Centraal

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops. This review is taken from the 2007 edition.

West Nicolson Street is probably the classic student haunt of Edinburgh with its grungy but independent-minded array of shops, sandwich bars, pubs and cheaper eateries. Centraal bar and restaurant tucks itself away at the bottom of a steep staircase, but it's clearly pitched at the student contingent, with the emphasis placed on the extensive drinks menu, which lists imported beers aplenty, reasonably priced cocktails, wine and even a choice of cigars. Walk through the sofa-lined bar area, complete with tropical fish tank, into a candle-lit, bistro-style dining area simply decorated in keeping with the exposed brick work and wooden beams. The menu offers pretty standard fare coupled with a few options Centraal have made its own. The pot of mussels starter could easily pass for a main course portion and the 'Pulp Fiction big kahuna burger' is somewhat over-hyped but filling. The rotisserie-roasted chicken with a choice of flavourings is enormous and realistically feeds at least two. Vegetarians may find their choices somewhat limited, with couscous and pasta the only main course options. The 'dine with dice' menu, on offer from Sunday to Thursday, 4.30pm to 7.30pm, is a gimmick that keeps the punters coming and, if you're lucky, you might get your food for free.

• High point: Some intriguing drinks to choose from
• Low point: Give dessert a miss