The place is bright and airy, with walls bedecked with quirky artworks. Service is similarly sunny, with welcoming warmth and shared mirth, throughout.
Their menu is a blend of lunchtime favourites and bistro classics, with a strong French influence. I’m not sure there are too many places in the city offering a daily changing “terrine of the day”. Danielle was intrigued, so ordered it. I stuck to more traditional ground, with a big bowl of Cullen skink.Both dishes promptly arrived, looking very neat. My soup was a very good example of this delightful Scottish smoky fish soup, with good chunky pieces of fish and potato in a lovely creamy broth. Danielle’s terrine was both abundant and tasty, so another winning dish.
They have a wide selection of cakes and desserts, and once more I was lured in, with a boozy black forest gateau full of wonderfully kirsch-laden cherries, proving very good. Danielle’s plum and apple topped sponge, with wonderful vanilla custard, was even better.So overall, the Water of Leith Bistro provided us with much lunchtime joy. The place is wonderfully friendly, showcases an excellent range of dishes, and offers really impressive quality. I’d heartily recommend a visit.
ScoresBlythe scores Water of Leith Café Bistro
4/5 for food
4/5 for presentation
4/5 for service
4/5 for setting
giving an overall 16/20
Today’s questers were: Danielle, Blythe
We ate: Cullen skink, terrine, apple and plum sponge, black forest gateau
We drank: water, coffees
We wore: tweed, grey top
Total bill: £24.55