The Walnut
- Telephone 0131 281 1236
- Food served Wed & Thu 12.30–2pm, 6–9pm; Fri & Sat 12.30–2pm, 5.30–9.15pm; Sun 12.30–2.30pm. Closed Mon/Tue.
- Website thewalnutedinburgh.co.uk
Pocket-pleasing French-Scottish eatery, enticing the crowds to Leith Walk.

The 2019/20 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This could possibly be the hardest table to get in Edinburgh. Tiny Walnut on Leith Walk has room for just 24 people and if you want to be one, you’re going to have to book in advance. When you finally arrive, you’ll understand why – this is populist food, cooked and presented beautifully at very reasonable prices. Chef and owner Ben Waumsley cut his teeth at The Grain Store, one of Edinburgh’s most enduring high-end restaurants and its influence is apparent. This is rich French-Scottish fusion food full of flavour and depth with quality ingredients. Waumsley keeps it simple with a menu of three or four dishes augmented by a specials board. Pan-fried soft and succulent scallops are a regular special, sometimes served with a neat caesar salad with shards of parmesan. Follow that with a crispy skinned confit duck leg, a delight sitting on a cassoulet topped with a crunchy crust of parmesan. The meat floats off the bone and it all tastes amazing. A ginger-rich contemporary twist on a clootie dumpling, with a light crème anglaise, is a great finale.
- Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables, Free wi-fi
- Capacity: 24 (8 outdoors)
- Largest group: 24
- Open since: 2015
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 12
- House wine: £19 per bottle
- BYOB: £5 wine only corkage
Reviews & features
Best bistros and brasseries in Edinburgh

Sample some of Edinburgh's best cuisine in bistros across the city
Loyal to their French roots while showcasing Scotland's larder, Edinburgh's bistros and brasseries are thriving. From fine dining in prime locations with breathtaking views to cosy local joints serving up comfort food, the high standard across the city…
Best set lunch menus in Edinburgh

Places to head for a cheap lunchtime meal
In a good restaurant, there's nothing more satisfying than eating off a set menu that's the same standard as the a la carte, but saves you some buck. Here's a bunch of places with good lunchtime deals in Edinburgh.