The Little Chartroom, 14 Bonnington Road
The former chef-de-partie at The Kitchin has run The Little Chartoom since 2018 with her husband, Shaun McCarron.
After the high-end bistro moved from Albert Place to Bonnington Road, Roberta, a Great British Menu finalist, chefs at the recently opened wine bar and eatery Eleanore on its former site.
Neil Forbes
Cafe St Honore, 34 Thistle Street Chef director
Neil Forbes claims to have been inspired to cook by his granny’s soup, which he describes as good, honest ingredients cooked simply.
That is the ethos behind the Parisian-style brasserie, tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh, where the menu changes daily and his simple cooking style celebrates the finest Scottish ingredients.
Darren Murray
Borough, 50-54 Henderson Street, Leith
The former head chef of the highly acclaimed Norn relaunched his restaurant as Borough in 2019. The family-run venue serves up seasonal and sustainable produce in a relaxed environment, and offers a four-course set menu or an a la carte option.
Stuart Ralston
Aizle, 38 Charlotte Square; Noto, 47A Thistle Street
Having worked at prestigious venues in New York and Barbados, in 2014 Glenrothes-born Stuart opened Aizle, a Michelin Guide recommended bistro with a changing six-course tasting menu.
In 2019, he opened Noto, which has since earned a Bib Gourmand and is a more casual alternative inspired by his time in NYC with a focus on food for sharing.
Fine Dining Experience sponsored by Edinburgh School of Food & Wine
Aizle
38 Charlotte Square
From the live ferment in the sourdough to the kombucha in its cocktails, everything is made inhouse here, and it offers a six-course seasonal menu.
Number One
The Balmoral 1 Princes Street
This four AA Rosette venue combines modern Scottish cuisine, courtesy of chef Mathew Sherry, with great service and a seven-course tasting menu.
Noto
47A Thistle Street
Inspired by chef-owner Stuart Ralston’s time in New York, this Bib Gourmand recipient focuses on sharing plates and small domaines.
The Little Chartroom
14 Bonnington Road
This charming neighbourhood bistro has been a success since it opened in 2018, and boasts an innovative and locally-sourced menu that is packed with flavour.
Sommelier of the Year
Damien Trinckquel
Number One at The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street
French-born Damien provides a superlative selection of 350 wines from 18 countries to complement Number One’s impressive seven-course tasting menu.
Alessandro Bianchi
Mono, 85 South Bridge
Alessandro matches some of the finest world wines at this contemporary Italian fine-dining restaurant.
The venue also hosts a sommelier-run monthly wine club, where guests are welcome to hone their wine deduction skills.
Sustainability Award sponsored by Everyone’s Edinburgh
Hawksmoor
23 West Register Street
Having been awarded the maximum rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association for a 12th consecutive year, Hawskmoor prides itself on championing regenerative agriculture and seasonal sourcing.
Cafe St Honore
34 Thistle Street
Serving up a changing daily menu within a Parisian-style bistro, Cafe St Honore’s chef director, Neil Forbes, is a founding member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association and is a supporter of Slow Food Edinburgh, which raises awareness of global food issues on a local level.
The Scottish Cafe and Restaurant
Scottish National Gallery, The Mound
Owned by renowned Edinburgh restaurateurs Victor and Carina Contini, The Scottish Cafe and Restaurant has received many awards in recognition of its environmental policy, and its aims to source the best local produce while minimising waste.
Oscar’s Group
Various, Portobello
This family-run bar and restaurant operator has managed to eliminate all single-use plastics across its businesses last year, and has pledged to ditch all disposables in its eateries, including Vegware.
Best Cafe/Deli
Honeycomb & Co.
1 Merchiston Place
This popular Bruntsfield breakfast and brunch spot focuses on bold flavours across its menus. Customer favourites include North African shakshuka, sweetcorn fritters and espresso, and caramelised walnut cake.
Loudons 2
Sibbald Walk; 94b Fountainbridge
With a mission to serve outstanding breakfasts, brunches and lunches that cater to all tastes, Loudons bakes its cakes daily and has a varied menu which includes cocktails and smoothies.
Salt Cafe
54-56 Morningside Road
Using locally-sourced sustainable and artisanal produce, Salt Cafe provides breakfasts and small plates featuring Company Bakery sourdough, Corrie Mains Farm eggs and Fruit Pig black pudding, as well as its own signature sizzling sausages.
Kauai
26 Forrest Road
Kauai’s ethos of real, sustainable food made from scratch and full of flavour has proved a success. It is renowned for its mouth-watering wraps, salads, vegetable bowls and overnight oats.
Best Customer Service
Borough
50-54 Henderson Street, Leith
The team at this family-owned neighbourhood bistro creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for guests to enjoy an evolving set menu boasting ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
New Chapter
18 Eyre Place
Tucked away in the New Town, the family-run restaurant showcases European-influenced plates served by friendly staff in a cosy atmosphere.
