Every Sunday (10:00 am – 4:00 pm Stockbridge Market Street food, crafts, and fresh produce along the Water of Leith.

As part of a series of food pop-ups at Porty Vault bar in Portobello, Leith favourites Bundits are cooking their full menu at the small coastal venue until the end of May. The offering is very similar to Edinburgh Street Food (ESF), though with the guest return of the Korean Braised Short Rib Bao, which has been much lamented since its departure from ESF. We also try the Prawn Katsu Bao (with ponzu mayo, lettuce and sweet chilli) and the Szechuan Lamb Bao (with garlic mayo and pickled sesame). Both are as delicious as they are messy – the provided hand wipes are necessary. There are a variety of sides/small plates available. We order the Korean Fried Chicken, which is reminiscent of battered chicken balls from the Chinese takeaway, but in a sticky, spicy sauce. They also have Korean Fried Cauliflower, which looks like a lighter option. The biggest surprise is the cucumber. Two types are available on the sides menu, Smacked Cucumber (Szechuan chilli oil, sesame and garlic) and Miso Cucumber (with a pine nut and sesame dressing). It is not something I would usually choose, but we are urged to try them by our hosts and find them both to be flavoursome and exceptionally moreish. Dessert is from Soft Core – just one option, but when it’s this good, that’s all you need – Warm Chocolate Pecan Cookie Dough with Miso Ice Cream. One between two is easily enough. Now the beer. Porty Vault has 24 beers from their own brewery Vault City Brewing on tap, as well as a wide selection of guest beers. With strengths ranging up to 11%, these are beers to enjoy in small quantities, so the bar offers the option of a flight of three third pints – the perfect way to try a selection. They also allow testers as a shot, so we can try quite a few on our visit. Our favourites are the Blueberry Limoncello Sorbet, Apple Rhubarb Maple Pecan, Kirsch of Life (Dark chocolate and Morello Cherry) and Triple Fruited Mango. Think boozy, sour smoothies, rather than beer. It’s a great pairing – it’s just a shame this is only a temporary union. Booking recommended. (D. Spencer) Porty Vaults - 243 Portobello High St, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 2AW - 0131 609 0810 Open Wed-Fri 5 pm - 9 pm, Sat & Sun noon - 9 pm.

Award-winning, B Corp specialty coffee roaster, Origin Coffee, will be opening in Edinburgh this spring, its first location in Scotland. Opening on South College Street on the edge of the city’s old town, the new Origin Coffee will be stepping into the Union Brew Lab site which closes its doors at the end of February. On the launch, Owner and Founder Tom Sobey comments: ‘Expanding into Scotland has been a big dream for us. We’re excited to be part of the next chapter of this incredible coffee shop which has been such an instrumental part of the speciality coffee scene in Edinburgh over the years. We’re lucky enough to have an existing network in the city of incredible wholesale partners, working with The Milkman, Stuart Ralston’s portfolio of restaurants as well as Gleneagles Townhouse, Ondine, and The Fishmarket. As well as creating a beautiful coffee shop for the local community to enjoy, our new café will be a hub for education, allowing us to offer an even better level of service to our wholesale partners in Scotland and deliver a range of ‘how to brew’ courses for home enthusiasts.’ Working with interior designer Megan Sadler, the new site will be a design continuation of the brand’s roastery café in Cornwall, offering a sophisticated industrial aesthetic for which the Origin Coffee locations are recognised. Visitors can expect a fresh and modern space that complements the character of the original building. Striking materials such as a bronze effect bar and stainless-steel worktops alongside oak furniture, boucle fabrics, and beautiful reclaimed lighting from Skinflint. The original wooden floor will be sanded back to add new life to the space. This new site will offer a rotating menu featuring single-origin coffees that showcase Origin’s world-class coffee program. Alongside creating a beautiful place to enjoy a daily cup of coffee, Origin will use the shop to host a program of community-focused events. Customers will be able to visit the café daily from spring. From 11th March Origin Coffee is running a pop-up within the Finisterre store on George Street where its team will be brewing coffee for customers to enjoy free of charge.

