Beirut

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.

Proud to call itself Edinburgh’s first Lebanese restaurant, Beirut offers some of the best-value lunch deals in town. Its keen pricing and reasonable BYOB charges make it an attractive option for anyone looking for interesting food without breaking open the piggy bank. Starters might include hummus, tabbouleh, crisp fried pastries filled with spiced lamb or cheese – or for something more unusual try the home-made labneh: a creamy and refreshing strained yoghurt with olive oil and herbs. For mains, opt for marinated sharwarma meats (roasted and served with a trio of full-flavoured sesame seed, garlic and chilli sauces), moussaka or sweetly seasoned lamb kofte. There is an eclectic selection of desserts, ranging from a Middle Eastern rice pudding to a chocolate soufflé or mango sorbet. Charismatic owner Ahmed Saadi can often be found working the floor, checking in with diners and presiding over some of the most efficient and charming service in town.

• High point: Slick service and good value for money
• Low point: Dining room can get a little smoky when service is in full swing