Spoon

Hitlisted
Spoon
6a Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DH
  • Telephone 0131 623 1752
  • Food served Mon–Sat 10am–10pm; Sun noon–5pm
  • Pre-theatre times 5pm–7pm
  • Average price £14 (lunch); £22 (evening meal)
  • Pre-theatre price £11.95
  • Email
  • Website www.spoonedinburgh.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 current (2013) edition.

Rocking the boho bedsit chic, with elegantly mismatched retro furniture, lampshades and crockery, this is one Spoon that’s unquestionably more loving than greasy. The menu’s packed with wholesome, healthy options, a decent proportion of which are gluten-free (not that you'd know in a blind taste test) or veggie-friendly. The food is the sort you wish you were cooking at home: unpretentious plates composed of honest flavours, vibrant colours and quality produce, prepared with enough sense of poise to suggest some real skill resides in the kitchen. Smoked salmon mousse is somehow both rustic and refined, rough around the edges but delicately flavoured. Venison loin with savoy cabbage, parsnip crisps and a blissful carrot puree is simple, straightforward and delightful. Two charitable slabs of Valhrona chocolate mousse arrive dense and thick, more like a semifreddo, although taste supersedes any troubles over terminology. Open continuously from 10am, it’s tempting to spend the whole day here, for coffee, cake and the papers, a spot of lunch and then a scrumptious dinner. All that's required is an afternoon nap in one of the wing armchairs and you'd never have to leave.

  • High point: Ideal for pre-theatre dining
  • Low point: Having to choose between making the show or lingering that bit longer
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 10
  • Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu, Live music, Free wi-fi
  • Music on stereo: Eclectic, low key.
  • Capacity: 92
  • Largest group: 92
  • Open since: 2009 (2002)
  • House wine: £13.95 per bottle

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Comments & ratings

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12. Foodforthought29 Mar 2013, 12:09pm1 star Spoon Report

I completely agree with Foodie Review. The food is overpriced, which could be understandable as it is in the centre of Old Town and it is a lovely looking cafe, but the food doesn't quite add up.
I have also not encountered a service as bad as this in a very long time. I have been there twice, and have been badly treated as a customer both times. The staff seemed generally annoyed by the fact that they had to work, and didn't even try to hide it, which makes me seriously wonder why they work in hospitality.
I do not consider myself fussy, and having worked as a waitress, I understand how hard the work can be, but nevertheless I will never spend a penny in Spoon again.

11. Foodie Review17 Sep 2012, 8:19am1 star Spoon Report

If you like overpriced food and rude service, this is the place for you.

10. CSB15 Jan 2012, 11:48am4 stars Spoon Report

Our first experience of Spoon - didn't know of it and no-one had mentioned it to us so we took a chance.

The food? Couldn't fault it - wide choice, decent portions for the money, very well presented, and competently cooked. They also have gluten free and veggie options - the flour-free chocolate desert was lovely.

Spoon is very handy for the Festival theatre - and they do a pre-theatre menu. My wife had two courses and I had three, with soft drinks and coffee. £34.60 in total, so very good value - which is actually hard to find in the over-priced Edinburgh restaurant market. Service was friendly, attentive, and paced just right.

The place itself is quirky but comfortable and much more spacious than many more expensive places - so you don't end up with the staff's elbows in your ears.

The measure of a good bistro is one you would recommend to friends and go back to without hesitation - Spoon fits the bill.

9. September26 Sep 2011, 4:27pm2 stars Spoon Report

On the occasions I've been there the skill of the chef did not reflect the prices charged. On my last visit I had grey/green ham on my Ploughman's, for £9.
The service is great and so as the atmosphere. It's great for a drink but if you want quality food, maybe have a look elsewhere.

8. Other Reviews26 Aug 2011, 11:01pm1 star Spoon Report

First visited one week ago. Great evening. Attentive service. Shame nice sounding pasta - spag with crap - was off, but had macaroni dish instead. Unexceptional, but nice. Good service and charmed by decor. Went back a week later with friends and their kids. Different story. Crab pasta dish still off (why on there if they can't do it?), so again went for the macaroni. Bored with it now, and a bit sore that this time I had to ask for Parmesan and black pepper rather than being offered it - faint whiff of grudge when they were brought. No spoon brought either, and I had to ask. Seemed to expect me to eat macaroni with knife and fork. Friends had crabcakes and were unimpressed by gluey texture. No-one came to ask how our food was or replenish water jug. When I asked for more water, no ice or lemon was on offer this time, just a surly plain jug of tepid water straight out of the tap. What a shame. Left without ordering pud, etc, and wont be going back.

7. M25 Apr 2011, 10:51am3 stars Spoon Report

Having visited Spoon a couple of times, I've been impressed by the venue and the relaxed atmosphere. It's a large cafe bistro with plenty of space so there's never any sense that your'e crammed in.

Service is friendly, efficient and relaxed.

It's good to see a menu that suggests everything is prepared on the premises. It's varied and offers plenty of options for those not fortunate enough to want to eat meat. There are even homemade teas although for some reason the Lemon and Ginger is sweetened.

The food itself is generally very good, but can sometimes be let down by a flat dish. It they could up the consistency then this would be a really great place instead of just a good one.

6. The List team7 Apr 2011, 2:55pm

It's been announced that Spoon will be adding squirrel to their menu - see the BBC story (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-12989019) for more details.

We've been informed that the meat will be in stock at the bistro from tomorrow, and replenished as demand dictates. We want to know what you think - please post comments below.

5. Yumbo Gumbo4 Mar 2011, 11:19am3 stars Spoon Report

Food is good, but at times could be better.

4. Anonymous Diner2 Feb 2011, 11:08am4 stars Spoon Report

The food is great!

3. Jakus11 Oct 2010, 5:08pm5 stars Spoon Report

I worship at the alter of Spoons. No praise can be high enough....Oh, and there is wireless - you just need to ask for the password.

2. sensiboy19 Apr 2010, 4:21pm Report

I was a fan of the original intimate Spoon but am an even bigger fan of the new bigger Spoon! Love the light and the ad hoc retro decor. And it does have wifi - I am on it now :) - although connection varies depending on where you sit. The food is still great altho the veggie selection could better. Better facilities and more space for young children (including table, chairs, games and puzzles) although the stairs up are not buggy friendly unless you use the stair lift.

1. Edinburghfoodie22 Mar 2010, 6:57pm4 stars Spoon Report

I do like Spoon, but feel it's lost a little something since becoming a bigger place. They don't have wifi either, despite what your article the other month said.

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Average rating 3/5 from 10 reviews of Spoon.

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