The Olive Branch - Edinburgh

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.

Nestled away in Edinburgh, The Olive Branch is an all-day local gem serving lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, sharing plates and delicious drinks.

The interiors feature a beautiful golden tree mural stretching across the walls, catching the light against a dark, moody colour scheme. Rustic wooden tables ground the space, while quirky, thoughtful details give it personality without fuss. The overall effect is warm and community-minded, somewhere you can settle in for a long evening or relaxed brunch, whether that’s a low-lit dinner for two or a catch-up with friends over good wine and generous plates.

The Olive Branch's dinner menu leans into small plates and satisfying mains that feel carefully put together. To start, goats cheese, apple and fig arrives on toasted sourdough with apple purée and toasted hazelnuts - sweet, textured and with a little zing. The dauphinoise bon bons sound delicious, bringing breaded Gruyère and garlic potatoes with a BBQ dip, while salt and pepper squid is paired with cucumber, pepper and pomegranate salad and a soy and maple dressing.

Mains take inspiration from across the globe, always while using local, fresh ingredients. The Arbroath smokey risotto combines smoked haddock and saffron risotto with a poached egg and aioli, celebrating Scottish produce with depth and richness. While the Thai coconut rice introduces crispy king oyster mushroom, peppers and spring onion in a fragrant coconut broth, with the option to add confit chicken or beef brisket. For something heartier, slow-roasted lamb shoulder is served with dauphinoise potatoes, celeriac purée, black pudding bon bon and roast garlic jus.

Finally, desserts continue the theme of well-executed classics. Apple and berry crumble arrives with warm crème anglaise, while dark chocolate sticky toffee pudding is finished with salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. If you have a penchant for sweet things, The Olive Branch is for you!