Tempo Perso
208 Bruntsfield Place
Family-friendly Tempo Perso welcomes diners with authentic Italian dishes and wines from a menu that combines imported Italian ingredients and Scottish produce.
Wedgwood
267 Canongate
Chef Paul Wedgwood’s multi-award winning Canongate restaurant has become highly popular, thanks to the splendidly relaxed fine-dining experience on offer.
Best Family Friendly
Tempo Perso
208 Bruntsfield Place
The knowledgeable team at this Italian hotspot offers advice to ensure every guest has a top-rate dining experience. With a children’s menu featuring Italian classics, no-one is left out.
Mimi’s Bakehouse
63 Shore, Leith; 277 St Johns Road, Corstorphine; 250 Canongate
Mimi’s Bakehouse has been one of Edinburgh’s most-loved bakeries since it opened in 2010. Its team aims to give people “a hug when they walk in the door” and with afternoon teas, cakes and tray bakes, every sweet tooth is satisfied.
Salt Café
54-56 Morningside Road
This cosy breakfast and brunch venue is favoured for its locally-sourced ingredients and cheerful team. There is a children’s menu and four-legged friends are welcome too.
McLarens on the Corner
8 Morningside Road
Dog and family-friendly McLarens on the Corner is an all-day bistro with a bar, garden terrace for al fresco dining, and quirky private ski gondolas. The adults’ and children’s menus are both wide ranging.
Best Gastro Pub & Brewery
The Lioness of Leith
21-25 Duke Street
Opened in 2013, this Leith venue is noted for its gourmet burgers made with beef from renowned butchers Findlays of Portobello. Drinks include premium local and international beers and seasonal cocktails.
The Black Fox
17 Albert Place
There are cocktails, craft beers and “foxy food” galore available at high tables in this trendy wood-clad gastropub on Leith Walk.
No. 1 The Grange
1 Grange Road
With drinks from Tiny Rebel, Pilot and Innis & Gunn, there is plenty to enjoy at No. 1 The Grange. Its menu by head chef Danny Tansey features seasonal and hearty meals.
The Roseleaf
23/24 Sandport Place, Leith
This family-run gastro pub has been serving its famous cocktails in teapots since 2007. The team here strives to provide seasonal food in a relaxed environment.
Best Newcomer
Bundits of Leith
49-52 Constitution Street, Leith
Bundits launched a popup outlet just as Scotland entered its last Lockdown, but customer demand has fuelled the opening of a permanent Leith location. It has a karaoke room and the team is on-song with filled bao buns and rice boxes.
Salt Cafe
54-56 Morningside Road
It’s no surprise to see this chic brunch specialist appear on the list more than once. During lockdown, Salt Cafe was taken over by Steve and Liv Connolly-Bastock who promote sustainable, local and artisanal ingredients.
Matto Pizza
370-372 Morningside Road
This second restaurant for Matto Pizza opened last December, following the success of its Cadzow Place venue in Abbeyhill. Their Neapolitan-style pizzas feature toppings include San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, truffle cream and prosciutto al tartufo.
Bittersweet
54 Henderson Street, Leith
Run by Italian brothers Fabrizio and Simone Cioffi, Bittersweet opened in April to serve Italian classics alongside cocktails using Old Poison, a craft distillery founded by Fabrizio.
Bridge Fifteen
The Bridge Inn, 27 Baird Road, Ratho
Bridge Fifteen is the pub’s new modern Scottish fine-dining experience by chef Tyler King. The menu features local ingredients, including confit duck leg, wild sea bass and monkfish.
Best Seafood
The Fishmarket
23A Pier Place, Newhaven
This venture, by chef Roy Brett of Ondine fame and fishmonger Gary Welch, has been a wild success due to its use of freshly caught sustainable fish. Welch’s long-established relationships with Scotland’s best skippers pays dividends here.
East Coast
171-173 North High Street, Musselburgh
East Coast is the latest chapter in the Crolla family story, who have been serving fish and chips in the Honest Toun since 1974. There is a new seafood and grill restaurant now – keep an eye on the daily specials.
LeftField
12 Barclay Terrace, Bruntsfield
A must-try on this snug bistro’s menu is the hot seafood platter to share between two. Other favourites among customers are the red mullet, chargrilled octopus and crispy squid with sriracha mayo, lie and coriander.
The Ship on the Shore
24-26 Shore, Leith
This iconic Leith seafood restaurant and Champagne bar is bookedout most weekends due to its fresh, local produce from sustainable stocks. Whether it is a Champagne breakfast or dinner of fruits de mer, The Ship can deliver it all.
