Reds

Reds
254 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh, EH15 2AT
  • Telephone 0131 669 5558
  • Food served Mon–Thu 10.30am–3pm; Fri–Sun 10.30am–8pm
  • Average price £9 (lunch); £13 (evening meal)
  • Website www.reds4families.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 2011 edition.

The sign reading ‘Six buggy limit’ says it all. If you live in Portobello and have small children, chances are you’ll know Reds and its large, soft cage – sorry, play frame – in the back room, where your offspring can slide and scamper while you eat or get a caffeine hit. On weekend evenings the front area turns restaurant, with soft lighting and tablecloths, and a close-circuit TV screen lets dining parents keep an eye on the play frame while kids wear themselves out before bed. The daytime menu runs from garlicky crostini to sandwiches, cakes and diner-style mains such as enchiladas and spaghetti and meatballs. There’s a wide-ranging kids’ menu, too. Much is made in-house but a home-made Cullen skink that’s all cream and a few small flakes of fish is only marginally better than a dry, processed burger with a square of orange cheese. Reds’ revised, shorter evening menu has loftier ambitions altogether – for example Highland venison in red wine jus or wild mushroom risotto. Changes are afoot in the kitchen, so the food may perk up.

  • High point: A breather for exhausted parents
  • Low point: No excuse for a burger that bad
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 3
  • Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables
  • Music on stereo: Mainstream pop
  • Capacity: 45
  • Largest group: 30
  • Open since: 2007
  • House wine: £10.99 per bottle
  • BYOB: £4 corkage

Reviews & features

The rough guide to Portobello, Edinburgh's seaside

24 Mar 2011

Neighbourhood Watch: The best bits by the beach

What’s it like? An utterly charming, slightly wonky area of Edinburgh, characterised by the city’s only beach and a very distinct, anti-corporate local community ethos. Formerly the holiday destination of most Central Belters, a lack of investment in…

Comments & ratings

2. Jo Smith20 May 2011, 9:33pm5 stars Reds Report

I went to Red's Last Sunday for lunch with 2 friends. We got a really warm welcome and were seated at the front of the restaurant (away from all the children!!!)

I had the Cullen skink to start, was really rich and creamy and full of chunks of fish and potatoes. I had the chicken enchilada for my main and it was delicious although I couldn't finish it all! My friends had the chunky chips with Chilli and cheese and brushetta with they said was really good!

Overall I thought the food was really nice, the service was good even though they were quite busy. I spent less than £15 on 2 courses and a glass of wine which I think is a bargain! A great place to go for a cheap lunch and a catch up with friends.

Recommended!

1. Em Rider1 May 2010, 9:38am4 stars Reds Report

Brilliant place for the young kids to play while you have some food and a drink! The food is good, pretty standard but well done. The prices are good value for money too. The service is always friendly, even when rushed off their feet. The soft play area is great at keeping the youngsters amused while you eat, and they do childrens portions of lots of yummy food too. The only downside is that it can get quite manic at peak times (there are not many places like this to go with children) and at times the tables can feel quite squashed. Go early and its brill!

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Average rating 4.5/5 from 2 reviews of Reds.

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