By L Cunningham
This Middle Eastern restaurant, conveniently located opposite the Playhouse at the top of Leith Walk, is a sibling of Hanam's on Johnston Terrace, and both have a great reputation for delicious, affordable and generously served food (as well as BYOB with no corkage). A recent visit reminded Graham and myself just how enjoyable a meal at Pomegranate can be, from the friendly welcome to the obliging provision of a doggy bag as we departed - not to mention the offer of more (free) Naan bread as soon as we had devoured about half of the enormous light, crispy round that arrived with our meze first courses (both £5). Graham declared his falafel to be the best ever, and he knows his falafel! The accompanying hummus was delightfully nutty and creamy without being unduly oily. I couldn't resist fried halloumi cheese, and it was a delight - golden morsels of slightly salty, chewy cheese served with a refreshing salad. Our main courses were Turkish meatballs in a (very slightly) spicy tomato sauce topped with flaked almonds (£11.95) and Ghosht Barzaow kebab (£14.45), both served with a vast mound of perfectly cooked, fragrant Basmati rice. The lamb cubes were juicily pink in the middle, and the meatballs were clearly made of good quality ingredients too - no nasty fatty mince. Everything went very well with an excellent, atypically Chilean Malbec from Vino wines. Scrumptious as the food was, it defeated our best efforts to finish it, hence the doggy bag. With its light, bright interior and friendly yet efficient staff, Pomegranate proves that budget doesn't need to be boring. There is also a terrace with shisha pipes, should you fancy a hubbly - bubbly end to your evening. Ideal for larger groups as well as diner a deux, Pomegranate is top of the tree!
Pomegranate 1 Antigua Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3NH 0131 556 8337 Mon - Fri: 12am - 11.30pm; Sat/Sun: 11am - 11.30pm www.pomegranatesrestaurant.com