Falko (Konditormeister)

185 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4DG

Telephone 0131 656 0763
Opening times Wed–Sat 9am–6pm; Sun 9.30am–6pm. Closed Mon/Tue.
Food served Wed–Fri 9am–6pm; Sat 9am–6pm; Sun 9.30am–6pm. Closed Mon/Tue.
Average price £10 (lunch)
Email
Website www.falko.co.uk

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.

Complete with a continental bicycle above bread-laden shelves, Falko Konditormeister is a slice of lazy-afternoon coffee-drinking heaven. This corner of Germany in Bruntsfield is already a well-known hangout for cake connoisseurs and has numerous awards to recommend it. Prices reflect Falko’s commitment to authenticity and quality, with marzipan flown in from Lübeck and salad leaves collected by a local forager. He is far from stingy, however, and generous portions of torte – from nuss to Sacher – are a definite treat. Lunches are extremely good value. Try the butternut squash, cranberry and pine nut salad, well seasoned and served with freshly baked speciality bread. Though the beautifully stocked cake counter is the obvious draw here, tea drinkers will be equally impressed by the selection of German brews. Don’t miss the chance to sample a comforting pot of almond tea.

High point: Indulgent cakes served with teas to savour
Low point: Seating tight – it's not great getting stuck at the back

Listed in The Larder – in the shops now or buy online.

German-born Falko Burkert took Edinburgh's Farmers' Market by storm in 2005 – a shop in Bruntsfield opened soon afterwards, followed by one in Gullane. The former, reminiscent of a Viennese grand café, lures you in with its classy décor and indulgent aromas – Hansel and Gretel beware! Falko is a Konditormeister, a master-confectioner with nine years' training that has imbued him with both Teutonic precision and artistic flair. If it’s called a sponge cake, that means Viennese – ergo no raising agent allowed. It’s not Black Forest Gateaux if it contains less than 10% kirsch. No bread provers are used, their sourdough starter is 150 years old, and truffle cream is just cream and two types of couverture chocolate. Falko’s refusal to compromise on ingredients has made him the only place many of Edinburgh’s Germans will buy their bread and cakes – there was an outcry when he experimented with organic rye flour as it simply didn’t taste right.

Delivery: Depends on order
Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables
Music on stereo: Nothing
Capacity: 35
Open since: 2008

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