This World Margarita Day ( Sunday 22 February ), Edinburgh cocktail institution Panda & Sons hosts a one-night takeover from acclaimed London bar Dram , with bartender favourite Zacal Mezcal at the centre of the celebration.  Recently named Best Mezcal of 2025 [1] , Z acal Mezcal sits at the heart of the one-night-only cocktail menu, created by Dram’s Chris Tanner, who joins Panda & Sons’ Nicky Craig behind the bar for the evening. Following a successful first collaboration in London, the Edinburgh event sees the partnership continue north of the border.  The night is also an opportunity to be one of the first to try The Zacalita -  Zacal’s less-ordinary expression of the Margarita, reimagined as a bar-quality, ready-to-drink canned cocktail, launching later this year. Swapping tequila for mezcal adds depth and character to the classic Margarita, along with light carbonation, brings subtle smokiness and layered complexity.  It’s this focus on terroir and craft that has helped mezcal gain traction with whisky drinkers, who often appreciate its structure, provenance and variation in style.  Alongside the bar takeover, guests can enjoy mezcal tastings in Panda & Sons’ tasting room, led by Zacal co-founder Phil Clayton. The sessions explore Zacal’s production methods with its unique triple distillation, regional diversity hailing from Michoacan and how mezcal differs from tequila.  a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most expressive spirits. Event details What: “World Zacalita Day” with Zacal Mezcal, Panda & Sons and Dram featuring a special, one-off cocktail menu and mezcal tastings to celebrate World Margarita Day When: 7pm–11pm, Sunday 22 February Where: Panda & Sons, 79 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 4NF Booking: Entry free; booking recomme nded

Edinburgh is deep into its sandwich renaissance — a city happily obsessed with bread engineering and filling integrity. We have seen Wahaca team up with local dough deities Twelve Triangles for a Dusty Knuckle special; The Alby roll into The Spence with a bespoke breakfast sanger; and Mootz rocked up in Stocky late summer circa 2023, after research in Florence and Brooklyn ready to hand you a sandwich so gigantic you briefly reassess your life priorities. Mootz, co‑owned by Andy Mitchell and Chris Thompson , is firmly Italian‑leaning. The schiacciata is the star: a Tuscan slab that’s focaccia’s sturdier sibling — all the flavour, none of the structural collapse. It’s as far from those supermarket curled up crimes as bread can get. The place itself is a bit chaotic in a way that’s almost charming. Deliveries seem to go straight from truck to shelf, packaging and all. A giant roll of paper towels (you’ll need them), plastic chairs and half‑empty shelves create a no‑frills, no‑lingering vibe. The tea comes bag‑in and is excellent, which feels like a small but meaningful victory. Service is friendly and helpful.  Just a humble sandwich shop Fillings stick to the Italian deli playbook. The signature Mootz — mortadella, stracciatella, homemade pesto — is a very handsome, uber fresh, made-to-order sandwich and the one I break my cherry on.  First bite is bliss: hot, toasted, oily bread with a crisp edge. I go for the small (£9) and still fail to finish it. The mortadella and cheese are generous and delicious; the homemade pesto is great but, for me, a bit too generous for the deli meat and cheese. Next time I would go light on the pesto (there will be next times). This is a sandwich that will see you through the day and absolutely holds its own against a restaurant lunch deal. Mootz is reinventing the sandwich universe — it’s just making very large, very good ones. And honestly, that’s exactly the level of ambition a treat‑lunch needs. (S. Wilson) Mootz - 62 Raeburn Place, Stockbridge

This Spring, Edinburgh’s Crolla family have announced plans to introduce the internationally recognised luxury Italian gelato brand Amorino to Scotland for the first time. The family, which has been operating the Vittoria Hospitality Group in Edinburgh for over 50 years, has secured a franchise agreement with Amorino and will open its first Scottish location on North Bridge, just steps from the city’s iconic Royal Mile. The new venue will sit right beside Vittoria Group’s popular fish & chips destination Landy’s . Amorino is known for producing traditional Italian gelato using natural ingredients, with popular flavours such as tiramisú, cremino, stracciatella and amarena. The Edinburgh venue will introduce Amorino’s signature flower-shaped ‘petal gelato’ to Scotland, with each serving handcrafted to allow customers the chance to select multiple flavours layered into a single cone. The