Avoca

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £8 (lunch)
   £11 (evening meal)
• House wine: £9 per bottle

• Hitlisted
• High point: Good option for weekend brunch
• Low point: Almost too modest for its own good
• Food served: Mon-Thu noon-2.30pm, 5.30-8.45pm; Fri-Sun noon-7.30pm
• Bar open: Sun-Thu 11am-midnight; Fri/Sat 11am-1am
• Private dining: Up to 35 covers
• Open since: 2002
• Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least 25% of menu)

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

Tucked halfway down a residential street in Stockbridge, Avoca has the relaxed atmosphere and impeccable, friendly service that you would expect to find in a local village pub rather than a classy Edinburgh enclave. Don't be put off by the dated signage: venture inside to find a homely bar with a casual dining area to the rear. There is an enticing choice of small and big plates, salads and sandwiches, with a reasonable selection for vegetarians. Everything has a home-made feel and you may find your neck craning to check out impressive dishes ordered by other diners before making your own decision. A starter of creamed leeks and smoked haddock draws you in with its fresh taste, and they don't skimp on the filo-wrapped prawns with sweet chilli dipping sauce. Meat dishes are a strong point: opt for tender prime Scotch beef burger with gruyère cheese, relish and chunky chips, or delicious Scotch steak, Guinness and mushroom stew with spring onion mash. The generous sticky toffee pudding is fantastic, and may have a reputation that precedes it, judging by the number of enthusiasts tucking in. It's a pub with good food, comfy surroundings and staff who can't do enough for you.