First Coast
- Telephone 0131 313 4404
- Food served Mon–Sat noon–2pm, 5–10.30pm. Closed Sun.
- Pre-theatre times Mon–Thu 5–6.30pm
- Average price £11.95 (set lunch); £17 (evening meal)
- Pre-theatre price £11.95
- Website www.first-coast.co.uk
Jump to articles or comments (11)
The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.
For exactly a decade, First Coast has been an oasis of tasteful cheer in the relatively under-served area of Dalry. Prices have remained almost static for years, with the result that now they offer eye-poppingly good value for thoughtful, reliably good food. This is partly down to clever menu planning: even in winter, it’s dominated by reasonably light dishes with a good selection of salads and veggie options, like a very satisfying rotolo (kind of a pasta Swiss roll) filled with creamy, cheesy sauce, butternut squash and crushed amaretti biscuits. The warren-like space serves a variety of groups, from simple dinners for two, to big parties, and with monthly regional cuisine evenings keeping the menu fresh, this place could easily become the solution for all kinds of events. The drinks list deserves a mention for being concise, keenly priced and really cared about by general manager and wine-list collator Gordon Robertson, who is taking his Master of Wine certificate. Save room for pudding, always a highlight –- toffee and banana oat crumble is, in a good way, the breakfast you’d order if it were your last.
- High point: A spectacularly good early-evening deal
- Low point: A menu built more for contentment than electricity
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 15
- Private dining: Up to 22 covers
- Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu
- Music on stereo: Mellow and eclectic
- Capacity: 80
- Largest group: 90
- Open since: 2003
- House wine: £13.50 per bottle
Reviews & features
Hector Macrae of First Coast on Reestit Mutton
1 May 2009
Chef's Choice
It’s important to me to source quality Scottish produce. As a youngster I worked in a local fish factory in Skye and it was heartbreaking to see about 99 per cent of the langoustines and scallops being shipped abroad. Times are changing and chefs are…
Comments & ratings
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11.
littleH – 1 Dec 2010, 6:42pm
First Coast
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i love this place, i have been about 4 times and i think the food is excellent quality, very reasonably priced, nice laid back ambiance and the staff are always so incredibly lovely. it is one of my fave restaurants in edinburgh now and everyone i have brought here loves it!! only bad point is its not bang in the middle of town, but its just round the corner from haymarket and taxi is cheap enough.
- 10. veggiefan – 6 Nov 2010, 9:52pm Report
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Had 3 course lunch today and was not disappointed - really good food and value for money. Think this was fourth or fifth time I've eaten at FC and food consistently good. Great wee place. Not pretentious - just good quality food. Staff very pleasant.
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9.
Louis Jadot – 23 May 2010, 11:43am
First Coast
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A real disappointment.
The food was very dull and lacked flavour. In particular a crayfish reduction was a grey tasteless sauce with burned black flecks in it rather than a rich shelfish sauce.
The table next to ours complained about their food, and got a slightly frosty response. When they had left we felt we should also complain and the manager became very aggressive.
I think Edinburgh has many great fish restaurants but this isn't one of them.
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8.
Lynda – 1 Apr 2010, 10:26am
First Coast
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This is a local restaurant of mine and I was there a couple of nights ago. I really love this place. The decor is lovely and the service is very friendly. It was snowing outside and we got seated right beside the fire. Food was just out of this world. We started with soup which was pea and sweet basil and it was excellent. I then had pasta with roast garlic, cherry tomotoes and capers and it was perfect. My friend finished with a chocolate torte which was one of the nicest chocolately desserts I have ever tasted. I can see myself going back again and again. Great value for money too as we went at 5.30 for the early evening menu and it was 3 courses for about £13.50. So lucky to have this restaurant so close to home.
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7.
C C – 6 Mar 2010, 3:52pm
First Coast
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The food it self was disappointing with a number of cheap and frozen ingredients bringing down the overall quality and not representing value for money .
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6.
Nick F – 18 Jan 2010, 10:33am
First Coast
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I have eaten twice at First Coast, and both times I have found the food dull. It is acceptable, looks okay, the ambience is fine, the wine was passable, but just not good enough for me to say "good". Therefore I think it is overpriced and I don't recommend it to friends.
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5.
Saucy Sal – 7 Aug 2009, 8:15am
First Coast
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When I can't be bothered to cook - this is where we head. Great value food and always interesting flavours. The chunky chips are irresistible and the stir fried greens are crunchy and fresh tasting. I visited for lunch the other day and it was a full on portion, could have made do with main course alone but couldn't resist poached peach and poppy-seed parfait - yummy.
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4.
Jon H – 25 Apr 2009, 6:49pm
First Coast
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Consistently good food, albeit in a slightly out of the way location. An interesting variety of different culinary influences means that there is always something that hits the spot, and the menu changes often enough to prevent me getting bored. First Coast also does the best steak and chips I've had in Edinburgh.
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3.
Davidmc – 17 Apr 2009, 2:10pm
First Coast
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I visit this place every time I am in Edinburgh and I have never been disappointed. The food is as the last reviewer said, simple, fresh and well done yet offers nice and sometimes unusual variants. They catered well for me as a coeliac, even from a very small menu. The home made vanilla ice cream is to die for. Overall great quality and lovely depth of flavour in the food and no seasoning ever required. Spot on. I will be back asap.
- 2. visitor – 3 Jun 2008, 6:36pm Report
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I second that review. Excellent food - simple, fresh, and well-done. Nice small menu so they know what they are doing. This place is evidence that there are some good restaurants in Edinburgh ... not enough unfortunately.
- 1. PaulB – 15 Apr 2008, 10:17pm Report
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What a great place, with laid back vibes enhanced by cool tunes. The Early Evening deal (before 6.30pm) offers a reduced menu, but there is still a good choice. And at £10.50 for a main and dessert, it is really good value and the quality of the food is splendid.
Average rating /5 from 8 reviews of First Coast.
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