Susie's Diner

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

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's studentville, Susie's Diner straddles the border between student grub and higher-end café. On the one hand, the menu is a doodled board, with food served up in a manner that's more institutional canteen than 'diner'. On the other, there's an adventurous range of influences, artwork adorning the walls and a range of teas bordering on baffling. Some dishes shine, such as a spanakopita – a Greek-influenced pie – packed with juicy spinach. The range changes daily, but even the blander dishes are more than edible, and served up in sizable portions. The hot dishes, such as hearty casseroles, are served with two selections of fresh salad, while a fine range of desserts will appease the greediest vegan diner. Flavours are varied, although hovering around a comfortable medium, which suits its lunchtime feel. The prices teeter on expensive, which, for some dishes seems a lot if you're perched on a wooden chair in a self-service café, but it's a charming place. Overall, Susie's has acquired a niche market in its great location, with hearty meals offering a quirky element to the vegetarian scene.

• High point: Great location for a lunchtime treat
• Low point: Can feel like queuing for a school dinner