The award-winning, dog-friendly, and family-owned bar & restaurant, The Mercat Grill in East Lothian has its first charity doggy event for 2024 happening on Saturday 2nd March, and has released dates for the upcoming events for owners and their four-legged friends throughout this year.  All proceeds will go to the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home charity. The Doggy Barkfast takes place on Saturday 2 March, from 9:30 am to 11 am, and for only £7.50 includes a tea or coffee, a hot filled roll, and a treat for the dog!  The dog-friendly venue will then run Doggy Barkfast on the first Saturday of every month.  Future dates are; 6 April, 4 May, 1 June, 6 July, 3 August, 7 September, 5 October, and 2 November.  Then in December - the hugely popular festive doggy event – Santa Paws will take place (date/time to be confirmed nearer the time). Graham Blaikie, owner of the Mercat Grill in the village of Whitecraig, near Musselburgh, said: “Our charity doggy events give people the chance to catch up with fellow fido owners, whether they meet up with old friends or come and meet new people. “Everyone is welcome and it’s a great opportunity for the dogs and people to socialise!  And gives us a great opportunity to raise vital funds for the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home.” To book a place, simply call 0800 124 4112 or email info@mercatgrill.com. The Mercat Grill | 10 Whitecraig Road | Whitecraig | East Lothian | EH21 8PG |www.mercatgrill.com |

An award-winning Scottish sour beer brewery has teamed up with legendary steamed bao bun producers, and you should gear up for a deliciously naughty collaboration. Known for their lovingly handcrafted cloud-like bao buns, Bundits are joining forces with Vault City for an exciting kitchen pop-up at the brewery’s popular Portobello taproom, Porty Vault. And unless you hate good food and great beer, you should get excited. As always, the signature bao buns will play the lead role at their Porty Vault kitchen. From the 1st of March, you’ll be able to enjoy Bundits’ all-time favourites by the Portobello shore. These will include the OG Korean Fried Chicken Bao and the return of the street food masterpiece, Korean Braised Short Rib Bao with pickled red cabbage and BBQ sauce. Oh and THE famous gravy and Korean Fried Cauliflower (if you know, you know), will also make an appearance. The team has also created a mouthwatering dessert for their Porty customers, so make sure to save some room for Warm Chocolate Pecan Cookie Dough with Miso Ice Cream. SO GOOD. Unsurprisingly, Vault City's delicious, dopamine-inducing beers have ignited the imagination of Bundits' flavour-driven crew. For those bold enough to let go of control a little, both brands' teams are planning to pair the brewery's sours with Bundits' dishes to create the ultimate combos. Savoured by the pint or enjoyed as flights, it's not just about finding the perfect matches, but also about sampling a variety of the brewery's ever-evolving beers. Told you it would be fun. Speaking of the collaboration, Adam Reid, Head of Bar Operations at Vault City said; “Living in Leith I’ve sampled the Bundits menu so many times, and I’m so excited to pair their incredible bao buns with our award-winning sour beer”. Bundits Marketing Manager, Daniela Wolniak also spoke of her excitement about the launch; “Two Edinburgh brands obsessed with their craft working together? Sign us up! Beer to VC is what a bao is to Bundits, so as far as collaborations go, this is the dream. We love everything Vault City stands for, and as you can imagine, working on this project has been incredibly fun (and delicious..) already, and we haven’t even launched yet. ” Bundits will pop up at Vault City’s Porty Vault in Portobello from Friday 1st March. Bar is open Wednesday and Thursday 3-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm - 12 am, and Sunday 12 - 10 pm. Bundits Kitchen opening hours Wednesday-Fri 5 pm-9 pm, Saturday-Sunday 12 pm-9 pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment. Click to book now.

