Monteiths

It may be pitched right on the Royal Mile main drag, but this stylish bistro and bar deserves plaudits for avoiding the tourist trap clichés. Reached via a small close, Monteiths has a lights-turned-down, clubby ambience and even flirts with kitsch – yet it remains tasteful and playful, right down to the brasserie-style menu. Scottish staples such as crab, mussels, grass-fed beef, venison, haggis and oysters are all tossed into the eclectic melting pot, and the kitchen conjures up some lively modern ideas ranging from Arbroath smokie risotto with poached egg or John Dory with surf clams, sea beet and capers to pork belly with pig’s cheek fritters and cauliflower purée or wood pigeon with black pudding and rhubarb chutney. Desserts show the kitchen’s lighter side (chocolate fudge cake with salted caramel popcorn), and there are some decent Scottish cheeses too.

Monteiths is a warm and welcoming kitchen and cocktail bar open from Wednesday to Friday for drinks and dining. Set just off the Royal Mile, Monteiths serves a menu of quality Scottish produce in a cosy, contemporary setting.

Whether you’re looking for some light bar bites such as oysters and olives, or a three-course meal you will find plenty of choice on the menu. Start things off with traditional haggis served with fried potato, crispy onions and swede, or go for something light and fresh such as the cured salmon served with beetroot and horseradish. Mains include a good selection of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, you’ll find roasted squash, venison and cod on the menu, as well as sea bass and gnocchi. The menu is variable to the seasons.

There are plenty of sides on the menu including sea salted triple cooked chips, Company Bakery sourdough, warm potato salad and a cucumber salad served with mint.

Desserts include chocolate mousse served with ice cream, hazelnut and caramel, treacle tart and a selection of local cheeses served with raw honeycomb, and charcoal crackers.

Dishes are delicately presented, ensuring a sophisticated finish. You can also enjoy a good selection of unique, playful cocktails, many of which are made using local ingredients. There is also a wide choice of beers, wines and spirits.

Why not finish your evening off with an orchard bramble made using Edinburgh gin and blackcurrant liqueur or a heather honey old fashioned served with syrup and bitters.  

This relaxed and welcoming cocktail bar and kitchen is centrally located with several museums and tourist attractions close by.