Celestia: a new star in Edinburgh’s Indian dining scene

Mohammed Abbas

Indian cuisine holds a cherished place in Scotland’s culinary landscape, dating back to 1947 when the first Indian restaurant is believed to have opened. As Chitra Ramaswamy for The Scotsman reported in 2012, Mohammed Khushi saw an opportunity in the wake of the India-Pakistan partition and the influx of South Asian students. In following decades in Glasgow, Noor Mohammed would open Green Gates, and his son, Ali Ahmed Aslam, would create the legendary Shish Mahal. The latter is where the now-iconic Chicken Tikka Masala was born, in response to a customer complaint about dry chicken.

From those humble beginnings, Indian food in the UK has evolved. Today, regional specialities are in the spotlight, and in 2025, eight Indian restaurants across the UK retained Michelin stars. Among them, Birmingham’s Opheem leads the charge in redefining Indian fine dining.

Enter Celestia, the latest venture from Mohammed Abbas, the respected restaurateur behind Cilantro. While Cilantro is beloved for its comforting, home-style curry dishes, Celestia is Abbas’s bold step into the world of refined Indian cuisine. At Eyre Place, next to Cardinal and occupying the former site of New Chapter, Celestia is a visual and culinary statement.

Interiors are sleek and sophisticated: a palette of sea greens and purples, soft wall lighting, a sculptural chandelier, amber-blown glass, and a glowing light box that casts a warm, elegant hue.

We begin with a tray of poppadoms and three house-made dips— each a subtle twist on a familiar classic. The standout is a chilli oil infused with whole garlic slices, which we eagerly spoon onto blistered, rustic poppadoms.

Starters set the tone. I opt for the dakshni (southern-style) paneer—cottage cheese stuffed with dry nuts, ginger, and chilli, grilled with ground spices and ghee. It’s rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, served with a mango sauce and a diced beetroot salad to the side. Mr Bite chooses the Kerala chilli garlic prawns: plump king prawns marinated in roasted garlic, malt vinegar, and freshly ground spices. They arrive curled up and generously coated—just mind the tails.

For mains, Mr Bite lifts the lid on a lamb biryani, the steam releasing a heady mix of spices. The lamb is fork-tender, the rice fluffy. My prawn curry is elegantly plated, with a swirl of cream. Pomegranate raita and saffron infused basmati add to this colourful feast . The sauce—coconut and tamarind-based—is silky, balanced, and layered with flavour. All dishes are artfully presented.

The dessert menu lists plenty of tempting dishes including lemon cheese mint pie and badam (almond) and dates golden phirni. Though we’re full, we request a takeaway. The next day, old monk rum balls—drenched in maple syrup—vanish in minutes.

Prawn curry served with a swirl

Celestia isn’t just another Indian restaurant—it’s a celebration of heritage with finesse. Abbas has created something special here: a dining experience that honours tradition while confidently stepping into the future.

Celestia is at 8 Eyre Place, Edinburgh EH3 5EP. Tel: 0131 287 2914

Opening Hours. Mon - Sun, 12:00 – 14:00. Mon - Sun, 17:00 – 23:00.

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