Tucked into a cosy corner of Sciennes Road, just south of the Meadows, Pomelo is a modern Chinese restaurant that’s redefining Asian fusion in Edinburgh. Founded by chef-owner Jun Au, formerly of Castle Terrace and The Grain Store, Pomelo began life in a tiny Marchmont unit before expanding into its current home - a snug, dark-walled dining room filled with the aromas of sizzling spices and hand-ripped noodles.
The menu is a constantly evolving showcase of bold, inventive cooking. Lunches offer walk-in diners access to greatest hits like crispy fried chicken sandwiches with gochujang heat, belt-sized biang biang noodles with spiced pork and garlic-chilli oil, and vibrant salads layered with sesame, pickles and crunch. Dinner is a more ambitious affair, modelled on Chinese family-style dining, with small plates that blend Asian and Western techniques. Dishes might include roast duck with kumquats and cauliflower, fish-fragrant Sicilian caponata, or coley fillet topped with Cantonese curry. Sunday brunch brings its own surprises - think prawn toast with curry sauce or salmon aburi on toast.
Inside, Pomelo is intimate and characterful. The space is compact, with communal energy and a few pavement tables outside. Expect close quarters, warm lighting and a playlist that ranges from pop to Cantonese classics. The open kitchen adds theatre, and the team’s enthusiasm is palpable - chefs often present dishes themselves, and the service is personal and engaging.
For dinner bookings, the restaurant offers two sittings - either early or late evening on Fridays and Saturdays. While the team can cater for some dietary requirements, it cannot accommodate sesame and coeliac allergies.
The restaurant finds its home near the centre of town, just a short walk from the University and the National Museum of Scotland. It’s a place where culinary experimentation meets comfort, and where every visit feels like a new discovery.