The Elephant House

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses: £7 (lunch)
• House wine: £13.95 per bottle

• High point: Generous in the cup
• Low point: A little mean on the plate
• Food served: Mon–Fri 8am–11pm; Sat/Sun 9am–11pm
• Open since: 1995
• Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least 25% of main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Takeaway

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

This café – all elephants and Potter – attracts all sorts, including students and tourists who buy the Elephant House baseball caps and take the 'Harry Potter was born here' signals literally. The large, bright room in the back of the café, revered by local literary figures, boasts a pretty view of Edinburgh Castle and offers a welcome getaway from the bustle of the Old Town. Enjoy a good pot of leaf tea, Fairtrade coffee or hot chocolate – with or without a supplementary shot of liqueur – as the little ones indulge in smoothies and elephant-shaped biscuits. Scrambled eggs and squeezed orange juice entice the breakfast crowds, and a large selection of sandwiches, filled baked potatoes, quiche and various hot dishes are available throughout the day, while tray-bakes or apple pie will provide the necessary sugar rush for an afternoon's study session. Internet access and a pin-board stuffed with flat-sharing ads contribute to the community vibe, enhanced by the large wooden tables designed to encourage strangers to sit together for their piece. With live music from the Sam Danzig Jazz Duo every Tuesday evening, when table service is in swing and alcohol is in flow, the atmosphere is relaxed.