iso-bar
- Food served: Mon–Fri 10am–3pm, 6pm–late; Sat/Sun 10am–5pm, 6pm–late
- Bar open: Mon–Sat noon–1am; Sun 12.30pm–1am
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 14
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least 25% of main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Takeaway
- Music on stereo: Tears for Fears / Oasis
- Capacity: 50
- Largest group: 50
- Open since: 2000
- Average price 2 courses:
£15 (lunch)
£15 (evening meal) - House wine: £10.95 per bottle
This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.
The iso-bar was once a shining star in Leith’s bar food firmament. While it still attracts a loyal local clientele, the eating and drinking side of the operation had become a bit of a battle recently, from struggling to order over the constant ‘ping’ of the microwave to fighting for cutlery. The lunch menu offered some appealing-sounding dishes but was struggling to deliver. Spring 2008, however, saw the introduction of a new tapas menu, served from 6pm to late every night, priced at £5.50 for two tapas or £10 for four. The range of small dishes included most of the old Spanish favourites as well as a few with a bit more sparkle: blackened salmon with lime and garlic dip, for example, or roasted aubergine with manchego cheese. Meanwhile, the bar’s best feature is still in place: the sneaky upstairs bar with its fairy light-festooned roof area – perfect for fresh air-heads and cheeky smokers.
- High point: A really good strong cup of coffee
- Low point: Being offered a fork to eat ice-cream
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