Café North

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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 2007 edition.

If Café North was in the centre of Edinburgh, you would be fighting to get a table. So perfect is it for family lunches, every toddler in town would treat it like a second home. In reality, North Edinburgh Arts Centre (NEAC) is a little off the beaten track, meaning most visitors to this bright, inviting café are already there to see a show or attend a class. All the proceeds from Café North go towards NEAC's socially inclusive programme for families and schools. But that doesn't mean the prices are steep - far from it. Everything on the menu is made from scratch on the premises, with tasty soup for £2.20, and hot specials such as sweet potato enchiladas or chorizo and butterbean stew for a mere £3.75. Baked potatoes, toasted panini and sandwiches are the staple fare here, with a nice mix of exotic and more down-to-earth fillings. Little ones can choose from soup, pizza, sandwiches or a bountiful 'snack plate' for just £1.65. Boxes of toys, chalk boards, books and an outdoor play area keep children occupied, and grown-ups can tuck into yummy desserts such as lemon tart or chocolate polenta cake as they sit back with a coffee and soak up the ever-changing artwork adorning the walls.

• High point: Artistic, family-friendly surroundings
• Low point: Home-made hummus an acquired taste