Katie's Diner

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.

Katie’s Diner, Kate and Geoff Ness’s friendly neighbourhood eatery, has been satisfying Bruntsfield locals for more than a decade now and it’s easy to see why: its small but welcoming interior, filled with an eclectic mix of bric-a-brac and photos of American landscapes, feels like a home from home – but it’s well worth coming from further afield to sample its delights. Enjoyable starters include the hot and spicy bite of ‘prawn demons’ and crispy-skinned chicken wings with barbeque sauce, but it’s the fine choice of steaks and burgers that show off the diner’s true worth. A well-seasoned medium-rare rib-eye steak slathered in pungent garlic butter and a beef burger topped with rich brandy and peppercorn sauce are winners, showing off both the quality of ingredients and Katie’s cooking. Savoury crispy onions, creamy coleslaw and fries on the side complete both dishes. It might be a challenge after devouring the mains, but be sure to leave room for the pecan pie, served with rich vanilla ice cream, maple syrup and a dollop of sheer indulgence.

• High point: Spot-on pecan pie
• Low point: A lone vegeburger is the only option for vegetarians