Leftfield

‘Before you get to the amazing and delicious food and interesting drinks, the gorgeous location right on the Links, looking out to Arthur's Seat and the Crags, makes it the go-to place in our corner of Edinburgh,’ notes one lucky local. There’s no doubt Leftfield is a real local asset, a proper little neighbourhood bistro run by Phil White and Rachel Chisholm – a keen couple with a passion for fish cookery and good hospitality.

Phil White doles out some good contemporary cooking on his perfectly formed, regularly changing menu, which includes some ‘fantastic constants' such as the seafood platter, alongside the likes of squid with gochujang mayo or Scottish smoked mackerel with Sicilian blood orange, chicory, chilli oil, garlic and dill mayo. Elsewhere, sea trout served with greens, artichokes and a smattering of caviar looks and tastes 'beautiful’, while those hankering for something meaty might be tempted by the tender, flavourful Gloucester Old Spot pork chop with borlotti beans, cavolo nero, oregano and roast apple.

To round things off, there could be pavlova with mascarpone and blackberry coulis or a well-reported Basque cheesecake. The sourdough and olive oil come in for praise, too, while drinks include cocktails, local Port of Leith oloroso sherry and an interesting clutch of fairly priced wines.