Edinburgh’s Hidden Food Gems, According To A Local Chef
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18 minutes ago
From wine bars to takeaway gyros, Jun Au shares his top recommendations
Edinburgh is one of the UK’s best cities for foodies. Michelin-starred establishments sit alongside relaxed neighbourhood spots, buzzy bakeries and street food hotspots – but where do chefs go to eat in the Scottish capital? We asked Jun Au, the chef-owner of local restaurant Pomelo who also recently competed on Great British Menu.
Au opened Pomelo in 2021, serving the hand-ripped noodles he had grown up eating – and the restaurant quickly became a cult favourite, attracting long queues. During the day it serves the signature noodles alongside Sichuan honey crispy chicken sandwiches, followed by more refined Asian-fusion small plates in the evenings. It’s been a big couple of years for Au: as well as starring on Great British Menu – and making it to the judges’ chamber – he has scooped up a whole host of awards including being named Best Asian Chef in Scotland by the Asian Catering Federation. So he’s certainly well-placed to guide you on a foodie weekend in Edinburgh, focusing on off-the-beaten track spots you might not have tried.
Jun Au’s Favourite Restaurants In Edinburgh
China Bowl
‘China Bowl is one of my favourite Chinese restaurants in Edinburgh. The interior is functional but the food is packed full of wok hei. The specials are written in Chinese, so make sure to have Google Translate at the ready!’
44 S Clerk St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9PS
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Argile
‘Chef-owner Jack Montgomery is an excellent and talented chef and, at Argile, blends French cookery with Japanese influences at the intimate chef’s table restaurant. Located just around the corner from us in Marchmont, Argile is a friendly neighbour and also a really special place for an occasion or celebration.’
21 Argyle Pl, Edinburgh EH9 1JJ, argilerestaurant.co.uk
Nixos
‘Not quite sure if I should be admitting this, but I was the first order ever placed on Nixos’ Deliveroo, and have continued to be a loyal customer ever since. This street food-style Greek restaurant – with locations in Edinburgh’s city centre and the nearby suburb of Portobello – is consistently great with really generous portions. I always order their mixed gyros box (make sure to add halloumi) and their loukaniko sausage.’
230A Portobello High St, Edinburgh EH15 2AU / 6 Brougham St, Edinburgh EH3 9JH, nixosgreekstreetfood.co.uk
Mamaris
‘If you are looking for an old school kebab house, I would always suggest heading to Newington and paying a visit to Mamaris. They do an excellent lamb doner and shish kebabs, and their pizza always hits different after a cheeky post-work pint with the crew.’
Multiple locations
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Spry
‘We love celebrating special occasions at Spry. A minimalist wine bar and bottle shop with comfy seating at the back and bar seating around an impressive rounded serving counter. The staff make you feel at home and they have such extensive expertise of wine. The food is great too, showcasing seasonal and local Scottish produce.’
1 Haddington Pl, Edinburgh EH7 4AE, sprywines.co.uk
Tempo Perso
‘Chicken parms the size of your head? Yes please! Tempo Perso is located in the neighbourhood of Bruntsfield and offers simple and honest Italian food that I quite often visit for a Sunday dinner after I’ve finished up our brunch service.’
208 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4DE, tempoperso.it
August 21
‘This is a cosy nook of a coffee shop, located in Causewayside. The staff are always friendly and an iced latte with pistachio always hits the spot on a summer’s day. The cafe has a real community feel to it, and always runs an exciting calendar of events, exhibitions and gigs.’
89 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1QG, august21.co.uk
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Project Canelé
‘Fraser Irvine is weaving his magic at Project Canelé down Dundas Street in Edinburgh’s New Town. The canelés are the stars of the show, but the coffee and the flan cakes are also superb.’
150 Dundas St, Edinburgh EH3 5DQ
