At the bottom of vibrant restaurant-heavy Broughton Street (aka the Pink Strip), The Olive Branch Bistro is one of Edinburgh’s more laid-back eateries – although it has upped its game since the ambitious young chef/proprietor took over in 2011. Huge picture windows for people watching, olive-green paintwork, exposed brick and self-consciously hip young waitresses create a cool, lively and stress-free feel, and the distinctly boho vibe chimes well with the decent-value food on offer. The kitchen goes walkabout for the chickpea and lentil cakes, jerk chicken with rice and beans, and sea bass with pipérade and salsa verde, as well as pleasing the die-hards with beer-battered fish and chips, burgers, pasta and char-grilled Scotch rib-eye steaks. To finish, don’t miss the cherry-studded white and dark chocolate brownie. Breakfast and brunch are served at the weekend, and the whisky list is a cracker.