Leven's

Leven's

30-32 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LJ

Telephone 0131 229 8988
Food served Mon–Thu noon–2.30pm, 5–10.45pm; Fri/Sat noon–10.45pm; Sun 1–10.45pm.
Pre-theatre times 5–7pm daily
Average price £8.95 (set lunch); £20 (evening meal)
Pre-theatre price £12.95

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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.

A marriage of Scottish and Thai cuisine might seem a doomed alliance, and some of the menu options sound more like a drunken scramble around the kitchen than haute cuisine (lasagne chicken curry, anybody?), but don’t be fooled – this contemporary outfit is one of the most interesting restaurants on the Edinburgh dining scene. Fresh orchids sit in mirrored cubes full of water beneath coloured fibre optics and Crystal Maze flashback-inducing chandeliers. The emphasis on sharp presentation extends across the board, with a deconstructed sirloin panang curry set out in its component parts and the courteous, highly professional staff resplendent in sharp black suits. Vegetables are a standout of each dish – full of fresh, bright flavours and expertly cooked. A velvety chicken satay starter is followed by a small but intelligently put together range of mains, including sea bass with rather too much cold lettuce, tasty soy-infused chicken teriyaki and a smooth gaeng mussaman. Spice levels can be adapted to suit customer taste, but be warned – they don’t mess around and will take you at your word.

High point: Impeccable service and delicious sauces
Low point: Battery-powered candles

Number of wines sold by the glass: 4
Provides: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu
Music on stereo: Ballads and love songs
Capacity: 49
Largest group: 65
Open since: 2008
House wine: £14.95 per bottle
BYOB: £6 corkage

Comments & ratings

11. Jon/San – 17 Jun 2013, 7:06pm Leven's Report: The decor is very good. The meal is artistically presented by attentive waiters.
The tastes are amazing up till now this is the best value for money. The toilets are amazing. Very relaxing time spent. Can,t wait to return.

10. Margaret Anne – 25 Oct 2012, 10:15am Leven's Report: Have eaten here with friends pre- theatre twice in the past month. Each time the food has been beautifully presented and so tasty. Service is swift and attentive. The facilities are first class too!!

9. H H – 13 Aug 2012, 12:37am Leven's Report: visited on Sat fantastic surrounds,service and meal was something else Mmmmm... with 2 bottles of house rose wine (between 3) and it didn't break the bank . The Leven is a must try, finished off the night with a visit to the Lady Boys at the Meadows what more could you ask for good food followed by a good show

8. Nicci – 7 Jul 2012, 10:17pm Leven's Report: This restaurant is amazing - the service is top (very friendly, topped up our water, quick but not invasive), the food delicious and beautifully served.
The portions are filling but I could have eaten the double just to keep the tastes in my mouth!
Go and try it, you won´t regret it.

7. LesH – 19 Feb 2012, 7:58pm Leven's Report: Just had an amazing birthday lunch - everything was perfect, the food, the service and the ambience. This is a great place for an extra special treat as well as just popping in to see what's new on the menu.

6. Hunter – 2 Jan 2012, 4:07pm Leven's Report: Good prices. Great food. Excellent service. Highly recommendable.

5. Leslie – 28 Mar 2011, 1:16pm Leven's Report: Just wonderful. The food is totally amazing and flavourful. Good size portions and presentation and service is top-notched. Best food I've eaten in EDI since I moved here last summer. The atmosphere was a bit quiet and the music was a bit to contemporary for my liking but if you are going for a nice, quiet meal focused on great food, I totally recommend this place. My husband and I went on a Friday night around 8pm and it was not very busy at all. Too bad because it deserves to be jammed packed. Fabulous service too!

4. David Herrera – 2 Jun 2010, 10:44am Report: This restaurant has it all, great food - the taste and presentation are excellent, the service is the best, i remember having our bottle of water topped up 3 times (my wife is pregnant), the menu choice is different which i love, the place itself is very modern and fresh looking, we visit at least once a week, i recommend lunch or pre theatre as it is cheaper and the quality or portion size does not suffer.

3. JiveWeasel – 23 Jan 2010, 12:00am Leven's Report: There are certain areas of the world where Fusion dining is de rigeuer. Head to the more urban areas of Noo Zulund and you will see what I mean. However, apart from Peter Gordon's zany suggestions on "Food Poker", this type of cuisine is sadly lacking in our neck of the woods. Levens offers a fine take on Thai Fusion food. In addition to inventive and well presented cuisine, the fashionably decorated restaurant and first class service complete the package. If you are after a good quality Pad Thai, there are plenty of other venues in Edinburgh. If you are after an interesting taste sensation in a more upmarket venue that will not stress the wallet too much then give this place a try.

2. Scotia174 – 11 Jan 2010, 5:13pm Report: I love Thai food and over the years I've been to virtually every Thai restaurant in Edinburgh. I think that the official List review of Leven's has got it totally wrong. I have taken so many friends here over the last year and they have been so impressed. The food quality, presentation and taste are all outstanding. Fusion food can work well as long as it is well executed and at Leven's it is.
Finally, the staff will go out of their way to make sure you enjoy your experience and return. If you are still not convinced go and try their lunch menu (the salmon green curry is a treat) which is a real bargain.

1. bandl – 4 Aug 2009, 7:59pm Leven's Report: Exquisite presentation and fantastic tasting food - not your usual run of the mill Thai eatery.
Portions surprisingly filling.
Two course lunch great value. Plenty free top-ups of iced water if you're not doing alcohol.
Try the pandan ice cream for something different!

Average rating 5/5 from 9 reviews of Leven's.

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