With Valentine's Day the perfect time to indulge your loved one with a special meal out, Jack Coghill, Head Chef at Jack O'Bryan’s Bar & Kitchen in Dunfermline, has added two special additions to his existing menu, to celebrate the day of love. As well as mastering every section of the kitchen, Jack is also a skilled pastry chef and chocolatier, with his visually stunning desserts and chocolates, made fresh on the premises, a real talking point at the restaurant. The first new taste sensation is a stunning dessert, entitled “Champagne & Roses”, consisting of a rose petal mirror glazed forced rhubarb mousse, tempered white chocolate, mini sugar doughnut, and Champagne Sorbet. The second is a tempting, and very sensual, “Porn Star Martini” chocolate - inspired by the popular cocktail and featuring flavours of passion fruit and vanilla. Jack’s chocolate collection features beautifully decorated chocolates in a range of flavours, such as After Dine Mint, Passionfruit Caramel, and Pistachio. The chocolates can be purchased, boxed in sleek and sophisticated black packaging, from the restaurant, with customers choosing their selections from a glass cabinet on the bar. “Jack’s Chocolate Box” is a popular option on the menu. A choice of four or six of Jack’s handmade chocolates are presented to the customer in a novel wooden presentation box. Keeping it all in the family, the box was made for Jack by his great-uncle Neville. Accompanied by a hot drink, Jack’s Chocolate Box is the perfect way to round off any meal at Jack O’ Bryans in style! “We can't wait for Valentine's Day,” said Jack, “With the new dessert special, inspired by the rose, the most romantic of all flowers, and my passion fruit cocktail chocolate, we are ready to offer couples an unforgettable meal in the most intimate of surroundings.” “If you want to spread the love throughout the year, we also have our Jack O’Bryans gift vouchers available too.”

Eden Mill’s first-ever city centre Edinburgh venue opened on Saturday 3rd February 2024 as ‘The Eden Mill Experience’; located in the heart of the Scottish capital, the city’s newest drinks venue offers two unique journeys through the spirits & flavours of Eden Mill Located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD in Edinburgh’s West End, the immersive drinks venue offers two interactive mixology experiences giving drinks lovers the chance to explore the stories behind Eden Mill’s whisky and gin expressions through a range of delicious cocktails, one of which guests will learn to mix themselves. The Eden Mill Experience joins a flourishing area of the capital’s drinks scene; bursting with culture, innovative bars, and restaurants. Positioned as an experience and journey into the Eden Mill brand, the location is the ideal venue for drinks fans to begin their perfect day or night out in the beautiful Scottish capital. SHARE THE LOVE GIN | (From £30) Love Gin (40% ABV) is Eden Mill’s delectably fruity, lightly sweet, and subtly floral pink gin. Joining the Eden Mill portfolio in 2015, the spirit was created as a limited edition for Valentine’s Day, but the taste of fresh rhubarb spice, sweet strawberries & vanilla combined with green apple, citrus, and a hint of rose water, was adored, and earned Love Gin a permanent position in the Eden Mill portfolio. During the Share The Love Gin session, gin enthusiasts will hear the story of how Love Gin was born and the flavoursome botanicals used to make it With three uniquely delicious cocktails and some sweet treats, this immersive session will tell the story of Eden Mill’s best-selling Love Gin. THE GUARD BRIDGE MASTERCLASS | (From £35)The Guard Bridge Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (46% ABV) is a new addition to Eden Mill’s range, crafted using an eclectic mix of single malts sourced from the Highland and Lowland regions of Scotland; the blend also contains Eden Mill Single Malt whisky which is scarce. The expression soothes the palate with the taste of creamy vanilla and barley sugar, finished with sherried fruit and light warm gingerbread. During The Guard Bridge Masterclass, whisky fans will learn the journey and discover the story behind this new blended malt Scotch whisky while delving into its deliciously sweet tasting notes. Designed to be enjoyed in cocktails, attendees will try three as part of the experience to demonstrate the whisky’s versatility, with one cocktail “guaranteed to feature an ingredient guests have never tasted before!”. Hannah Ingram, Head of Marketing at Eden Mill, said: “We are thrilled to bring a taste of St Andrews to the Scottish capital. It’s a really proud moment for us to launch a venue in a city with such a vibrant drinks scene. To have our very own Eden Mill experience in Edinburgh is an honour and an exciting milestone for the brand. “While our new distillery is being built, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase the versatility our expressions have, through inventive and delicious cocktails. The experiences are really special, interactive, and immersive and we can’t wait to see the reaction from Scotland’s wonderful capital.” LAYING FOUNDATIONS Eden Mill is currently building a contemporary Scotch Whisky and gin distillery which is due to become operational in 2024. Set to be one of Scotland's iconic distilleries, it will also be a major St Andrews landmark and a key Scottish tourism attraction. The brand has been recording progress with work on the exterior of the distillery now complete; a time-lapse video capturing the first stage of the journey is available on the Eden Mill website. The Eden Mill Experience is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD

