Amicus Apple

Amicus Apple

17 Frederick Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EY

Telephone 0131 226 6055
Opening times Mon–Sun 11.30am–1am
Bar open Mon–Sun noon–1am.
Food served Mon–Sat noon–9pm; Sun noon–7pm
Average price £16.50 (lunch); £16.50 (evening meal)
Email
Website www.amicusapple.com

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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 current (2013) edition.

Like most bars in the commercial heart of the New Town, this informal restaurant and trendy cocktail spot has to balance the needs of a varied crowd with a veneer of stylish desirability at all times. The food is not bad, although perhaps the victim of typical overpricing in the area. At under a tenner the Asian chicken katsu or New York deli sandwich might represent best value, while the Korean-style duck breast with ramen noodles is a little bland – but the £5 weekday lunch choices, including Caesar salad or a club sandwich, have a lot going for them. With an impressive cocktail list, and a hint of designer aloofness at all times, this semi-subterranean bar comes into its own as a central pre-club destination at the weekend.

High point: One of the better choices in the heart of the city.
Low point: Excels more as a cocktail bar than as a restaurant.

Number of wines sold by the glass: 12
Private dining: Up to 35 covers
Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Outdoor tables, Free wi-fi
Music on stereo: Mixed bag
Capacity: 68 seating; 160 standing
Largest group: 35
Open since: 2006
House wine: £14.95 per bottle

Comments & ratings

13. Valerie R – 25 Nov 2010, 2:58pm Amicus Apple Report

This place is kinda average, had mixed visits here. Never tried the food, but I do like the variety of drinks. It's a good place if you get there early and get a seat. However, the staff can be a little bit rude-albeit when the bar gets very busy. I think at the weekend it's probably better if you go early. It seems to attract a mixed bag of clientele.

(The previous Valerie, is not me.)

12. Charlie H – 29 Aug 2010, 1:20pm Amicus Apple Report: I was in Amicus Apple twice last week, once for drinks, and once for dinner. I found the staff to be really friendly and helpful, and not at all pretentious like some george st bars. The fish and chips was delicious, and really enjoyed the selection of beers which is a bit different to the usual ones you find. Also, the clientele was a good mix of people, and there was a good atmosphere both times. Will definitely be back.
ps The cocktails are v good too- Appletinis are the way forward.

11. LizR – 23 Jul 2010, 10:43pm Report: I visited Amicus Apple today. The experience was dreadful. The service was poor and aloof and the food was a disgrace. The Prawn and Avocado Salad was miniscule (3 prawns and 6 wafer thin slices of avocado on a handful of greens) not representative of the almost £9 price tag.
The Pasta Carbonara was a joke. However it wasn’t funny trying to eat scrambled egg and bacon with some pasta mixed through – no self respecting chef would have served this.
On the plus side the Club Sandwich with fries was a good size portion and my friend said she enjoyed it.
I always regret it if I don’t complain at the restaurant. However, when the waitress asked if we enjoyed the meal, she was met with a stony silence which we knew wasn’t wasted on her.
I would NEVER recommend this venue for a meal and in fact I would go as far as to say I would actively discourage anyone from going there.
To add insult to injury we were entitled to 40% off salads and mains as we booked through the internet. This wasn’t included in the bill and we were charged the full price. It was changed when we questioned it. So that disproved our theory that the food was so poor and the portions were so small to balance the cost of giving a discount!

10. Calummac – 29 Jun 2010, 3:19pm Report: Hi Valerie how r u? My name is Calum, i am the owner of Amicus Apple. I am so sorry this occured, and it is completely out of character of all our barman. I am looking into this to find out what happened. If at all possible could you give me a call at Amicus Apple to dicuss this further and let me offer my sincere apologies and see if we can make it up to you. Thanks

9. Valerie – 15 May 2010, 4:46am Amicus Apple Report: Rubbish. I have seen this place go downhill over the last few months. The drinks have been good but the staff have always been rotten. We went in tonight and a member of staff stinking of cigarettes told us that they were closing in 20mins. We then went to the bar where a grumpy barman told me that the drink I ordered didn't exist. I showed him the drink on the dirty, ripped menu and he walked off in the huff. Another barman told us that it 'wasn't worth' ordering a drink as they were closing! 12.30 on a Friday night? Won't be open much longer. I am not willing to spend money on a place that clearly doesn't value their customers. Judging from the comments of other people there tonight, I am not the only one.

