The Light House

Friendly neighbourhood restaurant focusing on Scottish seafood.

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

Given that some of the produce is sourced from boats in Newhaven harbour (just a long cast from their front door), The Light House could justifiably boast the shortest distance from harvest to plate of any Edinburgh restaurant. The compact interior is simply decorated with stylish, colourful prints frequently showcasing the funkily lit lighthouse on the far side of the harbour. Menus are short and change daily but tandoori-spiced scallop and king prawn, laid across a large, crisp poppadum is close to a permanent fixture – the chunky, moist seafood and perfectly judged spicing results in what is probably the most accomplished dish on offer. However you’ll not be heartbroken if you opt for baked Finnan haddock with Stornoway black pudding and a tattie scone. Duo of monkfish and scallops in a saffron cream with chips straddles the line between upmarket and comforting, as several of the mains do. Prettily presented pan-fried chicken with vegetables and a mustard and red wine sauce is perfect for a dining partner less enamoured of fishy things. Portion sizes are decent but sticky toffee pudding is worth saving room for. Service is breezy and efficient and there’s a pleasant buzz about the place from the mix of regulars and visitors.