Candy Bar

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

Aimed squarely at the pretty young things, the Candy Bar really is the cheeky twinkle in the eye of Edinburgh's George Street. There's an air of backstreet chic about the place, with the emphasis on drinking and having a good time rather than eating. That said, a meal at the Candy Bar can be a sweet experience: the menu features some fabulous starters and great desserts, while the main courses are much more than a convenient way of soaking up the pitchers of Margaritas. While the bulk of the bar menu offers standard fare such as classic burgers, sausage and mash and nachos, the real taste treat comes in the form of a slightly leftfield selection of 'favourites'. These include the exquisite king prawn and chilli noodles, the delicate Thai green chicken curry and wonderful melt-in-the-mouth goat's cheese fritters with sweet chilli dip. If none of that appeals, you can always fall back on an old faithful – fresh soup and crusty bread. The Candy Bar offers magnificent pub classics, served with a strong attention to detail and designed for punters who don't really know their Nigella Lawsons from their Nigel Slaters and don't really care, as long as the food looks and tastes good.

• High point: Snagging a booth
• Low point: Trying to eat while the serious drinkers are seriously drinking