Café Marlayne
- Food served: Mon–Sun 8am–10pm
- Pre-theatre times: 5pm–7pm
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 11
- Private dining: 15 (Cafe)
- Also offers: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu, Outdoor tables, Free wi-fi
- Music on stereo: Pop, Rock, Soul, Easy Listening
- Capacity: 70
- Largest group: 70
- Open since: 2010
Tell us more about this place.
- Average price:
£11.95 (set lunch)
£20 (evening meal) - Pre-theatre price: £11.95
- House wine: £13.50 per bottle
The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.
Longevity is not something always associated with Edinburgh’s French restaurants. That Café Marlayne has stuck around for a decade is testament to its ability to consistently please an eclectic range of diners. Tucked just north of George Street the temptation might have been just to dish out lowest common denominator fodder to please passing punters. Instead, Francophile Scot Islay Fraser conjures up an array of French bistro classics, with a few twists from her homeland to liven things up. To start, a richly satisfying boudin noir sits happily alongside Arbroath smokie pâté, moules marinières alongside vodka cured salmon. Duck confit or plaice with brown shrimp and a beurre noir signal an even greater emphasis on the continent amongst the mains, with even the Scottish ribeye steak laced with Roquefort. Desserts reflect the Auld Alliance’s love of cream alongside sticky toffee pudding or prune and Calvados tart. A solid French Sauvignon Blanc at under £15 demonstrates just how good value Café Marlayne is and shows why the tightly packed tables of this cosy wee restaurant are usually brimming with jolly diners. The cheerful bonhomie continues over at the Antigua Street branch. In contrast however, it’s an all-day operation, offering breakfast, snack lunches and sweet treats in the small front cafe, with the familiar bistro-style dishes (including Prix Fixe menu) served in the back dining room.
Edinburgh restaurant Café Marlayne relocates second branch to top of Leith Walk
One of Edinburgh’s much-loved French restaurants has relocated its second branch to a radically diff
12 Jan 2011
Reviews of Café Marlayne (13 Antigua Street, Edinburgh)
- 5. frommywindow, Edinburgh – 11 October 2011, 11:17pm
Café MarlayneReport -
Had a great meal here yesterday on the pre-theatre deal - top-notch ingredients, beautifully cooked and served by friendly and efficient staff. Fantastic value for money, and I'll definitely visit again soon.
- 4. Anonymous Diner – 21 August 2011, 8:12pm
Café MarlayneReport -
Had a fixed price lunch on a Sunday which was fairly good value for money for freshly prepared food. There was no brunch menu or other choices available.
The service was okay and prompt though seeing a waitress clearing a table and sweeping crumbs onto the floor was a bit of a negative.
Was very disappointed there was no vegetarian options at all for my wife and the only alternative that was on offer at short notice was gnocchi, or a sandwich. This is not a place to eat if you are vegetarian or a carnivore who wants a meat free dish as an alternative.
Would we go back? Not sure...
- 3. fussyeatereh7, eh7 – 19 August 2011, 9:18pm
Café MarlayneReport -
Lovely front of house staff, nice decor but the 2 times I've visited the experience has been let down by the food. It doesn't seem to be on par with the sister place in Thistle street.
Not sure if I'll go back to Antigua St, just take the walk up to Thistle St. in the future. Shame as it has potential.
- 2. gremial, Leith – 13 March 2011, 7:55pm
Café MarlayneReport -
Very good bistro-standard food on our visit one recent Monday evening. An order of four variously cooked rib-eye steaks was a very reasonably priced and pleasant experience, as was the dessert menu: all home made. As it was quite quiet, the sweary chef was audible at our table; for that reason, I may ask for a table further from the kitchen next time! But I'll definitely be returning.
- 1. ALB, Eh7 – 12 February 2011, 8:26pmCafé MarlayneReport
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Looking forward to visiting often! Popped in today saturday at 1145am, unfortunately between breakfast and lunch. Place was hopping and staff extremely helpful and pleasant. Super coffee and more than 8 gorgeous tarts, tortes, cakes to choose from, plus pastries and croissants Fruit and frangipane deep tart was incredible, with a delicious crust showing real skill. Key lime tart, sticky toffee, carrot cake, fruit tarts... