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Edinburgh's eclectic restaurant scene has attracted a brigade of well-known chefs, including the award-winning trio of Martin Wishart, Tom Kitchin, and Paul Kitching. They and dozens of others have abandoned the tried-and-true recipes for more adventurous cuisine. Of course, you can always find traditional fare, which usually means the Scottish-French style that harks back to the historical "Auld Alliance" of the 13th century. The Scottish element is the preference for fresh and local foodstuffs; the French supply the sauces. In Edinburgh, you can sample anything from Malaysian rendang (a thick, coconut-milk stew) to Kurdish kebabs, while the long-established French, Italian, Chinese, Pakistani, and Indian communities ensure that the majority of the globe's most treasured cuisines are well represented.
Book ahead to guarantee a seat in the stylish dining room with golden hanging lanterns and abstract prints so you can feast on fabulous contemporary versions of Vietnamese classics such as pho and Sai Gon king prawn summer rolls. Choose from à la carte street food, home comfort classics, and vegan options guided by the small friendly team who regularly disappear and reemerge from a hatch behind the small bar.
A convenient stroll from Haymarket station and the airport-bound tram, this laid-back, versatile Vietnamese eatery is a combination café, restaurant, and vibrant art gallery. The eclectic decor, homey tables, and hearty Vietnamese fare (which includes meat and vegetarian versions of Vietnamese staples like summer rolls and pho) reflect the warmth of the ever-enthusiastic owners.