Best Speciality
Alby’s
8 Portland Place, Leith
Serving up a scaledback menu of “big hot sandwiches”, Alby’s delivers on flavour packed within wonderfully soft focaccia bread. Fave fillings on offer include salt and chilli squid, fried chicken and jalapenos with cheese.
Tempo Perso
208 Bruntsfield Place
This is a true Italian story, says its family owners, with the first Osteria Del Tempo Perso stemming from the outskirts of Rome from as far back as 1861. The team prides itself on using the finest Italian ingredients and cooks each dish to order.
Wanderers Kneaded
Across Edinburgh
After leaving Italy as a teen, before travelling Europe making pizzas, founder Francesco Bani invested in a truck in 2017 and has been popping up serving handcrafted wood-fired pizzas at various locations across the city ever since.
Beetroot Sauvage
33-41 Ratcliffe Terrace, Newington
“Nourishing you from soil to soul”, Beetroot Sauvage provides a city sanctuary comprising a vegan cafe and yoga studio in the Southside. The team makes its own cheese and cooks everything from scratch.
Best Takeaway Offering sponsored by Mealzo
East Coast
171-173 North High Street, Musselburgh
As well as being home to a modern seafood and grill restaurant, this family-run venue has served fresh fish and chips for decades. Its click-and-collect menu features all the classics, alongside panko lemon sole, crispy calamari and beer battered king prawns.
Mana Poke
10 Rodney Street
With an array of vibrant, healthy Hawaiian bowls, Mana has been hugely popular with street food lovers. Its pick-up and delivery menus feature fresh ingredients such as salmon, tuna, avocado and Korean gochujang.
Javits Takeaway
207 West Granton Road; 38 Wester Hailes Centre; 39 Drum Street, Gilmerton
Javits started out as a fish and chipper in 2015 and now has three venues across the city, all of which offer golden fried fish, freshly prepared pizzas and Turkish kebabs.
Sabzi
162 Ferry Road
Sabzi, meaning hot dish, is run by the family behind the Coffee & Cream cafe in Leith, who opened their sit-in restaurant on Ferry Road in July to serve delicious home-cooked Punjabi dishes.
Wanderers Kneaded
Across Edinburgh
This pizzeria on wheels run by Italian-born Francesco Bani has been a hit due to its unique creations, with sourdough pizza toppings including prawns, pear and walnuts, and kale marinated in chilli and garlic.
Best Use of Outdoor Space
The Bridge Inn
27 Baird Road, Ratho
Situated in the picturesque village of Ratho, The Bridge Inn has outdoor seating overlooking the Union Canal. Guests watch the world go by on the water while enjoying tasty bites and refreshing drinks.
Cold Town House
4 Grassmarket
Located in a former church, Cold Town House has a spacious outdoor area that combines stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the historic Grassmarket, as well as private seating in cosy ski gondolas.
The Boathouse
3 King’s Place, Portobello
You don’t have to travel to the Caribbean to enjoy a tipple against a scenic seaside backdrop. The Boathouse is a beach bar with unparalleled views across the sands of Porty prom and Firth of Forth.
Rose Street Garden
16 Rose Street
Theatrical cocktails and street food are served in this idyllic city centre courtyard, tucked away behind the iconic Edinburgh Dome restaurant, making it very much in demand on sunny days.
McLarens on the Corner
8 Morningside Road
With high tables, large umbrellas, fire pits and private ski gondolas, McLarens on the Corner’s garden terrace is ideal for anyone seeking to dine al fresco or enjoy drinks in the sun in true comfort.
Best World Food Restaurant
Spitaki
133-135 East Claremont Street
Greek owner Christos has a passion for authentic cuisine from his home country and serves fresh, homemade dips and warm pitta bread as well as seafood and vegetable-based mezes. Spitaki – aka “the little house” – provides a friendly atmosphere, while its taverna is ideal for parties.
Macau Kitchen
93 St Leonards Street
This Macanese restaurant serves fusion cuisine from a blend of Portuguese, Goan, Malaysian and South China, based on the flavours its founder and chef, Kei de Freitas, grew up with. The menu boasts dishes including crispy coconut duck, classic minchi and po gok gai.
Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food
1 Leven Street
Founded in 2012 by director Rizvi Khaleque, this colourful restaurant offers small plates of mouth-watering Indian street food. There is also an all-day set menu, featuring channa masala, saag paneer and chicken lollipops.
Wee Greek Kitchen
158 Dalkeith Road
The team behind this Greek wonder has passionately created authentic recipes of the traditional Mediterranean cuisine served in a light and airy modern venue. The scaled-back menu has feta filo parcels with honey and sesame, Greek salad, and lamb moussaka.
Edinburgh Restaurant of the Year sponsored by Zettle
This most coveted title will be announced on the night – hopefully see you there...