The Scan & Scallie, one of Edinburgh's most popular venues, is celebrating its tenth year. This gastropub, known for its modern twists on Scottish pub classics and warm Scottish hospitality, attracts both locals and visitors from around the world. Exceptional Food, Great Service, and Consistency The independent and family-friendly gastropub was recognized recently by the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs List 2024. Now in its 16th year, the awards are voted for by food experts, industry figures, writers, and journalists from across the UK. It is a list of the best places to eat chosen by the industry, meaning these highly acclaimed venues are being recognized as the very best in the business. Chef Owner Tom Kitchin's Perspective Chef Owner Tom Kitchin expressed his gratitude for the award, saying: "We're honored to represent Scotland in the Top 50 Gastropub Awards. It's fantastic to be able to showcase the seasonal, local Scottish produce we have access to here, as well as the incredible suppliers who bring us the best of Scotland's land and seas. The recognition from our peers that The Scran & Scallie is a place where people feel welcome and want to return to again and again for great honest, Scottish pub food is something that we're incredibly proud to have created over the past ten years." A Haven of Warm Scottish Hospitality Located in the popular Edinburgh neighborhood of Stockbridge, The Scran & Scallie is a haven of warm Scottish hospitality. It has built a reputation for injecting seasonality and creativity into a collection of comfort pub classics. The seasonal menus showcase great Scottish food, or "scran," with ingredients sourced from the very best local Scottish suppliers. As a well-established family-friendly and dog-friendly venue, The Scran & Scallie has become one of Scotland's leading dining destinations, attracting both the local community and diners from across the globe. All are seeking out honest Scottish cooking served in a truly relaxed setting.

Paz Taqueria, located on the former site of El Cartel in Edinburgh, brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to Thistle Street. Embracing the tradition of a taqueria, this small restaurant offers a selection of street food favorites, including tacos and burritos. With its green-blue walls, cozy tables, photos of masked Mexican wrestlers, and open kitchen, Paz Taqueria creates an informal, fun atmosphere for diners. The menu is as compact as the venue itself, with the main focus being on tacos. However, there are also a few starters available to complement the tacos, and don't worry, there is a also short cocktail list to enhance your dining experience. Our visit to Paz Taqueria begins with a recommendation from the waitress - a Spicy Margarita. A tumbler with a bright orange-red drink arrives crusted with salt and as we sip our taste buds are invigorated and ready for the culinary journey ahead. To start, we order Totopos (corn tortilla chips) con Salsa and Sopes de Choripapa, thick corn patties topped with beans, fried potatoes, chorizo, lettuce, and cheese. The tortilla chips are homemade and much better than the generic ready-made, processed ones. When it comes to choosing our tacos, we decide to explore a variety of fillings. From fishy to meaty and veggie options, Paz Taqueria has something to satisfy every palate. The 'carne' taco is stuffed with flat iron steak and bone marrow crema that adds a rich, savoury, umami taste. 'Pulpo' has crispy confit octopus and subtle pineapple to balance and sweeten. On the veggie side, we try a taco filled with fried potatoes, black beans, and blue cheese cream, as well as one with green beans, spinach, and infused red onion and thyme cheese. The latter proves to be the winner, with its homemade taco dough and harmonious combination of vibrant, crunchy ingredients. At present, Paz Taqueria does not offer desserts or coffees. However, depending on your appetite, a taco dish and a starter are sufficient to enjoy a satisfying and affordable meal at this cozy taqueria. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch while running errands in the city center or an informal dinner option, Paz Taqueria is a great choice. Just keep in mind that there might be a queue for tables, as they do not take bookings. Paz Taqueria - 64 Thistle Street, EH2 1EN - Closed on Monday

