Vittoria's is the perfect restaurant to sample a real taste of Italy. Renowned for its high level of service and fresh Italian food, book online with Vittoria's on Leith Walk and experience over 40 years of history. You can now also book online at Vittoria's on the bridge and at La Favorita too.

Empires

Empires
24 St Mary's Street
Edinburgh, EH1 1SU
Phone: 0131 466 0100
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  • Food served: Mon–Fri noon–3pm, 5–10pm. Sat–Sun noon-10pm.
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 0
  • Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Takeaway, Live music
  • Music on stereo: Relaxing sufi music by day
  • Capacity: 40
  • Largest group: 40
  • Open since: 2005
View larger map of EH1 1SU
  • Average price 2 courses:
     £8 (set lunch)
     £20 (evening meal)
  • BYOB: £3 wine; 75p beer corkage
Nominate this restaurant for
The List Reader Award 2010
Eating & Drinking Guide 2009

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2009 – in the shops now or buy online.

Empires is intimate, glowing and cosy, reflecting genuine efforts by the owner and staff to make you forget you have just wandered off Edinburgh’s High Street. Towards the weekend, live music played on a small central platform fills both floors of the small restaurant, never overwhelming the gentle hum of conversation over the simple, candlelit wooden tables. Traditional objects decorate walls and surfaces, adding colour and curiousity, competing with the menu for attention. Without question, however, the Turkish mezze steal the show. Twenty warm and cold options, predominately vegetarian, are on offer to mix and match. Spiced dips of ground nuts – acili (toaseted hazelnuts) and tarator (walnuts) – are a piquant alternative to the garlicky hummus that will keep the vampires away. Aubergine, okra, spinach and artichokes each star in a dish. Sucuk (air-dried sausage) and calamari provide succour for those wishing meat. Other than the mixed grill, sauces factor in all the veg and non-veg options, but with mixed results. The gul borek, a fresh spinach-filled filo, sits in a pool of garlic yoghurt sauce that risks a soggy pastry, but a tomato sauce adds punch to the kiremit kofte (herby meatballs). Dessert is limited to baklava, but includes a selection of delicious nut fillings.

  • High point: Good mezze in atmospheric surroundings
  • Low point: Mains still not as satisfying as the mezze or music

Comments for Empires (24 St Mary's Street, Edinburgh)

1. Gordon W, Edinburgh – 1 June 2008, 6:22amReport

Service not so much hit and miss as appalling. Completely messed up the starters ordered and absolutely unapologetic for it. Mains were at least what we ordered but uninspiring. The worst eating out experience I've had in Edinburgh.

2. Edinburgh resident, Empires, St Mary's Street – 1 July 2008, 11:43amReport

This is my favourite restaurant to chill out in. The service isnt the speediest, but its well worth the wait if you're wanting something particularly tasty and inexpensive. You have to be in a particularly eastern frame of mind. If you're looking for a quiet chat with your mates, dont go when there is live music. The music is excellent, but you wont get much conversation in with your eating buddies.

Must try the stews to share, very sociable and the meat just melts in your mouth!

3. randomswitch, Edinburgh – 7 November 2008, 8:56amReport

Gordon W's experience is the compete opposite to mine. I have eaten at Emprires 4 times in the last few months and have found the service to be excellent, our server has always been helpful and personable. The meze we have had was extremely good and the mains were sound home cooking; just what I would expect from such a restaurant. I really, really like Empires its relaxed friendly ambience. I've taken different friends each time I have been and they have all really liked it too. I would encourage people to give the place a visit.

4. Lulu, Edinburgh – 27 November 2008, 9:52am(3s)Report

What this restaurant lacks in space it makes up for in atmosphere. It can be a little cosy, especially as there's no clear area for the waiters to stand. But the food was great, decor kitsch and the music good fun. I wouldn't go there if you're expecting a posh meal, but if you're up for a cosy cultural experience with down to earth food then it's you're thing. I'd particularly recommend the baklava.

5. AndyH., Linlithgow – 12 December 2008, 8:37amReport

Had a great meal there last night.

6 of us - all had starters and mains, very attentive service and lovely food.

All accompanied by an amazing guitarist playing Bach.

Thoroughly recomended.

6. Ailie, Empires – 7 February 2009, 5:46pmReport

Worst restaurant experience in Edinburgh, possibly ever, last weekend. Was 'obliged' to order way too much food despite insisting we didn't want that much, serving staff refused to take a smaller order on the basis the boss would get them in trouble. Should have walked out. Service frantic and constant pestering until told explicitly to leave us alone. Such a shame because the food was delicious (although we could only manage about half of it) and the interior lovely. Terribly managed. Would strongly encourage people to avoid this place. We didn't even stay to finish our wine.

7. RJ, Empires – 25 April 2009, 11:23pmReport

Good food. We all selected the basic mezze selection and that was plenty for us, as a light meal. Good atmosphere and music and would go back. Friendly and attentive staff.

8. AGR, Edinburgh – 4 September 2009, 1:55am(4s)Report

What a rare pleasure to find both good food and friendly service in the same location in Edinburgh. The staff couldn't have done more to make us welcome, and the food, even though choice is a bit limited, was authentic and high quality. I'm sold on mint tea! We'll be back.

9. Ems, Edinburgh – 7 September 2009, 4:30pm(5s)Report

One of my favourite restaurants in Edinburgh! I live near by and it feels like my second home. Not too expensive so you can go again and again, I'm still not bored! Always cheery service and a great change from the usual overly polite waiters you get. Don't expect silver service, this is a place to relax and the staff are relaxed accordingly. Especially great at the weekends if you fancy some music and a busy atmosphere!

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