venture represents a £1.5 million investment by the family and is expected to generate approximately 60 new jobs across a planned rollout of four locations. Amorino currently operates over 320 sites worldwide, with 42 locations across the UK and plans to continue its expansion in the UK further, targeting 100 stores by 2030. Leandro Crolla, Director of Vittoria Hospitality Group said: “Opening Scotland’s first Amorino is a real passion project for our family. Opening a gelato shop in Edinburgh has been a goal of ours for many years, so when the opportunity came around to partner with such a respected global brand, it felt like the perfect fit. Although this is a global name, our customers can be reassured that it is very much in local hands, and we can’t wait to bring the taste of proper Italian gelato to the people of Edinburgh.” Max Aceto, Managing Director of Amorino UK said: “We’ve wanted to come to Scotland for a while, so opening in Edinburgh feels like the right moment for us. Working with the Crolla family has been great, they really understand hospitality and what good Italian food should be, which gives us a lot of confidence for this first shop. Edinburgh just feels like the kind of place where our gelato belongs, and we’re really looking forward to sharing it with people here and getting to know our new customers.” Amorino will be at 7 North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1SB. the website here or follow the brand on Instagram at @amorinogelato. The venue will join the Vittoria Hospitality Group’s wider portfolio, which includes Divino, Vittoria on the Walk, Vittoria on the Bridge, Taste of Italy, Brunswick Book Club, Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips and Landy’s.

Stepping into The Spence feels like rediscovering the quiet thrill of eating out — where a historic room, confident cooking and Elliot Hill’s produce‑led touch turn a simple dinner into something genuinely special. From the opening pages of Jeremy King’s Without Reservation , I’m struck by how precisely he captures the often overlooked pleasures of eating out — the way restaurants create space for real conversation in a life increasingly dominated by screens, and the visceral thrill of stepping into a room that hums with promise. The observations resonate sharply as I begin the book fresh from a visit to The Spence, the brasserie inside Gleneagles Townhouse, set within a former Victorian banking hall on St Andrew Square in the heart of Edinburgh. For once, the lavishly decorated entrance feels perfectly in tune with what lies beyond. The grand cornicing, the cupola and the island bar honour the building’s 200‑year history as a bank, while soft table lamps and comfortable fabric seating bring a warmth that suits the polished brasserie setting. It’s an inviting backdrop for classic cooking executed with confidence. That sense of promise feels particularly well‑timed, as Gleneagles Townhouse has just welcomed a new Executive Chef, Elliot Hill, previously of The Chester Grosvenor, where he elevated Arkle to three AA Rosettes within six months and earned recognition from the Michelin Guide. His produce‑led approach now shapes the menus across the hotel and private members’ club, including The Spence. We settle into a corner banquette and begin with “nibbles”: exquisite mutton croquettes, meat bursting from their crisp shells, and a zesty whipped artichoke dip I instantly want to recreate at home. Seeded flatbreads allow the vegetable to shine. Drawn by Hill’s respect for vegetables, I choose the Heritage Beetroot with linseed crispbread, horseradish and Katy Rodger’s yogurt — fruity, earthy and beautifully balanced for a starter, while Kate opts for the Haggis Fritter , a puck of offal in a moat of parsley sauce, topped with quail egg and pickled mushrooms. She loves the flavour and execution.  By now we’re fully immersed in the rhythm of the room — the food, the chat, the friendly service. For mains, Kate has Pork Tenderloin with Stornoway black pudding, cheek, apple, cabbage and mustard; I choose Halibut Cullen Skink, a refined take on the Scottish classic, with wonderfully shredded cabbage as a side. Top marks for heated plates too. A showstopping Baked Alaska We are too full for the Heather Honey Baked Alaska to share, but I rise to the occasion, and finish with a new addition to the menu: a light, fiery Ginger Cake with caramelised apples, Calvados cream and cookie‑dough ice cream — and I am glad I have that extra tummy reserved exclusively for puddings. Hill is fully attuned to Scotland’s natural abundance, which he cooks with a brasserie boldness that makes eating out feel exciting and special. In a city surrounded by exceptional producers, The Spence feels like a fitting showcase — a place where Scottish ingredients, lively cooking and the pleasure of dining out come together. The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse - 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD - 0131 322 3780 Opening hours: 7am–9:30pm (Mon–Wed), 7am–10pm (Thu–Fri), 8am–10pm (Sat), 8am–9:30pm (Sun)

