Classic's

This restaurant has ceased trading.

Classic's

10 Windsor Street, Edinburgh, EH7 5JR

Telephone 0131 629 9987
Food served Mon–Sat 5.30–10pm; Sun 5.30–9.30pm
Pre-theatre times Mon–Sun 5.30–7pm
Average price £16 (evening meal)
Pre-theatre price £10
Email
Website www.kerclassics.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 2012 edition.

Situated beneath the Cairn Hotel, Classic’s basement restaurant is a story of two halves, one part lying fallow beyond the breakfast service while the understated, stone-clad main dining area is dominated by a large wooden bar that hints at the room’s former life. Now serving evenings only, the menu drifts from north India to south supplemented by extensive European offerings. Chilli paneer (toasted cottage cheese) arrives in a sticky sweet and sour sauce alongside tandoor-baked besani chicken wrapped in a spiced gram flour blanket. Kerala roast chicken massala features a well-rounded, coconut-rich gravy, although the chicken is a touch dry. Accompanied by a lentil and vegetable sambar, the southern staple massala dosa is a large sleeping bag of spiced potato and onion let down by the pancake’s charred edges and greasy appearance. Fixed three-course Indian and Scottish set menus for early diners make way for a similarly priced two course offering later in the evening. The restaurant is also happy to link together both basement rooms for those seeking larger groups or functions.

High point: Service aims to please
Low point: Inconsistency of dishes served

Number of wines sold by the glass: 4
Private dining: Up to 35 covers
Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Pre-theatre menu, Free wi-fi
Music on stereo: European music and Bollywood
Capacity: 45
Largest group: 24
Open since: 2010
House wine: £13.95 per bottle

Comments & ratings

2. Mel – 23 Jan 2012, 11:01pm Classic's Report

This restaurant serves some of the best Indian food in Edinburgh, yet because of its location, it is sadly often empty.

However, with its close proximity to Leith Walk, The Playhouse, Joseph Pearce, and mainly because of its first class cuisine, Classics should be packed out every night.

The staff are warm and welcoming and happy to advise on the best combination of dishes, or to provide descriptions of each recipe. We love South Indian cuisine, so its great to find somewhere close to home which services such light and fluffy idli and delicious crispy dosa.

Tonight we tried the Kashmiri Dum Aloo - potato scooped and filled with cashews and raisins topped with almonds, cashews and almond sauce - and it was sublime.

Am already looking forward to our next visit, when we'll be ordering the Khoya Kaju (whole cashewnuts cooked in almond with a creamy sauce and garnished with herbs) and the Malai Kofta (cottage cheese and vegetable dumplings deep fried and topped with sweet and sour gravy).

If you live in the locality, put a bit of effort in to finding Windsor Street and visiting Classics, as it is far superior to any of the local alternatives.

1. HundredHander – 7 May 2011, 7:11pm Classic's Report

Outstanding food and friendly service. The relatively short menu and longer preparation times make it pretty obvious they really are making everything to order.

The venue looks unprepossessing but it's nicely done up inside and despite the claim on European and Indian food it's obvious that they're really about the curry.

I'll be back often.

Average rating 5/5 from 2 reviews of Classic's.

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Classic's

Comments & ratings

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