E:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an Irishman

The LIST Card C37

The LIST Card is a dining scheme that gives you promotional two-for-one offers at a range of restaurants in Glasgow, Edinburgh and beyond. Find out more.

21. jean & john, edinburgh – 31 October 2011, 11:24amE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

We celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary at ESI on the 29th of October 2011. They catered for37 guests everything was perfect. They even closed the restaurant so it made it even more special.
all 37 guests raved about the food and the ambience. Thank you all at ESI for making this special day so memorable for us. 10/10

Jean & John Ross

20. K-J, Edinburgh – 21 August 2011, 5:40pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

Fantastic little restaurant. Really inventive menu. Had a great meal and the staff are very friendly. Will definitely be going back

19. deekintheburg, leith – 12 May 2011, 12:29pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

The food was excellent though (but we had to wait for nearly an hour for our starters!!) and everyone at our table agreed that both starters and mains were great.
BUT the service was really bad. The rest. was not full and it seemed that we were overlooked throughout the meal.
I've been before and the service wasn't great last time either but this was worse. Big shame really as this place could get 5 stars if they start looking after the customers better.

18. Jimmy Jimmy, Leith – 11 May 2011, 2:15pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

We read the rave reviews and were looking forward to ESI. Our experience was spoiled completely by the rude, offhand and downright unpleasant staff. They made us unwelcome throughout our meal, and made it clear they could not wait for us to leave. We were not welcomed in to the restaurant. The waitress did not take us to our table but merely gestured at it and told us to sit down. During the meal one of the (well behaved and quiet) children in our party was TOLD OFF by a waitress. The staff checked on other tables throughout dinner but did not check on us. After we paid, the staff made themselves scarce and so we were left to root through other people's coats to find our own and show ourselves out. The level of service we received was disgraceful, hostile and rude.

17. Alison Donaldson, Edinburgh – 20 November 2010, 5:53pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

Very stylish place but not 'too cool'. Very relaxed atmosphere and would happily take my folks there as go with a bunch of girls. The food is to die for. It's very imaginative and different. I ate vegetarian last night which is unusual for me but such a lovely combination of flavours. Dessert was just fabulous too. Homemade ginger and lime ice-cream anyone? Would highly recommend ESI. Lovely place for a great meal.

16. me&mine, Leith, Edinburgh – 13 May 2010, 10:12pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

Went to E.S.I with my partner tonight and can honestly say I do not have one bad word to say about the place. We both had the charizo starter (amazing) and then steak (one english, one irish) and both cooked to perfection!! My partner then had the banoffee mess but they didnt have any caramel ice cream to go with it - he didnt complain as he got to try thier new IRN BRU ice cream which was gorgeous! We both loved the atmosphere, decor and service. Would recommend to anyone!! Price was not too bad either :)

15. elmosmoe, Edinburgh – 24 October 2009, 6:04pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

Just went there today for an absolutely delightful lunch. Great food, great service, what more could you ask for! We had the clam chowder and the haggis for starters (both super yummy) and then had the belly pork and duck confit for mains. Terrific. Couldn't manage dessert though due to the lovely portions.

What a find. Can't recommend it enough!

14. Shona, Bonnington – 16 October 2009, 12:38pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

We dined here last Friday night and it was a fantastic experience :) I was first of all impressed before I'd even visited, after making a List booking on a Friday night, which none of the other List restaurants appear to do.

As far as the food goes, it does not disappoint. We went the whole hog and had the full three courses, plus liquer coffees which was a gargantuan effort and very greedy! What delicious food, though. My starter of a chorizo and bacon salad was fresh and crisp and just enough to whet my appetite for the main course. My main of duck confit with dauphinoise potatoes was gorgeous, the duck was succulent and the potatoes absolutely lush. It was superbly rounded off by the sauce which was tart enough to hold the meal together without being sickly. Finally, the chocolate brulee was lovely although perhaps a little too much as it was very rich (probably my fault for attempting three courses though!).

The service was attentive and the bill absolutely fantastic value, considering we went the whole shebang. I will certainly be visiting often.

13. eireland – 5 September 2009, 10:37pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

Was staying in leith for a few days and was recommended i eat there.
The building itself was wonderful and the inside didnt disappoint. It was bright and open and the layout altho unusual made the most of the space and the light.
On the evening we went there was alot of couples, but only one of the lads working. Despite this he was helpful and attentive to all tables and happily chatted to everyone and answered any questions.
I had the clam chowder for starter which tasted amazing altho i wasnt able to eat all of it as the portion was quite large and very rich. I had the venison for my main, it was perfectly cooked and almost melted in my mouth.
I drank Hendricks Gin which i was assured by the scot was the best and it really was as they served it with a twist....cucumber ice!!!

Overall my experience in ESI could not have been better, everything from the building to the food to the staff was just wonderful and was terrific value for money also! I would recommend it to everyone!!!!

12. Epoustouflant!, Tollcross – 19 August 2009, 6:37pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

Went here first time today and the food was AMASING!!!!!

I had the pan fried Salmon and stir fried noodles never tasted so good.

The place is pretty and really clean.

Service is brilliant.

And Portions are massive!!!!

Well done!

Dont miss it!!!

