The Manna House

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

This place is a treasure trove of glorious sweet treats. Still a relatively undiscovered gem near the top of Easter Road, this little French-style bakery-café surely won't be restricted to east Edinburghers for long; the entire city should be lining up outside – though with only four tables that might be rather trying for the staff, fast and efficient though they are. Call in for a loaf or two of freshly baked artisan bread or choose from sandwiches, soup, quiches and tarts, all available to eat in or take away. The goat's cheese and ratatouille en crôute is salty and soft with just a hint of garlic and pepper, while the spinach, green pea and feta quiche proves a great combination of flavours – a little bitter, a little sweet and with a silky smooth texture. Just one look at the dazzling array of cakes and bakes on display will have any customer agonising to decide. The blackcurrant cheesecake is heavenly – crunchy biscuity base with a smooth purple centre topped with a sweetly sticky blackcurrant sauce. Another star is the palmier – a delicious (if slightly messy) treat of flaky pastry, cream and raspberries. Manna House is perfectly named: manna can mean divine or spiritual food and although that is quite a boast, they come awe-inspiringly close.

• High point: Everything on offer is gorgeous…
• Low point: …but watch you don't drink too much as there ain't no loo!