A new restaurant opening on Edinburgh's Bristo Place this February is offering diners something a little different — a place that changes its culinary destination every six weeks, without changing its character: retro Asian canteen meets supper club afterparty.  Uncle Tiger w ill run a rotating line-up of night-time sessions, inspired by some of the most exciting food cultures across Asia. Each one focuses on a single destination, bringing together chef-led dishes, inventive cocktails and a soundtrack to match.  The opening menu, Hong Kong Nights, takes inspiration from the city’s street-food culture, with bold, flavour-driven dishes designed for sharing. Each menu will run for six weeks before moving on to the next destination, giving diners a reason to return as the restaurant continues to evolve.  The food draws on fine-dining skill, but the inspiration comes from street food, with bold flavours and dishes designed to be fun to eat — the atmosphere is playful and immersive, with the energy of a proper night out.  Uncle Tiger is expected to create 30 new jobs and will offer seating for around 100 customers. For smaller groups, a former shipping container at the back of the venue has been transformed into a private dining space for up to 14 people.  During the day, the restaurant’s front window will house a bao bun station, operating seven days a week, where customers can watch bao being made and steamed by hand for eat-in or takeaway.  John Howard owner The kitchen will be led by Edinburgh chef Cameron Laidlaw , appointed by the city’s Òir Group to launch Uncle Tiger and develop its rotating menus. Cameron is best known for winning the Scottish, British and European Street Food Awards with his former street-food venture, Junk, and brings over 20 years’ experience across fine dining and street food.  Commenting on the opening, Cameron Laidlaw said:  “From Hong Kong to Japan and Singapore, expect punchy dishes that bring out the best in every ingredient, with a real focus on flavour and texture — sweet, salty, sour, soft and crunchy.  "We really believe food is about bringing people together, so the menus are designed for sharing, alongside inventive cocktails and a soundtrack that keeps the energy up.”  John Howard, owner and director of Òir Group, added:  “When we saw the site, we knew that we needed to look at a different format to what we have done elsewhere and treating it more like an event space gives us enormous creative flexibility. It allows us to keep things fresh and exciting, giving guests a reason to return for something new every time." Òir Group is an independent Edinburgh-based hospitality business behind several well-known restaurants across the city, including The Captain Darling in Stockbridge, Lucky Yu on Broughton Street and Bodega on Leith Walk.  Uncle Tiger will open Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm to 10pm at 3 Bristo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 1EY.  The bao bun station will operate seven days a week from 11am until late.  For updates, visit www.uncletiger.co.uk or follow on Instagram  www.instagram.com/_uncletiger Related: check out our Asian restaurant section

When the glitz and razzle of a Friday and Saturday night are over and you want a quiet meal out, no drama; to wear something low key …chill but ever on trend, and you want a space with some cachet, comfort and good fare too, the issue is where, for “Man does not live by bread alone” and all that!! Neighbourhood restaurants vary and Sunday nights in Edinburgh can be dismal, especially if you are the only diners… never the case in London of course with its plethora of cool, budget Asian restaurants, empanada corners and discreet eateries; think Shoreditch or Hoxton …food flame cooked and pasta home made, cut or rolled; or Peckham with its white-walled candlelit wine bars; intimate and warm cave-like dwellings offering sumptuous small plates and its bottle shops, high stool and smooth wooden bench chic. However, one year on, Giò's in the up and coming Shandon area seems to fit that bill. Giorgio Pia, the moving spirit behind the venture, is somewhat of a celebrity. Having built his reputation through his lockdown cook-at-home pasta kits, live cookery demos at the Lamborghini Dealership and having twice won the award of the UK’s Best Pasta