As the heat rises, Gaby Soutar heads along to the Edinburgh Riviera
As the temperature rises, Gaby Soutar heads along to the Edinburgh Riviera, aka Portobello – to get a taste of some of the variety of foodie things for sale
When it comes to foodie offerings, Porty is booming. It’s going to be scorching, so head to the Edinburgh Riviera, aka Portobello – currently the Capital’s hippest hood.
Don’t pack a picnic, as there are plenty of businesses to keep you fed.
We’ve included a selection of our favourites.
However, locals also rate the “institution of a public house” that is Ormelie Tavern, tapas restaurant Malvarosa and Butternut Squash. Then there’s Sugar House, micro-baker Wildside, The Fine Wine Company, Foresters Guild, Portobello Tap, where they serve Jones & Son Burgers, The Beach House and cafe Skylark.
VIA AEMILIA
This special business opened during lockdown as an East Lothian delivery service, but now they’ve brought their handmade pasta, sauces and bread to lucky old Porty.
“We’ve been incredibly busy since the first day,” says coowner Giada Betti.
“Best-sellers are Gorgonzola and walnut ravioli paired with sage butter and our own tagliatelle with Macduff braised beef shin ragu.”
Although they’ve only been here for a month, the have decided on their favourite neighbours.
“We often enjoy a bagel from Bross Bagels, lovely bread loaves and pastries from Twelve Triangles or fresh fruit and vegetables form Root Down,” Betti said.
186 Portobello High Street, www.aemilia.online
ROOT DOWN
This “corner shop greengrocer”, which stocks local brands including Bad Gal Boocha and Pittenweem Chocolate Company, opened four weeks before the start of lockdown in March last year.
“We love working and living in Portobello because of the diverse community – folk of all nationalities and backgrounds”, says owner Robbie Glendinning.
“Some have lived here all their lives, others just moved here last week."
Their bestsellers are Perthshire strawberries and fresh vegetables from Pittormie Farm in Cupar.
“We love the Golden Bite for the best fish and chips in town, Portobello Tap for beer and amazing burgers, Greek Artisan Bakery for pies and baklava and the newly opened Tanifiki,”
Mr Glendinning said. “We're spoiled for choice”.
79 Portobello High Street, www.rootdown.co.uk
TANIFIKI
On hot days, this cafe and roastery is a cool retreat, with an industrial and cavernous feel.
The venue’s name is a portmanteau of two other business titles, since its a partnership between Jonathan Quinton, the owner of Tani Modi on Hanover Street and Benjamin Murenzi of Rafiki Coffee, who source high-quality specialty coffee from Rwanda.
“Customers get to know who grew the coffee they’re drinking, see how it’s roasted in the shop and interact with our professional baristas,” says Mr Murenzi.
“We believe in the strength of community and small business, which is why Portobello is a perfect location.”
Oh, and they serve excellent cakes.
44 Portobello High Street, Instagram @tanifiki
THE PORTOBELLO BOOKSHOP
It’s not officially a food business, but Portobello’s favourite independent bookshop has a great selection of cookbooks.
“Recently published books that we're excited about include The Green Barbecue by Rukmini Iyer and Amber & Rye: A Baltic Food Journey by Zuza Zak”, says manager Helena Nelson.
They’re also planning an event on Friday, October 1 to celebrate Jessica Elliott Dennison’s coming book Lazy Baking.
Ms Nelson said: “Portobello has so many amazing places to get great food from.
"Some of our favourites are Portobello Tap, Greek Artisan Pastries, Tanifiki for incredible coffee and pastries from local bakers, Crumbs of Portobello for delicious rolls, crepes and coffee right in front of the sea, and the new arrival Aemilia.”
46 Portobello High Street (www.theportobellobookshop.com)
THE LITTLE CHARTROOM ON THE PROM
You’ve got until September to visit this popular takeaway van, from the team behind The Little Chartroom, who are transforming their Albert Place premises into new restaurant and wine bar, Eleanore, and relocating the original venue.
Dishes might include the grilled squid, dressed fregula, tomatoes and fennel, or prawn katsu bun.
47-49 Figgate Lane, Instagram @tlc_ontheprom
PROM SLICE
“Since opening in April, Prom Slice has sold nearly 45,000 slices”, says owner Michele Civiera.
Their current bestseller is the Smiddy BBQ collaboration pizza, which sells out daily and is topped with white oak slow-smoked BBQ brisket, salsa verde, mozzarella di bufala, San Marzano sugo and pimento chilli.
They’re also just about to add a buffalo cauliflower pizza with ranch dressing and vegan sriracha mayo.
47-49 Figgate Lane, www. civerinosslice.com
GREEK ARTISAN PASTRIES
There’s always a queue outside this Greek pastry shop, which has a sister branch on Edinburgh’s Bread Street.
Bypass the local Greggs and get along to Greek Artisan Pastries early for gravieropita – gruyere cheese pie sprinkled with breadcrumbs, or loads of sweet options, like traditional syrupy baklava.
32 Portobello High Street, www.aristonfoodsltd.co.uk
For more stories on Scotland's vibrant food and drink sector go to www.scotsman. com