Home Bistro
- Food served: Wed–Fri noon–2pm, 6–9pm; Sat 6–9.30pm. Closed Sun–Tue. [Extended in Festival]
- Pre-theatre times: Wed–Sat 6–6.45pm
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 8
- Also offers: Gluten-free options, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu
- Music on stereo: Easy tunes
- Capacity: 22
- Largest group: 22
- Open since: 2003
- Average price:
£8.95 (set lunch)
£15 (evening meal) - Pre-theatre price: £9.95
- House wine: £13.95 per bottle
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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.
Home is both the name and theme of this lovely little bistro close to the University. Tongue gently in cheek, its neat 'front room' is graced with a flight of flying ducks and handsome pair of china dogs. The domestic kitsch concept extends to a concise and focused menu of retro classics, including kipper pâté, prawn cocktail and shepherds pie. The superlative quality of cooking lifts these dishes from potentially loveless nostalgia to something that reminds you how good they can be when prepared with care, attention and good ingredients. Iced water and warm home-made bread on arrival set the tone for what follows; warm savoury cheesecake is light but packs a zingy, cheesy punch, while equally good is a starter of crisp haggis and oatmeal fritters with a velvety whisky cream sauce. Plump and gamey venison sausages are served with buttery mash, and a steamed sponge pudding with home-made ginger ice-cream sees you happily back in the nursery, minus the stodge. With quality and consistency like this, Home is definitely where the heart is.
- High point: Fab food cooked with love and attention
- Low point: Normally only open Wednesday to Saturday
Reviews of Home Bistro (41 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh)
- 7. Paul S – 16 September 2009, 3:08pm
Home BistroReport -
Simply great - we have been several times and never been let down.
The Maître d' was excellent: attentive, fun, knowledge and never less than gracious.
The food is a great mix of home cooking classics with a modern twist. There is a good range of options, even for veggies! and the portions are definitely "hearty". The fish and chip was a highlight for more than one of our party, and the gammon steaks on a previous visit were also a triumph.
I think this is a gem of a find and I would recommend it to anyone (although, as it is not large, I would recommend booking!).
- 6. G M, Edinburgh – 24 August 2009, 4:51pmHome BistroReport
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I think this is a fabulous restaurant - been many times before - the food, atmosphere, the front of house and cooking team are brilliant - had the slow cooked duck on most recent visit ( 21/08/09 ) - yum yum and sticky toffee pudding - mmmmm - a few glasses of vino - fantastic - back again soon post festival. Our party of six all agreed.
- 5. FD, Edinburgh – 12 August 2009, 8:59pmHome BistroReport
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My favourite place in Edinburgh. Fine food and a friendly atmosphere. A warm welcome awaits!
- 4. karen487h, The Netherlands – 22 July 2009, 9:13pmHome BistroReport
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After reading the rave reviews I was disappointed to discover that my infant was not acceptable here. Especially when I had asked whether the location was family friendly on this website. Scotland's licensure laws are a little complex for those of us who are tourists. To be fair, the owners were truly apologetic...and we are sorry that we could not enjoy this fine establishment!
- 3. Derek Williams, Edinburgh – 13 November 2008, 3:23pmHome BistroReport
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I fully agree with this review. First time I was in a hurry and tried the fish and chips - great! Since then I have become a regular, trying out all the options and it's good to see this place doing so well; they deserve every success.
- 2. Edinburgher, Edinburgh – 26 July 2008, 10:54pmHome BistroReport
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We loved this place! Such an endearing owner, falling over backwards to give you a great meal. The food came quickly, was perfectly cooked and the menu had great variety. The haggis starter was fantastic and my fellow diner's battered fish was the best he's had in a long time - not overcome with batter. Good wine list as well. We will go back to try a pudding!
- 1. visitor, Edinburgh – 4 June 2008, 2:00pmHome BistroReport
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This is a very nice place. Fresh simple dishes. Highly recommended. Been living here a year (from US) and have found very few places I would recommend to anyone. This would be in my top-ten however.
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