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A Room in the Town

A Room in the Town
18 Howe Street
Edinburgh, EH3 6TG
Phone: 0131 225 8204
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  • Food served: Sun–Thu noon–2.30pm, 5.30–9.30pm; Fri/Sat noon–3pm, 5.30–10.30pm.
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 14
  • Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs
  • Music on stereo: Easy listening
  • Capacity: 60
  • Largest group: 60
  • Open since: 1998
View larger map of EH3 6TG
  • Average price:
     £12.95 (set lunch)
     £22 (evening meal)
  • House wine: £13.95 per bottle
  • BYOB: £3 wine; £4 sparkling corkage

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Eating & Drinking Guide

The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.

A Room in the Town resembles the well known and colourful mural lining its main wall more often than one suspects. High jinks and merriment co-exist alongside locals having a casual meal in the simply furnished and softly lit, long dining room. Staff are warm and friendly, making you feel a long-time customer from first meeting. Everything gets done but nothing feels either rushed or ignored. Zesty, rose harissa spiced chickpea & sunblushed tomato cakes outshine the rather quiet smoked chicken and black pudding terrine. Ceviche of tuna is accented with mustard seeds but could benefit from slightly more punch. The confit of smoked-paprika pork gains both sweetness and spicy counterpoint from the golden roast butternut squash, and is a classic in the making. Rich desserts like Baileys cream profiteroles and coconut and lime cheese cake extend the pleasure. The smart, succinct wine list proves that good matches can be found at value for money, but there’s no fuss if you bring your own wine instead. Alternatively, sip some unusual real ales – including one from Europe’s smallest micro-brewery on Colonsay.

  • High point: Accommodating, friendly neighbourhood bistro
  • Low point: Varying results from a well intentioned kitchen

Reviews of A Room in the Town (18 Howe Street, Edinburgh)

6. JillieB, Edinburgh – 10 December 2011, 9:56am5 starsA Room in the TownReport

Excellent Christmas lunch. Enjoyed every course. I'll certainly be back in the new year to sample their 'normal' fare.

5. Marcela, Edinburgh – 19 April 2011, 4:12pm5 starsA Room in the TownReport

Just visited A Room in the Town for the first time last weekend and I must say it will surely become one of my fav restaurants in Edinburgh!

The food was excellent, the atmosphere is amazing, the staff were really friendly and the prices are very reasonable if you have the set lunch.

Definitely one to visit!

4. RudiRoo, Edinburgh – 3 May 2010, 5:53pm5 starsA Room in the TownReport

From the team Christmas night out, to the Sunday lunch with the parents, this place has been consistently great.
If you can find better value for money in Edinburgh, I'd be very surprised.

3. B-Boy, Edinburgh – 29 January 2010, 4:32pm5 starsA Room in the TownReport

Couldn't disagree more with the first post. Never had a problem with the service and the food is beautifully cooked - far better than any number of more expensive restaurants in Edinburgh.

Highly recommended.

2. Pip, Edinburgh – 29 November 2008, 4:29pmA Room in the TownReport

Was a bit nervous after reading of the bad experience above, but it was excellent. The staff were more than polite, they were warm and welcoming. The food was exactly what we wanted on a cool autumn evening. I had a delightful mushroom and sage soup followed by haggis, neeps and tatties- delicious.

Very yummy, very local and sure to become a regular haunt.

1. 6.30 may be good for you but not for our chef, Edinburgh – 28 August 2008, 7:22pmA Room in the TownReport

Don't bother trying with this one. The staff who answer the telephone really can't be bothered giving you a table at 6.30 that they'll need back by 8.00 and it's possible that on the night the chef just can't be bothered cooking three courses for you. I'd heard the staff were off-hand but this takes the biscuit. I'm glad they couldn't be bothered. I certainly won't be bothered trying to book a table with them again.

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