Mara’s Picklery in Marchmont, Edinburgh – best spot for fermented food and seasonal dishes

A small eatery located in Marchmont

Tucked away in the heart of Marchmont, Mara’s Picklery is a small but vibrant eatery that deserves to be on every food lover’s radar. With just 22 covers, it’s an intimate space where the focus is on flavour, fermentation, and heartfelt hospitality.

I arrive late, but Patel greets me with a warm smile and no hint of worry. He shows me to my table—just a few steps away in this cosy spot—where my friends Fiona, Sharon, Eleonora, and Kaori are already seated. We’re all a little tired after work, but excited to reconnect over good food.

First things first: drinks. Kaori and I opt for Julia’s kombucha, brewed in small batches in Stockbridge. Mine is sea buckthorn—bright and refreshing—while Kaori’s beetroot version is earthy and grounding. The others share a bottle of rosé (it’s BYOB here), and we settle in.

The menu is handwritten on a roll of paper pinned to the wall, changing daily based on what’s in Mara’s organic veg box from Phantassie and what’s bubbling away in her kitchen. We decide to share everything.

The first plate arrives: cherry tomato kimchi on a bed of labneh, drizzled with sriracha, honey, and sesame, served with slices of sourdough. It’s a revelation—sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced. We order a second round immediately.

Next comes a smoky baba ganoush, made with the skin on for extra depth, finished with a swirl of pomegranate molasses and served with warm pitta. It disappears in minutes.

Then, a showstopper: golden and caramelised roasted carrots topped with nutritional yeast, pickled onions, and creamy ricotta. We pause to savour this one—it’s memorable.

The organic burrata from I.J. Mellis follows, paired with orange segments, fennel, and a drizzle of honey. It’s indulgent, fresh, and utterly satisfying. Trust Mara—she knows what she’s doing.

Though we’re full, we linger. No room for carrot cake, but we can’t resist a peek at Mara’s fridge, filled with jars of pickles and ferments. I ask about the pickled grapes, and Patel kindly brings us a few to try—sweet, tangy, and nostalgic. Then he offers pickled kumquats: bright, zesty, and the perfect end to the evening.

I left smiling, feeling like a child in a sweet shop. For anyone who loves fermented foods or simply appreciates thoughtful, seasonal cooking, Mara’s Picklery is a joyful discovery.

Mara's Picklery - 21c Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 2AB - +447831905546

Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch, and Thursday to Saturday for dinner