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Pink Olive

Pink Olive
55–57 West Nicolson Street
Edinburgh, EH8 9DB
Phone: 0131 662 4493
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  • Food served: Tue–Fri noon–2.30pm, 5.30–10pm; Sat noon–3pm, 5.30–10.30pm; Sun 10.30am–4pm. Closed Mon. [Extended in Festival]
  • Pre-theatre times: Tues–Sat 5.30–6.30pm
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 9
  • Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu
  • Music on stereo: Mix of 90s classics
  • Capacity: 45
  • Largest group: 40
  • Open since: 2008
View larger map of EH8 9DB
  • Average price:
     £9.95 (set lunch)
     £18 (evening meal)
  • Pre-theatre price: £9.95
  • House wine: £13.75 per bottle

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Eating & Drinking Guide

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.

This neighbourhood bistro comes well recommended, impressing Joanna Blythman and Tam Cowan alike. Its charm is understandable, cooking appealing, prices reasonable. Drawing on a palate of North African and Mediterranean influences with a smattering of Scottish favourites, there’s certainly plenty of choice. Pan-seared ox tongue is a little dry, but moistened by mild horseradish crème fraîche. Soused beetroot and walnut salad is also an elegant starter, if a trifle bland. A main course of lamb kofta with couscous and a tomato harissa sauce is sweet and cuminy. A crisply-crumbed fillet of ling comes with chunky chips that have a perfect crunch. Desserts reveal a surprise: superb nutmeg-flavoured ice-cream among the more conventional, though no less excellent, choice of banana, vanilla and chocolate. A chocolate orange sponge cake balances both ingredients well, whilst the rhubarb jelly with a raspberry coulis is a lighter alternative. Incidentally, pink olives are no-where to be seen, but if pink is your favourite colour, there is a splash or two on the impressive wine and cocktail list: from Pink Mojitos to Brut Rosé Champagne.

  • High point: Nutmeg ice-cream.
  • Low point: Menu a trifle pick and mix.
Pink Olive

Pink Olive

18 Sep 2008

The restaurant world consumes an awful lot of dreams. Everyone who has ever eaten out has discussed how they would do things better, and anyone who has ever worked in a restaurant has nurtured a blueprint for world, or at least neighbourhood…

Reviews of Pink Olive (55–57 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh)

7. Sean Tierney, Edinburgh – 11 July 2011, 10:36am1 starPink OliveReport

I had read many great reviews for this place, so I didn't hesitate where to choose for my next eating out experience.

It's possible the kitchen were just having an off day, but my dining companion and I were massively disappointed.

We both opted for the Korean Sticky Chicken starter - it didn't look appetising, but I didn't let that deter me and got stuck in. The cuts of chicken were dry and not sticky - as the name would suggest. Bland, flavourless.

For mains I had the pork, which was really tough and fatty. My companion opted for the Coley in a tomato sauce. The coley was fine, but the sauce was watery and bland.

Given all the rave reviews we'd read, our expectations were high. But it really disappointed us and we won't be back.

6. HappyScotia, Edinburgh – 14 December 2009, 4:11pm4 starsPink OliveReport

Had the Christmas dinner menu last week! The steaks were amazing - best we have had for a long while in Edinburgh. Would also thoroughly recommend the hake - beautifully, just cooked :-) The desserts were also quite delicious, particularly the cinnamon icecream. The staff were very helpful and we are very glad we have found a wonderful gem, hidden from the hullabullo of town. We will definitely be back in the New Year! Thanks for a lovely evening!

5. Oliver Twist, Inverness – 10 March 2009, 10:47am4 starsPink OliveReport

Very convivial atmosphere. Most courteous and efficient staff but above all the fare was beautifully presented, prepared to perfection and value for money. We will be back for 'more!'

4. Alistair, Edinburgh – 9 March 2009, 4:38pm4 starsPink OliveReport

Have visited The Pink Olive on 3 occasions and never been disappointed. Great food at very reasonable prices. Very friendly and helpful staff.

3. N48, Pink Olive – 5 March 2009, 2:33pm4 starsPink OliveReport

Visited at end of January for first time having heard good reports since it opened last year. Excellent food, good value prices, good service and extremely pleasant and well trained staff. Will be back!

2. Douglas Cowe, Aberdeen – 5 March 2009, 1:19pm4 starsPink OliveReport

Highly recommended, excellent food and service with good atmosphere. Very good value - very important to an Aberdonian !!

1. L35, edinburgh – 24 December 2008, 3:15pm4 starsPink OliveReport

just visited this place after being recommended by friends - thought it was really good value and lovely food. My main and started was a wee bit small (fish and fritatta) but tastey nevertheless - husband's steak was huge!

Good service and quality food for reasonable price.

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