Your Greek guide to dining in Edinburgh

This blue-fronted bistro is impossible to miss when sauntering through Tollcross. It rocks that classic Taverna look, with the colours of the Greek flag and a sprinkling of outdoor tables bringing the Mediterranean cafe culture feel. Order some fluffy warm pitta, and moussaka just like ya-ya (granny) makes, with grilled aubergine with feta and fava from Santorini. Just popping in on your lunch break? Opt for a lighter salad or sarnie. But do save room for some baked halva and Greek-style doughnuts. The service at Taxidi is as authentic as the food, so you can expect that traditional warm Greek welcome when you walk through the doors.

Naturally, this restaurant’s namesake (a kind of yellow split pea produced on the island of Santorini) takes centre stage on the large menu; from fava salad (green leaf, avo, pomegranate, cucumber, mixed seeds, honey and lemon) to fava bean dip and a fava mixed grill. This is also a great place to sample the Greek take on pasta and plenty of puds, such as traditional orange cake, chocolate cake and the healthier option of ice cream made with thick and creamy Greek yoghurt. The decor is airy and modern, with a rustic, beachy vibe that’s conducive to a laid-back meal or inviting date night. Fava Greek Kitchen first launched in February 2022.

Avoiding the tourist traps of the city centre in favour of some neighbourhood eating establishments? You only need to venture very slightly off the New Town beaten track to reach East Claremont Street and this restaurant, nestled in an otherwise residential area.

Spitaki is a no-frills proper taverna, serving dishes like gigantes (slow oven-cooked butter beans in a tomato and fresh herb sauce); bougiourti (spicy baked feta with fresh tomato, onion, green pepper and oregano; prawn saganaki (king prawns flambéed in ouzo with tomato sauce, crumbled feta and parsley) and spanakorizo (spinach cooked with rice and Greek herbs); and oodles of homemade dips. Grab an outdoor seat on a sunny day and relax with a glass of incredibly good value house wine from, yes, you guessed it, Greece.

This is both a Greek restaurant and an arty Mediterranean cafe. And, like Spitaki, it’s a neighbourhood spot away from the masses yet minutes’ walk from the centre — you’ll find it off Dalkeith Road in Mayfield. Come for dinner Tuesday to Sunday and for brunch/lunch at the weekends. Sunday afternoons often feature authentic Greek tunes from live musicians too (check out the venue’s social media for listings).

It’s owned and managed by Spiros, with walls emblazoned by local artists’ works. And the menu includes lesser-found options such as  Cretan (cured pork loin smoked with wood, oregano, marjoram, thyme and sage, served with trahanas cracked wheat and fermented goat milk curd); Hunkiar Begendi (beef stew with aubergine puree and bechamel sauce); and Iham (roasted aubergine with tomato, onions, garlic, parsley and feta cheese). Pair your meal with an indigenous wine — the list provides a choice made from grapes harvested in different parts of the country, each providing a unique palate.

Although not exclusively a Greek restaurant, the eclectic, international nature of this eatery’s menu ensures you’ll often be served a taste of the Aegean in the heart of Edinburgh. Begin your meal with some breads, dips and olives, with perhaps a serving of houmous or black olive tapenade. Then opt for Greek classics, such as calamari for starter and lamb rump or a salad containing grilled courgette and herbed chickpeas, lime and coriander tahini. There’s also a kids menu if you’re planning on dining with little ones in tow. Howies opens every day of the week for lunch and dinner and has several outposts, including its flagship restaurant on Waterloo Place.