8. foodie 101 – 14 May 2010, 1:52pm Amicus Apple Report: I have been in amicus twice this week, once for a very enjoyable sit down meal, and the other for drinks and a catch up with friends. both times service was fantastic, staff were extremely friendly, and very professional. the food was delicious and very well presented. i had the duck breast, which was perfectly cooked and my friend had the fajitas- both fantastic. the cocktail menu was a fun twist at the end of the meal, and all drinks came exquisitely presented and tasted even better. highly recommended bar/restraunt for any occasion- LOVED it

7. bubles – 15 Feb 2010, 3:21pm Amicus Apple Report: went for the valentines meal sat 13 feb v dissapointed it was dark and very noisy we had to shoult at each other over the the table food ok coktails were not fab the second one was gross and dont think any alcahol in last one , we were placed next to the door when ther were tables at the back which were empty that looked nore suitaable for a romatic meal , wont eat there again maybe just a drink if any body thinks its a great place to go for an evening meal on fri or sat DONT you will end up hoarse its a jaed up student place that sell food im gonig to complaint to manager

6. Eddy – 9 Dec 2009, 9:49am Amicus Apple Report

Went here to use our List card, but we where told they don't do the List card anymore. Out of so called "curtousy", they took one main meal off the bill, while they are still advertised on this website for doing the List card. Disappointing.

Then, we were unable to order about 3/4 of the menu, as they ran out of beef, chicken and I think some other stuff as well. We were there at around 6 o'clock, they told they had the problem all day, I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to get some fresh food? Quality of the food was disappointing, and what they call Hollandaise sauce is actually mayonnaise...

Service was annoying. I know their name is 'Amicus' Apple, but I didn't like it at all how they pretend to be good friends with the customer.

5. I Love Edinburgh – 7 Jul 2009, 9:38pm Amicus Apple Report: LOVED this place for dinner and dressed in jeans and casual top didn't feel like I wasn't glam enough amongst the office crowd (not that I would have cared anyway) The waiter provided some of the best service I have had in Edinburgh and the thai chicken curry was wonderful, not too spicy. Came with a side of tsatsiki and pitta which was a nice touch. The dessert menu wasn't big, but there were enough choices for me to wonder which one to go for. Went for the home made apple crumble and cream which was delicious. Happy hour on house wine and selected bottles of beer between 5-9pm so a good reasonably priced evening all round. Will definately be back.

4. Wee-Yin – 1 Apr 2009, 12:13pm Amicus Apple Report: Oooh never realised you could also review. Love the Amicus apple vibes, the food, the staff, the music its my first port of call for pre-club, Sunday afternoon chilling, week night evening drinks with friends, have even been on a date here too hehe!! Love it.

3. Wee-Yin – 1 Apr 2009, 11:57am Report

Amicus is one of my favourite wee bars in Edinburgh.

I beg to differ with both of the above comments, the fact the service was slow shows it's a busy and desirable bar to be in, when your enjoying good food there should be no rush anyway.

I have frequented this bar since it opened and have seen it change its menu many times, I have never had a bad experience. The newest menu is bar far the best, I love the atmosphere and the clientele.

The music is always funky, the staff are always a good laugh and most recently their ladies night for charity was most commendable and such a giggle.

2. Jill – 4 Mar 2009, 10:48am Report: The food was rubbish, and the service was slow and extremely rude, I would not recommend this city centre pub.

1. Chloe – 3 Jan 2009, 6:33pm Report: The decor was probably the best part of the experience. Service was incredibly slow. We had the steak which I'd give a 5 out of 10.

Average rating 3.5/5 from 8 reviews of Amicus Apple.

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