The Fruitmarket Gallery Café

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

Many who regularly drop into this contemporary gallery housed in an old Victorian fruit and vegetable market don't make it past the ground floor café, such is the singular draw of the food. With a dedication to fresh produce and menu choices, lunch can vary from a jaw-droppingly huge ciabatta stuffed with peanut and chick pea hummus, roasted aubergine, tomato tapenade and olives, to one of the impressive specials such as Indian tiger prawns with tamarind and yoghurt dressing. The ethos extends to simple sandwiches for children, soya milk and a full range of sparkling and freshly squeezed fruit juices. Be warned, however, that the competition for tables is so tight that there is a minimum order of £6 per head between noon and 2.30pm. In a move that's so obvious it's a wonder other galleries don't cotton on, the Fruitmarket changes its menu with every new exhibition. Although the food isn't themed as such, it serves to strengthen the bond between café and art venue, offering 'serious chocolate cake' (their title) to be consumed alongside the serious creativity on display.

• High point: The salads don't lack anything
• Low point: The wait for a table – book in advance