Located in one of Edinburgh's classically beautiful old buildings on Broughton Street, Lucky Yu is a fun, light-hearted Asian restaurant serving a menu of small plates, as well as creative cocktails. First opening as a 'hole in the wall' back in 2018, Lucky Yu recently moved into its bigger premises after its continued success and self-confessed cult status.
Inside, the space is stylish and exudes effortless cool with textured walls, minimalist design and the odd neon light for a bit of flamboyance. If looking for a date night spot, or place to catch up with good friends, this is the one.
The menu is select and curated, spanning around 20 petite dishes which can, and should, be shared between the table. Starting with meat-based plates, the Korean chicken wings with sticky gochujang glaze sounds like a must, followed by barbecued wood pigeon with plum, sesame and nori as well as crispy pork belly with chilli peanut crisp sauce.
The team is also passionate about working with a variety of fish and seafood, such as the crispy, whole seabass with ginger, kafir lime and lemongrass sauce, as well as the chargrilled bluefin O-Toro with ponzu and daikon crisps, and grilled bluefin tuna tataki with thai peppercorn, kaffir lime, ginger and soy. For those who prefer to keep things plant-based, we like the sound of the roasted and grilled aubergine with miso, and the housemade kimchi and sweet potato gyoza with chilli sauce.
As well as great food, Lucky Yu loves to whip up interesting cocktail concoctions, alongside paired sake and wines, which the team are happy to recommend for your meal. Plus, if you're looking for a place to host a party, the restaurant doubles as a venue.