Malvarosa

Small, relaxed restaurant offering a short but tasty menu of Spanish food to locals and beach-trippers, with paella made to order.

The 2019/20 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

Tapas by the sea have long been a staple for holidaymakers, but lucky Edinburgh residents need only to head to their own seafront of Portobello to enjoy the same style of delicious dishes. Malvarosa is a snug and welcoming place where the menu is exactly what you would hope for; lots of traditional tapas peppered with interesting, worthwhile additions. It should come as no surprise that sharing is encouraged, with dishes coming as tapa and the larger ración size. Squid rings are crispy, and vegetarians don’t need to worry about finding something enjoyable when the escalivada is a such a stand-out: baked peppers, aubergine, onion and tomato on toasted bread all covered in melted goat’s cheese. If time is on your side, paellas are made to order (which takes at least half an hour). The modest wine list has a heavy Spanish influence and if you’re really looking to embrace the feel of the place then why not grab a jug of sangria to complete the holiday atmosphere?