Chef from the Pasta and Italian Food Association (2016 and 2021), he is a well experienced chef, building his skills both culinary and commercial in restaurants across Scotland’s Central belt. His choice of location in Edinburgh is an interesting one, since the restaurant/food space has been owned and has failed time after time. But on entering, having threaded your way past a counter where there is serious pasta making before your very eyes and by not one but several sfoglini (artisan pasta makers)…you find yourself in what feels like downtown Manhattan. This is Don-like sophistication and glitz and I felt Frank Sinatra, maybe even the entire Rat Pack, might appear at any moment. The Sunday night feeling well behind us, given the hustle and bustle of comings and goings, we survey a tempting, creative and well considered list of food offerings. Although neither cream with pasta or pineapple on pizza are traditional in Italy, and may cause some shock even to a fiorentino, maybe a milanese too, both cream and pineapple on pizza are nonetheless sought after in these parts as Gio wisely recognises. However alongside that, mozza fritta, burrata with a focaccia crisp, Pici (hand-rolled thick spaghetti) in a pesto of kale and walnut with sun-dried tomatoes and a pea risotto with guanciale and parmigiano, not forgetting the nduja pesto and garlic dip allay any fears about authenticity. Pizzas re alla Romana and alla Napoleetana In fact the entire menu of starters, dips, mains as well as pasta and pizza and sides, is an exciting read for any foodie…modern and innovative. The list of pizzas available alla romana ( thin, crisp and flat…like Grandma made it!) or alla napoletana, a thick and charred corniccione surround, thin in the middle, is extensive. Olive all’ascolana (deep fried stuffed olives) are hard to find outside Italy, indeed outside Le Marche in central Italy and even then, not always well done ... the days of women expert in the art of stuffing and twice frying these tiny fruits are well gone. Gio’s are absolutely delicious…fat, full and crisp. The zucchini fritti although a little small, also crisp, crunchy and plentiful. My pasta aglio e olio, rarely seen on a menu, is a memorable experience no less: it is moistened by a scant, light sauce, made I think from the pasta water; in addition to the garlic, olive oil and anchovy sauce, the chilli adds a touch of heat to lift the dish and the occasional surprise pop of tiny whole tomatoes give a delightful sweetness in contrast. My partner chooses a romana style pizza, adapted from the Pizza Napoli list with the addition of artichokes… a little sparse…but the dough and fruity sugo among the best in the city. Espresso is always on point in a serious Italian restaurant, and the Sangiovese Rosé merits, at the very least, a second glass. The cocktails list has many of the usual favourites including an on-trend Hugo spritz ; zero alcohol beer is available and also grappa. Tempting but that will be for another visit on a Saturday night!! Gio’s- 41 Slateford Rd, Edinburgh. EH11 1PR - 0131 3221800 Related: read about more Italian restaurants here

Seaside Negroni After an impressive meal at Ostara Dei Sapori recently and now one at East Coast in Musselburgh I am beginning to wonder if the best Italian restaurants are to be found off the beaten track. East Coast has all the ingredients of a good Italian restaurant; it’s family-friendly, has a focus on fish and shellfish and an Italian heritage that is to be found in cafes and eateries around Scotland. Musselburgh high street is gray on the Sunday afternoon we visit but East Coast restaurant is welcoming, and we instantly relax and admire the neutral tones and stylish décor. There is a takeaway next door which was the well-kent Coral Reef until the present owners Carol and Katia began a new history with East Coast. The Coral Reef chippie had been there since 1974 and Carlo remembers helping in the family business as a child, standing on a bag of tatties to reach the cash register. Italian Sausage A Seaside Negroni is effortlessly mixed and so good that I know a second would spoil the effect. I sip the last of it with my starter of Pan-Fried King Prawns bathed in garlic, fresh chilli, lemon, parsley, extra virgin olive oil. Mr Bite chooses Italian Sausage on Sourdough with mushroom, white wine and jus which is an earthy, warm, and spicy dish. Sourdough threads through the menu, as do truffles, garlic, chilli and saffron (there are heavenly scents in East Coast). We reckon correctly that the Monkfish wrapped in Parma Ham with Saffron Risotto and Panciotti (Scallop & prawn filled pasta, fresh tomato sauce, garlic, white wine, chilli & herbs) will be