The Walnut on Leith Walk has had many a rave review, but blink and you’ll probably miss it. Smaller than our Georgian living room, it has mismatched vintage furniture, and a menu that’s written on a blackboard.

BUT … it’s a humble setting for what has to be some of the best food in the city. Seriously! Every bite is an absolute pleasure, the portions are generous, and incredibly, three sensational courses will only set you back around £22.

Clearly the chef’s a god, and has access to a time machine. What’s more you can BYOB your first bottle of vino, and then order the other four (or so) from the reasonably priced wine list.

      

After a few cheeky sips (well glasses) of sauvignon, we ooh’ed and we ahh’ed at just how creamy and full of flavour the Chicken liver parfait is. Respect. The pickle cabbage and homemade oatcakes are also a very nice touch. More respect.

But let’s discuss the Walnut’s signature dish: Short rib beef with roasted root vegetables, fondant potatoes, and york pudding. Understandably, its praises have been sung far and wide, but let us just say: oh my f**king god it’s lovely!

      

We were also quite seduced by the Lamb shank hot pot with roasted carrots and salsa verde. Delivering both quality and quantity, it’s SO succulent. And with minimal encouragement the meat just falls away from the bone.

After a short respite (in other words, more wine) it was time to peruse the dessert menu. Four options, all extremely enticing. So, in the spirit of thorough review, we decided to try them all.

      

The Bakewell Tart, the Sticky Toffee pudding, and a life-changing Chocolate brownie with mango and caramel all get our seal of approval. But first place in this Leith Walk bake-off really must go to the Apple custard with salted caramel and caramelised walnuts.

To sum up its many strengths, it’s perhaps best to quote Miss Shirley Bassey: [ cue music ] “Where do I begin, to tell the story of how great a love can be?”

Suffice to say, it was sensational! Which is also a fair summary of our entire meal. Our advice: go there at once.

 

In a pre-theatre nutshell:

Venues Nearby: Edinburgh Playhouse (9 minute walk)

Perfect for: Lunch / Dinner

Price: Three courses £22 approx.

Contact:
The Walnut
9 Croall Place (Leith Walk)
Edinburgh EH7 4LT
0131 281 1236