11. Alexandra, Edinburgh – 31 July 2009, 10:51pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

Reading all these reviews I was eager to get there with full assurance it would be great. We arrived and were shown upstairs. From this vantage point I could see everyone else get served - on the kitchen level right under the noses of the 3 maitre d's. We felt rather forgotton and wondered if we would ever get some service. One advantage was to see what everything on the menu looked like as it was brought out dish by dish. The bacon and chorzio starter was tasty but vert sweet. This seemed to be the theme of the night with the pork belly being very sickly. Couldn't manage the sweets as had too much glucose by that point. The pepperming tea IS THE BEST I HAVE EVER TASTED so don't miss that out. Maybe we were unlucky. The venue is lovely and the 'boys' are nice.

10. R Dineen, Edinburgh – 23 July 2009, 10:45amE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

Went there last night and had a lovely meal. Good prices, with large portions. nearly couldnt eat dessert!! Good menu choice, hard to choose what to have which always means you will go back. Friendly staff. could do with a bit more choice on the dessert menu but that would be my only negative.

9. Me!, Bruntsfield – 8 July 2009, 4:25pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

Went to ESI using my List card last week and nearly fell off my chair thanks to the total awesomeness of ESI's Venison. Seriously seriously SERIOUSLY good food. Lovely boys too. Put some candles on the tables though!

8. Robert.B., Dunfermline. – 15 June 2009, 5:36pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

After reading the favourable reviews I was eager to try E.S.I. Like all the previous reviewers,I also came away with a very high opinion of this establishment.Although there seemed to be only one member of staff serving,the young man was very friendly and efficient around the tables.Considering there were around five or six tables came and went while we dined,including a table of six women,his cheery approach and patience was appreciated.The starters of Clam soup and the Fish and cheese fritter were both well presented and very tasty.To follow the Fillet steak,medium rare, and the Sirloin,medium,were cooked perfectly.Something of a novelty as some chefs often tend to overcook steaks.The Fillet served (Scottish)with Black Pudding,mustard mash and roast cubed veg hit the spot.Although my dining companion argued his choice of (Irish) was the better.Another bonus,unlike many Restaurants,it feels very spacious,as the tables are positioned with plenty room between them.

7. Juliet, Edinburgh – 4 June 2009, 4:05pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

I was really looking forward to trying ESI after reading all of the good reviews on here & it didn't disappoint! The food was lovely, the restaurant was set out really nicely & it was a very nice night.

Looking forward to coming back & trying the steak.

6. Lou, Edinburgh – 23 May 2009, 9:15amE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

A first class restaurant! and a great new arrival for Leith.

We have now eaten here three times and each time have been wowed by the service and the food.

The breakfast terrine is a very different idea for a starter and was extremely tasty as was the soup. The pork belly was beautifully cooked and the English, Irish and Scottish steak options are really tasty.

Leith is definitely becoming the best place to eat.

5. Nicola D, Edinburgh – 13 May 2009, 8:05amE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

My friend and I went for dinner last night here after reading some of the reviews here.

We had a fantastic meal - both went for fish options which were beautifully presented and cooked perfectly. Good sized portions as well. The decor of this restaurant is lovely too (we had a lovely seta near the wondow) and the service was superb both in terms of effeciency and friendliness.

Really impressed overall and will definitely be returning again even without List card!

Do go try!

4. D+A, Leith Links – 8 April 2009, 10:12amE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

We would highly recommend this place, for friendly service, quality and super tasty food. The menu is great, just hard to choose what to have. Enjoyed a full flavoured and perfectly cooked meal and will definitely be back to try more of the menu. To be honest we have walked past this place a few times in the past, my initial impressions from the outside and name 'E:S:I' was that it looked like an office. Thanks to the list card for introducing us to the best food we have had in Leith.

3. V and V, Edinburgh – 27 March 2009, 2:01pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

We had a really delicious meal using the List Card last night (26th March 09). Both had a main and dessert. The pork belly was amazing - tender and fruity and the ribeye steak Scottish style was cooked to perfection too. Loved the champ and the chips were fab. Sticky toffee pudding was soft and moist and the rhubarb and buckie crumble to die for. Service was with a smile - attentive but relaxed and we never felt hurried. Good atmosphere. They did mark the card but we would happily go back and pay the full (not extortionate) whack.

2. Roman Rock, Leith Links – 31 January 2009, 9:43pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

Excellent

1. Roman Rock, Leith Links – 31 January 2009, 9:43pmE:S:I - Englishman, Scotsman and an IrishmanReport

An excellent restaurant, run by an Englishman, Scotsman and Irishman, this unique places offer very good food along with exceptional service and a lovely surrounding in which to enjoy your meal.

My partner and I really enjoyed our dinner, the menu mainly consisted of UK based produce such as salmon, lamb, duck etc. All the food was beautifully displayed and tasted fantastic, my girlfriend especially enjoyed the purple mash (red cabbage mash).

The only problem is the you will struggle to fit in all three courses as the main meals are very generous, my lamb shank was huge, so large I even as the chap to keep the bone for my dog he smiled as a regular of his always did the same.

I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who asked and for around £50 for two courses and medium bottle of wine between two it is great value for money.