excellent choices but really, we could stick a pin in the menu and be happy. Pasta and piscine combos abound but there is also Parmigiana, Caesar Salad and of course fish ‘n’ chips. Monkfish in Parma Ham / Saffron Risotto The latter seems popular with fellow diners, while our pasta and risotto with fish are both finely executed and deeply satisfying. We order one Tiramisu and two spoons. It is an opportunity for Mr. Bite to point out that Ado Campeol who invented the coffee-drenched dessert died recently. Tiramisu means “lift me up” and apparently it was an accidental dessert that energised his wife when she was pregnant. It got me thinking that I would like to see a Zabaglione on the menu at East Coast – I know it wouldn’t disappoint. A swift macchiato and we are on our way, but I hope there is an opportunity for a return visit to the ‘Honest Toun’ soon and to East Coast. (S. Wilson)

Adding a sixth venue to their ever-growing list, Merchant Leisure has taken over Gordon’s Trattoria in the heart of the city on the capital’s Royal Mile - following a 43-year ownership.  The trattoria has been 43 years on the Royal Mile Gordon’s Trattoria, a cherished Italian gem situated on Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, has been acquired by Merchant Leisure. Gordon Scott, who opened the restaurant in 1982, recently announced his retirement and has sold the venue for an undisclosed fee to his close friend Jim Tullis, Owner of Merchant Leisure.  Merchant Leisure has announced that it wishes to keep the restaurant as it is for the time being and continue  ‘serving up authentic Italian cuisine made with passion and the finest ingredients.’  Locals and tourists alike have long enjoyed the restaurant’s authentic cuisine and prominent location, offering customers  ‘the heart of Italy in the heart of Edinburgh. ’  Classic Italian dishes populate the menu including  ‘Tagliatelle Reale’  - plump King Prawns paired with delicate asparagus and cherry tomatoes, simmered in olive oil, garlic, white wine and parsley. A range of pizzas such as the  ‘Primavera’  - topped with parma ham and a balsamic glaze drizzle - are joined by much-loved sharing options like  ‘Focaccia’  and a selection of chicken-based dishes such as  ‘Pollo Dianne’  - cooked in mushrooms, onions, French mustard and a brandy cream sauce. Gordon Scott established the restaurant in 1982 Merchant Leisure owns bars and restaurants across the city, including The Newsroom, The Piper’s Rest, Burgers & Beers Grillhouse, and The Railbridge. Their speakeasy venue, Jackson the Tailor, located at the top of Leith Street and inspired by the speakeasy culture of the early 20th century, was recently shortlisted for a prestigious design award by the British Institute of Interior Design.  Commenting on the takeover, Arthur Mustard, Managing Director at Merchant Leisure Ltd, said: “We are very excited to announce our ownership of Gordon’s Trattoria. It’s such an honour to take over an Edinburgh establishment with such rich history and loyal customers. We plan to keep the venue as it is for now, serving authentic Italian food in the heart of Edinburgh. We look forward to welcoming new customers, as well as meeting the locals who make this restaurant so special.”  Gordon’s Trattoria is the sixth venue to be listed under the Merchant Leisure umbrella and will continue serving authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.

Edinburgh’s top bartenders and mixologists are getting set to shake things up with the city’s first ‘Margarita Mile’ for Margarita Month.   From Wednesday 18 th  February until Tuesday 31 st  March, five bars across the capital are teaming up with tequila brand, El Jimador, to celebrate the iconic margarita cocktail and National Margarita Day on Sunday 22 nd  February.   The Basement on Broughton Street, The Boozy Cow on Frederick St, Badger & Co on Castle Street, Copper Blossom on George Street, and The Huxley on Rutland Street are pouring their passion into a new menu of margarita-inspired cocktails.   Throughout the six-week campaign, Margarita lovers can get their hands on an official ‘Margarita Mile’ map at any participating venue and follow the one-mile trail around the New Town.#   Customers will be invited to collect stamps at each venue they visit along the Margarita Mile, with a chance to win prizes once completed.   The Margarita Mile can be completed in any order, either in a single day or over the six-week campaign period. The Basement on Broughton Street is the recommended finishing point with several prizes up for grabs, including Margarita Mile caps and free guacamole .   