The phrase 'fusion cooking' often conjures up images of heavy-handed marriages such as Sichuan Burritos or Haggis Ramen. This couldn't be further from the truth at SushiSamba, which eschews the description - instead describing its menu as a '[robust] blend' and a bringing together of 'culinary inspirations'; as the product of 'a tri-cultural coalition' born of early 20th century migration from Japan to the coffee plantations of South America. Whatever you call it, SushiSamba deftly melds ingredients, flavours, and techniques from three distinct cultures - Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian. At first glance, this combination appears incongruous - discordant, even - but in reality, the resulting menu couldn't be more harmonious. Fresh crisp aperitivos - intense blackened Padron Peppers and Green Bean Tempura with truffle aioli - and a fantastic alcohol-free Saffron-Shiso Caipirinha wake up our palates and whet our appetites for the feast to come. These are snacks as they should be! Next, the umami appears in the form of sumptuous Wagyu Beef Gyoza and Peruvian Black Cod Skewers (anticuchos) slathered with miso and charred to perfection over a Japanese robata grill. The latter is served with Peruvian corn - a Marmite option (we love it), which is far larger and chewier than the sweetcorn we're used to. Salt and Pepper Squid provides deep-fried crunch and pleasantly stinging spice in the form of shichimi before everything is cooled and refreshed by the sharp tang and sea-salty freshness of a vibrant Tuna Pomegranate Ceviche, Not one to miss out on an eponymous dish, we order Sushi and devour perfectly seasoned Snow Crab California Rolls - bringing the savoury course to a satisfying conclusion. As the desert arrives, I realise how ready I am for something sweet. Rarely, I am overly enthused by pudding, but the Banana Chocolate Cake is a real thing of wonder and steals the show for me, whilst the pillowy Sata andagi (Japanese doughnuts) come filled with dulce de leche and surrounded by glistening jewels of sharp red berry coulis and citron ice cream. With three cuisines and culinary cultures to choose from, this is a menu which could easily become bloated in an effort to squeeze everything in. Instead, SushiSamba strikes a masterful balance of flavours, textures, and influences - delivering an inventive and exciting menu. All this would be more than enough on its own but served up with panoramic city views from the 10th floor of Edinburgh's W Hotel, SushiSamba should be high on your list of culinary destinations for special occasions. (R. Sutherland) SushiSamba - James Craig Walk, Edinburgh EH1 3AD

Alcohol can often be the largest expense when going out to eat, so going teetotal is a great way to save money in restaurants. However, if you’ve just hauled your way through Dry January, or like me, feel that a drink or two is a big part of the experience of dining out, then BYOB is the next best thing for a frugal foodie. A surprising amount of restaurants offer this option. Turkish, Asian, and Indian restaurants are most likely to have BYOB, but not exclusively, and some of Edinburgh’s most loved eateries allow you to bring your own booze. Tuk Tuk’s Indian restaurants in Tollcross and Drummond Street let you bring beer and wine, with a ‘recycling fee’ of £1.50 per person, and Elm Row’s popular Turkish restaurant Pera charges £4.50 corkage for wine or £1.50 for beer. If you’re not a fan of spice, Eden’s Kitchen on Broughton Street allows BYOB from Tuesday to Thursday, with corkage charges of £4.50 for wine and £1.50 for beer. Meanwhile, Edinburgh institution Howie’s also lets you bring your own wine or champagne to its restaurants from Sunday to Thursday, but with the highest fee of £6.00 or £7.00 respectively. My favourite BYOB restaurant in Edinburgh has to be Café Andamiro, an informal Korean/Japanese on Buccleuch Street. While it has long been loved by those in the know, it recently secured national attention by being the only restaurant outside London to be nominated for Best Korean Restaurant at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2023. As well as the savings from BYOB (£2 per person), the food is really good value. They offer a range of Korean and Japanese dishes, including Jjigae (Korean stew), Donburi (Japanese rice bowls), Korean staples Bulgogi and Bokkeum, along with Katsu and Ramen. Even though all these options look delicious, I often end up ordering the same things because they are exceptional: spicy, sticky Korean Field Chicken, followed by a sizzling and comforting bowl of Bibimbap. If you haven’t brought your own drinks, they offer a range of fruit juices and a variety of teas, including Green, Sakura, Flowering, Rose, Yuzu, Brown rice, Burdock, Goji, Ginger, Corn or Gyeolmyeonja, along with Matcha Lattes. The staff are always very friendly and welcoming, though it is a very small restaurant, so booking is advisable. (D.Spencer) Café Andamiro, 113 Buccleuch Street, EH8 9NG - 0131 667 0048

