International Starters

International Starters

82 Commercial Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6LX

Telephone 0131 555 2546
Food served Mon–Thu 5–10pm; Fri/Sat noon–10pm; Sun 12.30-8pm.
Average price £9.90 (set lunch); £12 (evening meal)
Email
Website www.internationalstarters.co.uk

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Eating & Drinking Guide

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the 2012 edition.

Scottish? American? Asian? Mediterranean? If you can’t decide what to eat, then International Starters could be the solution. The idea is to pick ‘starters’ from anywhere on a sprawling global menu covering many bases, ideal for trying different dishes without committing to a full main course and great for groups. The concept is clever, but standards sometimes slip. Perhaps with such broad culinary brushstrokes this is inevitable: fulsome fajitas are fine as are the perennially popular crispy haggis balls and the mushroom and black pudding bites but the Peking duck is poor and the ‘Goan discovery’ something of a misnomer. Sometimes the novelty is enough – bite-size fish'n’chips served in their own paper poke for example – but the promised platter of mini desserts are less miniature and more pieces of a whole. However, the novel theme and party spirit of the place should paper over the cracks. Be warned, though, that both the price and size of dishes vary significantly, so don’t get carried away when you order. You can always come back for more!

High point: A novel, fun approach to a meal out
Low point: Standards sometimes let down enticing menu descriptions

Number of wines sold by the glass: 8
Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables
Music on stereo: Chart hits
Capacity: 100
Largest group: 100
Open since: April 2000
House wine: £13.90 per bottle

Comments & ratings

6. Billiams – 24 Sep 2009, 2:11pm International Starters Report

I really like the concept of International starters - you order the food between you, its arrival is staggered, a very informal way to enjoy food. It's great not having the commitment of deciding upon a single dish & the variety of the different cuisines is great.

The problem I found is that the food simply isn't that great at all. Most dishes were greasy and without the quality ingredients & thought I had expected - more akin to mediocre pub food. The scallops wrapped in smoked bacon were a particular disappointment – the combination overcooked seafood dripping in bacon fat spoiled a personal favorite dish.

All that said, the staff are extremely friendly and helpful, atmosphere nice and wine list not bad.

I know this place could be much better if a little more attention was given to getting the food right.

5. Scottish lass – 26 Apr 2009, 8:48pm International Starters Report: International starters has consistently offered me and those i have chose to treat a well prepared and enjoyable meal. For those of us who can never chose a main meal without wanting your partners as soon as it arrives, it is perfect, we can sample and try lots of bits and mix and match to your heart and belly is content.
Staff have in my experience been friendly, efficient without hovering over you every second. In my opinion best when in a large group, as opportunity to sample more of the extensive and updated menu.

4. Nina – 24 Dec 2008, 2:19pm International Starters Report: Great choice of starters from all around the world. The food is simple but is well prepared. The only downside to the place is that it lacks atmosphere. When it is busy, the place feels like a factory...Not cosy at all.

3. Elsie – 21 Apr 2008, 11:29am Report

The sentence "It's all well-prepared and presented, without ever totally blowing you away" sums it up really. Nice venue and tasty enough food, but nothing special. Rather than having the exciting selection of weird and wonderful nibbles that I was hoping for, most of the items available could have been bought from tescos.

A bit of a disappointment.

2. comment removed: This comment has been removed by a moderator.

1. em38 – 13 Mar 2008, 8:49pm Report: Absolutely fantastic time every time we go. great for any occasion. one downside is that they have not changed the menu at all in the three years I have been going!
But still worth going back

Average rating 3.5/5 from 3 reviews of International Starters.

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