The Margarita Mile menu will also include a range of tasty dishes to share with friends, including Birria Tacos (Basement), Short Rib Skewers (Copper Blossom), Cheeseburger Soup (Huxley), and Wagyu Burger (Boozy Cow)   The Basement, The Boozy Cow, Badger & Co, Copper Blossom, and The Huxley are part of the Edinburgh-based Signature Group, a leading Scottish hospitality firm comprising over 20 bars, restaurants, hotels and a brewery.   Hannah McConnachie, head of business development for Signature Group, said:   “We can’t wait to start shaking things up with the launch of Edinburgh’s first Margarita Mile this February and March. “We have five great bars to visit over six weeks, so people will get the chance to celebrate this iconic cocktail throughout margarita month, win prizes and become an official member of the Marg Mile Club! “With some of the best bars and bartenders in Edinburgh taking part in the trail, it’s the perfect time to get out and about, enjoy the Mile and raise a Margarita.” For more information on Edinburgh's first 'Margarita Mile', go to  www.crave-loyalty.com/margarita-mile     For more information on Signature Group and its full portfolio of venues, go to https://signaturepubs.co.uk/venues

Typically hungover and feeling utterly wretched, these impeccably dressed reprobates drag themselves to Bistro Du Vin’s Jazz Sunday Lunch—only to be resurrected by pâté, pét-nat, and the dangerously charming Alexi. Typically hungover, and feeling UTTERLY wretched, these Bitches have risen from the dead. Despite the pain, odd dizzy spell, and inability to focus, we somehow find ourselves impeccably dressed, and seeking solace at Bistro Du Vin’s Jazz Sunday Lunch . Ding Dong! The soundtrack to our arrival: La Vie En Rose , a beautiful live performance, pitched at the perfect volume for both atmosphere and conversation - should we actually be up to the task. Come the chorus, we’re enjoying the best table, a bottle of fizz we didn’t even have to ask for, and the welcome company of our host Alexi. So very  french, and just the right amount of flirty, he warmly encourages us to self-medicate while he explains the workings of a Roast Du Vin . It begins with a visit to the French Market Table . An enticing buffet of saucy entrees that includes the creamiest chicken liver pâté - so, double helping thanks - freshly baked bread, seafood, salad, charcuterie, and even a choice of soups. In our rush to sample EVERYTHING, it seems one of us [ who shall remain nameless ] has inadvertently tucked the tablecloth into his trousers. Fortunately, Isaac’s gym-honed reaction times - and accompanying judgy scowl - save us from an almighty crash of cutlery and champagne flutes. Table tidied, trousers adjusted, we’re now taking our typical fatty-boom approach. Soon discovering the pâté  is totes to die for, as is the salmon - both smoked and au naturale - along with a refreshing salad of feta, fennel & pomegranate, plus a large serve of Jamón and tangy cornichons.  Shamelessly, we’re also thinking why not a piping hot bowl of French Onion Soup , and yes, alright then, a restorative Cullen Skink as well. Both a delight. Then, finally, we can dive into a roast lunch with ALL the trimmings, plus a cheeky bottle of Albariño. Trying both the Sirloin of Beef and the Chicken, we’re thrilled to say they’re cooked to perfection, generous in both flavour and proportion. Best of all - for those of us who love a good stuffing - it’s chestnut! Rich, buttery and wonderfully sweet, demanding an immediate encore. Then, after a small respite and “just one more” bottle of Albariño, we’re on to dessert. While Isaac wisely opts for the Pot de Chocolat - with pistachio & cranberries - lovely Alexi encourages yours truly to go off-menu for a home baked Tarte au Citron with raspberry gelato.  Such intensity of flavour, such joy! Especially when paired with a naughty glass or three of Tokaji Late Harvest …  Even better, now into our fourth hour of this fabulous lunch , all traces of that crippling hangover have vanished, and we’re wondering if lovely Alexi would care to join us for cocktails, maybe dancing?? Bistro Du Vin - 11 Bristro Place. Edinburgh EH1 1EZ The Jazz Sunday Brunch is the last Sunday of every month - 2 courses £29.95 / 3 courses £34.95 Join the Société Du Vin membership programme, and receive 10% off accom, food & drink

