Where to go for fusion food in Edinburgh

Handy for a pre-show meal or in between a spot of shopping at the St James Quarter, the Lantern Room is located in the East End of the city, beside the Theatre Royal. The sophisticated all-day dining room is decked in hues of blues and limes, with hints of Scottish heritage through plaid textiles and lots of contemporary wood panelling. Its menu takes diners all around the world; from Austria to Greece, Mexico to Italy, France to North Africa.

There’s a kids menu too, complete with activities to keep them occupied, while the grown-ups enjoy some refined food and delectable beverages like The Lantern, made with Kingston White Rum, peach syrup and pineapple juice. The Lantern Room is a WEST Beer venue, so you can sup on some German brews either in the restaurant or up on the more casual terrace.

Love a local haunt? Dine in Leith, the burgeoning foodie district that’s far away from the tourists. You’ll spy this little spot by its moody and modern dark exterior that stands out on Albert Place. Mirin, named after one of Japan’s key cooking ingredients, is a laid-back indie establishment by co-owners Sharif Gergis and Elizabeth Elliott. Together the entrepreneurial pair bring a love of Asian food to their menu of quirky small plates.

The selection changes daily to keep things fresh, but you can expect the likes of dumplings, soups and sandos (a Japanese take on the humble sarnie). Mirin also incorporates ingredients from elsewhere, like a bao bun American cheese burger with bluefin tuna and pickles. Plus items like tahini, black pudding and brioche make an appearance, making it a culturally and geographically diverse spread.

Chef Patron Stuart named this venue after his roommate Bob Noto, who he lived with while living and working in the Big Apple. This might give you a clue as to the fusion in question; yes, it’s US-influenced (specifically New Yorker), fused with a variety of Asian and Scottish styles.

The minimalist dining room, with its dark wood floor and furnishings and cream walls, sets the scene for a meal that’s focussed on flavour. The menu is imaginative and fancy, with detailed dishes like; purple sprouting broccoli tempura with togarashi, Arbroath smokie croquettes and katsuoboshi, Ox cheek bao buns with onion and star anise and ‘burnside KFP’ (partridge and hot sauce). Noto is the sister restaurant to the ever-popular Aizle and has received the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Need a little zen in your week? Pop into this calming kitchen and bar. Enjoy a few cocktails (the signature selection also fuse different parts of Asian into their unique make-up) and something to eat; whether that be a few “wee hings”, a big clay pot of steaming deliciousness, or a sharing platter.

The menu brings together flavours of Thailand, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, China and bonnie Scotland in one tempting array of dishes. And there are entire separate menus for gluten-free and vegan diners. Serving dinner Tuesday to Saturday and lunch/afternoon meals on Fridays and Saturdays, Wee Buddha is a great place for New Towners to catch up after work.

With fusion food come fusion drinks. And as Edinburgers just love a unique cocktail, Lucky Yu holds plenty of appeal for residents. Try one-off libations such as the Dis Kô Dis Ko, containing East London Liquor Company Gin, Fino Sherry and Lucky Yu’s own house-made mango cordial, for a sweet, long and sour sip. Or there’s the Hidden Qi with plum sake, Aluna Peach and Pomelo, citric syrup and soda. And a Japanese Slipper with Midori, Cointreau and sweet and sours.

As far as food goes, you’ll find bao, KFC (karrage fried chicken), gyoza and ribs to be stalwarts of the small plates street food menu. The former Leith eatery relocated to Broughton Street with a larger, sleeker venue that retains all of the bohemian attitude found in the original.