The best Lebanese food in Edinburgh

This establishment serves a mix of Lebanese, Kurdish and Turkish food, much of which is grilled on an authentic Middle Eastern-style charcoal barbecue with lashings of spices. All the meat is 100% Halal and everything is freshly cooked each day. The restaurant is named after a Syrian city, from which the head chef hails. Like many central restaurants, the building has plenty of character, with exposed stone walls and original windows. A soundtrack of Kurdish music helps set the atmosphere, as you tuck into kubba, lamb borek, chicken kebabs with bulgur rice and more. Rojava opened in 2016 and is found just around the corner from Haymarket and the EICC.

From the city’s oldest Lebanese restaurant to its newest. Eat clean and eat healthy at Sofia’s Lounge, where Lebanese street food is the order of the day. If you want the flavours of the Levant in the form of a nutritious lunch, pop in at the weekend for some fresh fattoush, loaded with crisp vegetables, toasted pita chips and a tangy dressing. Or if you’re more in need of some comfort food, go for a juicy burger, packed with pickles, fresh salad and oozing with cheese, with a side of Batata Harra (potatoes, red peppers, coriander, chilli and garlic, fried in olive oil). Or pop in mid-afternoon for some tea and baklava sprinkled with nuts and edible flowers. The lockdown hit has expanded over the past three years, from its original place in Fountainbridge to both Corstorphine and Southside sites.

Named after the country’s capital, this venue makes clear the food it represents. Beirut has long been immensely popular with locals and visitors in the know, with its BYOB policy and great value delicious food. Diners can sit indoors, in the traditionally decorated dining room, or outside at a collection of alfresco tables.

Share a hot or cold platter with friends, made up of the likes of stuffed baby aubergines, lamb kibbeh and baba ghanouj. For main, go for something from the charcoal grill, a meaty stew or a set meal for two or four, including moutabal, fattoush salad, moussaka, falafel, stuffed vine leaves, batata harra, kabis and olives. If you’ve not brought your own booze, do try a house-special smoothie with dates, nuts, milk, toffees and caramel, followed by a Beirut special mix shisha.

Found in the Kimpton Charlotte Square, and accessed directly from the West End of George Street, BABA is a specialist in small plates. The cooking is based on Levant cuisine (which comprises the influences of Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, pockets of Turkey and Syria). And the decor is fashionable and colourful — a contemporary take on classic Persian style, with traditional rugs on the walls and “distressed” elements that help it blend in perfectly with its urban surroundings while bringing an exotic and boho vibe to the dining room.

You’ll find imagery of a “Mr Baba” across the restaurant’s bar and dining spaces. The fictional character, after whom BABA is named, emanates from a character in a photo discovered in a Turkish souk. Food arrives on patterned mismatched vintage plates and is a vibrant affair, accented by garnishes such as mint and pomegranate.

This neighbourhood eatery is a bohemian haunt, with a minimalist style, owned by the trio Emma Welsh, Nick Webber and David Vacek. Little White Pig’s menu draws influence from across the globe creating an eclectic selection from which to choose. It changes regularly, so keep an eye out for the latest dishes, but you’ll find Lebanese favourites such as hot halloumi and creamy hummus making a frequent appearance. The venue is dog-friendly too, so if you’re in the New Town with or without a four-legged friend, check it out. Little White Pig is open from Tuesday to Sunday.