SUMMER DINING ADVERTISING FEATURE
A TASTE OF SUMMER Over the summer months, the urge to sit outside, sunglasses on, Pimm’s in hand, wind in the hair, may be strong. Whether the Scottish weather lets you act out your al fresco dining fantasies is another matter . . .
AL FRESCO DINING
HANAM’S KURDISH & MIDDLE EAST RESTAURANT 3 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW, 0131 225 1329, hanams.com With its mezzanine strip overhanging Victoria Street, Hanam’s is a class act. The menu is packed with Middle Eastern promise, traditional mix-and- match mezze plates supporting standout mains like Kurdish pizzas, veggie casseroles and biryanis. If the weather plays nice, there are mango ices or baklava for dessert.
AN CLACHAN Off La Belle Place, Glasgow, G3 7LH, 07846 463 614, kelvingroveparkcafe.co.uk From the delicately displayed cupcakes to the well-lit, nicely designed interior, An Clachan projects a contemporary approach. Its ethical stance is no less impressive, with locally sourced veg, ethically fished tuna and the recycling policy. It benefits from being situated in the Kelvingrove Park playground, with families flocking to sample pasta salads, ciabatta pizzas, gourmet sausage rolls and veggie burgers.
BRING YOUR HOLIDAY HOME
AL DENTE 139 Easter Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5QA, 0131 652 1932, al-dente-restaurant.co.uk This cosy little neighbourhood restaurant is easily missed, but it’s worth seeking out for its reasonably priced rustic menu covering the whole of Italy. The food is seasonal and home-made, and the restaurant is presided over by patron Graziano who provides an enthusiastic Italian welcome to all. Popular themed evenings take place monthly: a one-off menu showcasing a city or region with matching wines.
POMEGRANATE 1 Antigua Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3NH, 0131 556 8337, pomegranaterestaurant.com The team behind the ever- popular Hanam’s have a younger sister restaurant off Leith Walk, with outdoor decking areas for enjoying a shisha pipe if you fancy. Inside, pistachio and pomegranate tones enliven the dining rooms and service is snappy, with a steady stream of Middle Eastern mezze, kebab and shawarma dishes flowing from the busy kitchen. Round things off with a mint tea and pastry.
THE HUB Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE, 0131 473 2067, thehub-edinburgh.com With its large, sunny outdoor terrace and spacious, child- friendly interior, The Hub makes a pleasant coffee or lunch spot for tourists and locals alike. The café prides itself on its ‘Hub-made’ credentials; practically everything is made on the premises including a toothsome array of cakes. The short menu features a soup and sandwich lunch deal, and fillings can also be served over a salad or baked potato.
EL QUIJOTE 13a Brougham Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9JS, 0131 478 2856, quijotetapas.co.uk Spaniards Maria Giminez and head chef Oscar Mateos show off a different side to Spanish cuisine, avoiding predictable tapas in favour of Andalucian specialities like salmorejo, a chilled soup garnished with salty ham and bursting with fresh tomatoes. The menu is heavy on pork, but there’s plenty to keep vegetarians happy. This modest Tollcross restaurant would be a delight to find in the narrow streets of Seville.
40 THE LIST 11 Jul–22 Aug 2013 CONTINUED . . .