The Walnut
- Telephone 0131 281 1236
- Food served Mon–Fri noon–2pm, 6–9:30pm; Sat noon–9:30pm; Sun noon–9:30pm.
Pocket pleasing real home cooking is taken up a notch at this neighbourhood eatery on Leith Walk.
The 2018/19 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £7.95 (+p&p).
An award-worthy freshly baked focaccia sets the bar high for the meal to come at Walnut and a generous starter of potato, bacon, and cucumber packed mackerel rollmops with a subtle horseradish bite does not disappoint. With its mismatched seats and charming illustrations of farm animal cuts, this homely British bistro truly shows that good things come in small packages. But the proverb only extends to the restaurant's capacity; a substantial braised beef short rib falls readily off the bone and is laden with tasty extras – al dente carrots, a caramelised half onion and buttery potato fondant, all enhanced by the fresh, natural saltiness of a tangy salsa verde. Roast goose breast with gooseberries, truffled cabbage and black pudding entices from the specials blackboard, as do desserts – a ginormous chewy meringue, balancing on stewed rhubarb and doused in salted caramel is heavenly. The value is stupendous too and a second, third or fourth visit is inevitable, perhaps for their acclaimed Sunday roast – if you can get a table, that is.
- 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: Classic acoustic/ jazz blues
- Capacity: 24 (8 outdoors)
- Largest group: 24
- Open since: 2015
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 15
- House wine: £15 per bottle
- BYOB: £5 wine, £10 spirits, £2.50 beer/ cider corkage
Reviews & features
Best set lunch menus in Edinburgh
31 May 2018
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.
Best bistros and brasseries in Edinburgh
16 Apr 2018
Sample some of Edinburgh's best cuisine in bistros across the city
From wee neighbourhood suppers to big shiny nights out, Edinburgh's bistros and brasseries are ever-evolving. Their sheer variety means you can expect everything from innovative dishes to old-time classics, from long-time institutions to new favourites.
