Going out Restaurant of the week
Baba, 130 George Street, Edinburgh
Location
Housed within the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, this Levant-inspired eatery is nestled on the quieter end of George Street.
First impressions
Smart, modern and bright, the Middle Eastern decor makes you feel like you’ve stepped off the streets of Edinburgh and into a bustling bazaar.
Service
Impeccable. Our server took the time to explain the menu – essential for so many dietary requirements – and was always on hand to help.
Menu
The varied menu is split into snacks, mezze, food from the grill, feasting dishes, and sides. Filled with fresh ingredients and interesting flavour combinations.
Taste
Our party ordered a few snacks to share, including the baba ganoush and beetroot hummus served with fluffy flatbreads. The dips were possibly the best we’ve ever tasted and we liked that the bread came in a branded paper packet – a nice, quirky touch. For our larger dishes, we chose chargrilled prawns, charred broccoli with lentils, hazelnuts and pomegranate, and lamb shoulder with ptitim, preserved lemon and tahini yoghurt, served alongside blackened harissa potatoes (two portions, you can never have too many tatties!) and cauliflower shawarma. Arriving promptly, each dish transported us away from the blustery wind outside, towards a sunny flavour-filled paradise. Simply delicious.
Ambience
Friendly, buzzing and casual, it’s a great place to relax with friends. Plus, the library-style backroom is extra chic.
Price
For four people, each enjoying a cocktail and sharing a bottle of wine, the bill came to just under £130.
Toilets
Located downstairs but a lift is available. Clean and modern.