I moved to Scotland from Canada so long ago that homesickness is a bit of a dull ache I rarely notice: until I walk into Down the Hatch. It’s hard to define what makes a burger place Canadian, but I know it when I find it.  Walls are decorated with hockey jerseys, Canadian stickers, flags and ice skates. The big screen is showing Hockey Night in Canada. An older couple at the adjacent table was visiting from the south of England. She hadn’t been “home” in 10 years and was emotional because she said it felt so Canadian. I’m suddenly a bit overcome. A friendly waiter from Tor-ono (we don’t pronounce the second T) delivers the menu and calls my son “buddy”. I’m about to start singing Bryan Adams to anyone who will listen. But instead I order a rootbeer: a caramel-flavoured cola that smells of bubblegum, probably the closest North America gets to Irn Bru. Canadian beer, spirits and cocktails are also on offer. Then into the food: a Hail Caesar burger for me. The classic Canadian combo of chicken strips and Caesar salad is here served in a bun with a topping of crispy bacon. Delicious. But if you want to try all the hits on the menu, bring an 18-year old with you. What they lack in verbosity they make up for in stomach capacity. My son had the G.O.A.T - a bacon cheeseburger with onion rings. “Very good,” he said. He washes this down with the mac’n’cheese of the day (Korean BBQ Chicken) and a basket of assorted Chicken Wings. The mac could have been cheesier but still enjoyable. Crispy Buffalo Wings were his star of the night. We shared a side of Poutine: perhaps Canada’s best known culinary export. I don’t usually stray beyond the classic (chips, cheese curds and gravy), but we both really enjoyed the maple bacon option. As my son said, “no notes.”  If we had one disappointment it was the desserts. The otherwise meticulously Canadian menu falls short here, with only milkshakes on offer. Some Canadian desserts (yes, we do have them) or flavours would have rounded out the evening.  Down the Hatch isn’t just for the expat. This is great burger and fries fare that anyone in need of a big feed (topped with cheese and bacon) will appreciate. A taste of the true North, without the transatlantic flight. (Rachel Edwards) Down the Hatch, 13 Antigua Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3NH - 0131 374 5566 hello@downthehatchcafe.com downthehatchdiner.com Open Sun to Thurs 12 noon to 11pm, Fri and Sat 12 noon to midnight Also at Port Edgar Marina , South Queensferry 0131 331 1387

The original idea was to send out this update weekly, but it seems to have developed a rhythm of its own. I think it’s been almost two weeks since the last one — but in fairness, there is a lot happening. The snippets below are just a handful of highlights from our inbox. We’re in danger of drifting into full‑on Bite rather than Nibble territory. On the Grapevine The Beehive in the Grassmarket has had a refurb — we’re heading over soon. A Scottish Cheese Academy has launched. Harry Gow has won the Scottish Empire Biscuit Challenge. The Green Room is making use the new Scottish Pubs Code. The result? A pint of lager dropping from £6.90 to £5.20 — a 25% saving for locals. They’re marking the moment with a “Freedom Party” on Wednesday 11 February from 4pm. Leith Walk Polisbox Pop‑Ups reopens in February, welcoming back favourites including Smoked Tamago (Japanese–Korean street food), Selkie Bakery sourdough, Veez Vegan pies, and gluten‑free specialists The Wee Baker. The Tollhouse welcomes Donnafugata — one of Sicily’s most iconic family‑run wineries — to open this year’s Meet the Maker  series on Wed 18 Feb. Contini George Street is celebrating its new à la carte menu with 50% off your food bill this Sunday (12–8pm) when you quote MENULAUNCHFEB . Where We Sipped & Savoured Dishoom x Raer Whisky    Breakfast specials at Dishoom f ollowed by a trip to Jackton Distillery to preview Raer’s first single malt, due for full release in September 2026. Down the Hatch     Canadian Rachel gets a taste of home. Kochchi    Cate visited Kochchi in Glasgow. Dine    Mrs Bite tried The Martini Experience . Harajuku    Diana stopped in for a Bargain Bento lunch. Wahaca    Bronwyn brightened January with a colourful, plant‑based feast. If there’s somewhere you think deserves a little more love, tell us. Rachel with her beloved Poutine Reservations Crispy Q, Nicolson Street STILL trying to get to Dogstar The Spence Bistro du Vin for the Market Menu — Sunday lunch & jazz Gio's - year on Mootz There will be more! Winter Issue Find your nearest stockist: 👉 Find your print copy    Or tell us where you’d like to pick one up — we’ll see what we can do. Spring Wine Deals Great Grog Spring Wine Fair  — reader offers secured Matthew Jukes: Top 100 Australian Wines  — the celebrated tasting returns to Edinburgh Edinburgh Uncorked 2026 with Joe Wadsack  — back at the Assembly Rooms 👉 Tickets for all here Stay Connected Find us on Instagram 👉 Insta    Visit Bite Magazine  — and if you enjoy what we do, tell someone. It really helps a micro‑biz. Share your tips — we love hearing from you. Will serving the legendary Duke's Martini