Located in the vibrant Tollcross neighborhood of Edinburgh, Yamato is a Japanese restaurant that exudes elegance and charm. As the sister restaurant to the renowned Kanpai, and with the same owners who brought us the beloved Sushiya, Yamato carries a prestigious reputation that sets high expectations. True to its name, which represents the ancient name for Japan, Yamato embraces the philosophy of "simplicity first" in both its food and decor. The interior features delicate origami-like lights, wooden screens, matting, and a soothing palette of neutral tones. The restaurant's glass counter proudly displays a tantalizing array of fresh seafood, including salmon, tuna, octopus, sea urchins, and hand-dived scallops. These ingredients are skillfully incorporated into some of their signature dishes, showcasing the culinary expertise of the chefs. With an extensive menu to choose from, my friend Liz and I opt for the Grilled Aubergine in Sweet Miso, Snow Crab Vulcan, Tempura Scallops, Seared Tuna, and Wagyu Rolls. Each dish is a masterpiece in its own right. The snow crab, fresh as virgin snow, is delicately placed on a bed of pickled red onions. The Grilled Aubergine stands out with its addictive sweet and umami flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The Tempura Scallops are divine, with a light and crispy batter that allows the natural sweetness of the scallops to shine. The Wagyu Rolls, filled with diced wagyu for that rich fatty flavor, are a testament to the skill required to create such seemingly simple yet extraordinary dishes. Inspired by our initial culinary exploration, we decide to venture further into the menu. Our attention is drawn to Beef Hobayaki, a traditional Japanese dish originating from the Gifu prefecture. The name itself refers to the unique method of grilling beef on a dried hoba leaf from the Honoki Tree. The result is a tantalizing smoky essence that enhances the flavor of the dish. The slices of sirloin are expertly caramelized on the edges, creating a perfect balance between tenderness and juiciness. As we glance at the back bar, we are captivated by the rows of sake bottles, a sight that beckons us to indulge. Knowing that premium sake falls into three main categories—junmai, ginjo, and daiginjo—we opt for the Daishichi Kimoto Junmai, served warm in a beautiful pottery carafe. With its rich and complex flavor profile, this sake delights our palates and complements the textures and nuances of the food. In summary, Yamato is more than just a restaurant. It is a culinary haven that encapsulates the essence of Japanese cuisine with its dedication to simplicity and attention to detail. As we leave the bustling restaurant on a cold Sunday evening, we can't help but acknowledge the special allure that Yamato possesses. Yamato Lochrin Terrace Edinburgh EH3 9QJ 0131 466 5964 Monday and Tuesday - Thursday Lunch Closed Tuesday - Thursday Dinner 17:00 - 22:30 Friday and Sunday Lunch / Saturday Lunch 12:00 - 14:30 / 12:00 - 15:00 Friday - Saturday Dinner / Sunday Dinner 17:00 - 23:00 / 17:00 - 22:00