The Scottish Café
- Telephone 0131 226 6524
- Opening times Mon–Sat 9am–5.30pm; Thu 9am–7pm; Sun 10am–5.30pm.
- Food served Mon–Wed, Fri/Sat 9am–5.30pm; Thu 9am–7pm; Sun 10am–5.30pm.
- Average price £16 (set lunch); £12 (evening meal)
- Website www.thescottishcafeandrestaurant.com
Jump to comments (5)
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.
Nestled in the basement of the National Gallery of Scotland, the Scottish Café and Restaurant exudes professionalism from start to finish. Husband and wife team Victor and Carina Contini run a tight ship for a good mix of tourists and locals. Smart staff and efficient table service provide a touch of class, and the fine menus offer plenty of choice. While the restaurant serves more substantial fare (see the Scottish section for a separate entry), the café offers some lighter options along the lines of sharing platters, sandwiches, soups and homemade pâtés. Produce and ingredients are predominantly Scotland-sourced: traditional Aberdeen butteries come topped with Lanark blue cheese or Edinburgh-smoked bacon. Fragrant, fleshy olives in salads and delicious aromatic coffee add some expert touches to the dining experience and, to top it all, there’s a charming display of cakes to choose from.
- High point: Seasonal produce, locally sourced
- Low point: Book ahead to avoid disappointment
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 11
- Private dining: 70 seated in restaurant
- Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables, Free wi-fi
- Music on stereo: Jazz
- Capacity: 250 (150+ cafe)
- Largest group: 250
- Open since: 2009
- House wine: £16.45 per bottle
Comments & ratings
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5.
wo – 29 Mar 2013, 5:57pm
The Scottish Café
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the worst service......and 'hot' food served cold and tough
- 3. NMcW – 21 Oct 2011, 11:34am Report
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I visited for lunch yesterday, with an hour to spare before going to Waverley, and it couldn't have been better. The eating area is big and spacious - no cramming in of tables - and the service was both friendly and professional. The black pudding & apple salad was superb, and it's really impressive that a big city centre eatery like this takes so much care over its ingredients. My cappuccino was pretty much perfect, and served with a wee shortbread round. It's not a fast food place, thank goodness, but it took no longer than I'd expect to prepare good food - and no complaints about waiting with one of the best views in Edinburgh. Hats off to the Scottish Café.
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2.
HMS – 29 Sep 2010, 10:27pm
The Scottish Café
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The longest wait I have experienced in whole Scotland (and in a empty restaurant!!). Also very rude and impolite staff. The point is that I was there as a TURIST.
6 months later I decided to pass there again, and give one more chance to the beautiful view. What happened? Rude impolite and impacient people again! And the cappuccino was very week and tasteless and the hot chocolate was more a cold chocolate.
Well, at least I know where I WON'T go any more in Edinburgh.
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1.
Morna – 10 Mar 2010, 11:45am
The Scottish Café
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Mmmm the butteries were lovely!
Average rating /5 from 3 reviews of The Scottish Café.
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