Bistros & Brasseries | Bite Magazine

Bistros & Brasseries: Where charm meets culinary craft.

Step into the warm embrace of Edinburgh’s bistros and brasseries—spaces where comfort food gets a sophisticated twist. From Parisian-inspired plates to modern Scottish fare, these venues blend relaxed elegance with bold flavours. Expect seasonal menus, intimate settings, and dishes that invite lingering over wine and conversation. Whether it’s a long lunch or a candlelit dinner, this is where everyday dining feels extraordinary.

Haute Dolci - must-visit Edinburgh dessert restaurant

Strawberry Milkshake You know what they say: life’s too short… to not indulge in a sweet treat or two. Or six, in my case. Don’t wait for a special occasion to savour the sweet burst of chocolate-covered strawberries or the crunch of ice-cream drenched honeycomb – just a few of the treats that await at the dessert haven Haute Dolci. Perched on high at the top of the St James Quarter i n Edinburgh, this must-visit eatery gives elegant diner vibes: white-washed fittings with a

Bronwyn Eley

Nov 42 min read

Downton Abbey Dining at The Ivy on St Andrew’s Square

Stunning art deco The Ivy on St Andrew’s Square remains one of Edinburgh’s most glamorous brasseries. With its signature Art Deco...

Sharon Wilson

Sep 142 min read

Dublin Street Social: Stylish Plates and Social Sips in Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town

Picante chorizo and manchego croquettes The name says it all— Dublin Street Social is a convivial, smart yet casual bar bistro nestled in Edinburgh’s elegant Georgian New Town. This welcoming eatery serves small plates , drinks, Sunday brunch, and lunch in a stylish yet relaxed space. Inside, sea-green banquettes accent sleek wood finishes, and there are elegant black-and-chrome bar stools and tiny table lamps. The decor is light and modern, punctuated by vibrant prints—inc

Sharon Wilson

Aug 82 min read

Duck & Waffle - late nights, great bites

Late night dining You know a meal is exceptional when conversation fades into silent nods of delight.That is our Duck & Waffle...

Bronwyn Eley

Jun 272 min read

Dine - where the season is served on the plate.

Ginger Panna Cotta with Rhubarb I have always enjoyed independent restaurants, distinct from street food trucks, chain restaurants,...

Sharon Wilson

Apr 143 min read

Valaria - review by Cate Devine

Byres Road When it first opened in 2023, patisserie Valaria in Glasgow’s foodie-forward Byres Road made its mark with its...

Cate Devine

Mar 262 min read

The Green Room -

Azim and Ghislain A glass of Champagne is always a delightful way to start an evening, setting a Gallic tone when we visit The Green...

Sharon Wilson

Mar 202 min read

Duck & Waffle - How to cure a crippling hangover in just five easy courses @

Derek and Isaac The morning after the night before, these bitches feel like absolute death. Following endless wine, cheeky cocktails, and the enthusiastic singing of '90s power ballads at a saucy West End piano bar, we find ourselves in a coma-like state neither coffee or prescription medication can alleviate. Our only hope … is brunch. So, eyes like pinholes, heads spinning, and a wave of nausea now in its second fun-filled hour, we arrive at Duck & Waffle . Fortunately, Tat

The Social Bitches

Mar 112 min read

Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Brasserie & Bar - heavenly inspiration

Mrs. Bite and Harvey go way back. The famous store opened its Edinburgh branch in 2002 shortly before the first issue of Bite magazine...

Sharon Wilson

May 28, 20242 min read

A delicious gastronomy lecture at The Brasserie at The Scholar

Chef Ed Fortune When I think of university food, I picture a canteen-style menu with simple dishes. Be prepared to be pleasantly...

Vivian Maeda

Mar 5, 20242 min read

Dine - polished brasserie-style dining

Beef Featherblade The Dine family of restaurants comprises three neighbourhood-style venues in Craiglockhart, Murrayfield, and Canomills....

Sharon Wilson

Feb 26, 20242 min read

Bistro Du Vin - French bistro classics in Edinburgh

Coquilles a la Lyonnaise were presented in their shells Ahead of Valentine’s Day Mrs Bite thought she would scope out a suitable recommendation, and the classic French Bistro du Vin fits the bill. I invite my (half-French) friend Simone and her response after our meal was “ a proper French bistro.” The bistro is part of the Hotel du Vin and Malmaison family. The former was founded in 1994 by Gerard Basset and Robin Hutson and the name referred to Basset’s credentials as a som

Sharon Wilson

Jan 12, 20242 min read

Le Petit Beefbar - The Social Bitches - Sunday Roast, Jazz & Day Drinking

The Social Bitches looking fabulous despite the hangover Eyes like pinholes and praying for death, the Social Bitches are suffering a typical Sunday hangover. But saving us from this insidious beast: the promise of Black Angus beef, live jazz, and even more to drink. Which is how we’re now fabulously dressed, and perusing the cocktail menu of super stylish Le Petit Beefbar . In desperate need of hydration, we soon have a Rosemary Mimosa in hand and a cheeky Riesling en route.

The Social Bitches

Jan 5, 20242 min read