MJ’s Verdict

On a warm day a couple of weeks ago, BKR and I decided to meet up for lunch at the new Portuguese bakery, Casa Amiga, down in Leith. I’d had my eye on the place for a wee while and even stopped to stare into it like a lost person the evening I walked home from work and saw that it was closed that day.

Exterior

But we managed getting there! And it was good. The sun was bright as we popped into the shop and took up residence on the sofa near the front of the cafe. A few window seats, tables and a sofa fills out the front of the shop while the back room (down a few stairs) is more the place to settle in with a book and a cup of coffee.

Today it was exceptionally warm and sunny, so we both opted for soup, obviously. The soup of the day was traditional caldo verde and it was served with a neat little homemade roll.

The soup was tasty with a nicely judged sweetness from the veggies and savoury elements from the Portuguese sausage. It was gone pretty swiftly. And while BKR plumped for an espresso, I decided I was too warm and instead got a sandwich to takeaway (chorizo and cheese baked inside a homemade Portuguese roll) and a couple of pastel de natas, or Portuguese tarts for others (who said they were to die for).

Elaborate ceiling

Overall, I really enjoyed Casa Amiga. They have a variety of pastries and sandwiches and little things imported directly from Portugal. I want to return when I have time to sit in and take advantage of their back room to get some work done. And, not so secretly, I want to take home ALL the freshly baked breads on sale.

Blythe’s Verdict

We’re having a little burst of interest in Portuguese food in Edinburgh, it seems, with the recent opening of Tugas Amor, on Dundee Street, and the arrival of Casa Amiga, a Portuguese bakery, on Leith Walk, It was to the latter that MJ toddled on a fine and sunny lunchtime.

We weren’t the only food devotees that were in the neighbourhood, either. I’d scooted past Hilary from My Monkfish on my way down the road and once seated, we noticed that Sharon from Bite Magazine and Tracy Griffen from Griffen Fitness were sitting at the table across from us.

Caldo verde

The place specialises in baked good with their custard tarts attracting some considerable praise. It’s a neat little shop with an elegantly corniced ceiling and a nice blend of relaxed seating. Service is friendly and well-informed. They are licensed, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with your sweet or savoury treats.

Although it was a very warm day we were both in soup mood, so ordered bowls of their soup of the day, which proved to be the Portuguese classic caldo verde. This was accompanied by delicious fresh rolls.

The soup was impressively good, packing in good kale and potato flavour and meaty sweetness from generous slices of chorizo. It was a hearty and delicious bowlful.

Coffee is from Glasgow roasters Thomson. I’m not a huge fan of their blends, but having tried some of their single origin offerings, which used to be on offer at Espresso Mondo, I know they’re capable of very good stuff.

So overall, I was impressed with Casa Amiga. I must return to sample some of their baked goods, which looked rather tempting. I think it will do well in what has historically been a bit of a tricky location. I’d recommend a visit.

Scores
MJ scores Casa Amiga
4/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4/5 for service
3.5/5 for setting
giving an overall 15/20

Blythe scores Casa Amiga
4/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
4/5 for service
3.5/5 for setting
giving an overall 15/20

Today’s questers were: MJ, Blythe

We ate: caldo verde (2)

We drank: americano, espresso

We wore: lightweight summer wear

Total bill: £11.20