Mezbaan is Edinburgh's only restaurant dedicated to just traditional and authentic South Indian cuisine. We are now open for lunch. If you are short for time you can sample our express menu or for a more relaxed our a la carte menu.

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• Average price 2 courses: £14
• House wine: £10.95 per bottle

• High point: Spiced onions among the best in town
• Low point: No disabled access
• Food served: Sun–Thu 5–11pm; Fri/Sat 5pm–midnight
• Delivery: £1, West End only
• Open since: 2001
• Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least 25% of main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Takeaway, Pre-theatre menu

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

Slightly hidden just off Dumbarton Road, Mr India's West End Balti and Dosa House has a 1970s curryhouse atmosphere. Its cheerful dining room is full of snug corners and potted plants, with dark wood and cream walls, while a red ceiling – complete with fan – adds to the retro feel. The staff are friendly and happy to allow diners a rest between courses, rather than rushing them through their meals. As the name suggests, dosas are well represented on the menu, and are available as either starters or main courses. The crisp pancakes are great, stuffed with a variety of fillings, including some garlicky spiced mushrooms – all served with a side of rice and smooth lentil dhal. King prawn balti comes to the table sizzling in its cooking pot, a thick tangy tomato sauce filled with the biggest shrimp you may ever see, with whole spices and fresh coriander. The long wine list should cater to most buffs. But those content with beer will be glad to see Lal Toofan on draught. The steady stream of people coming in for a meal or a takeaway shows that this restaurant is a hardly an unfound gem.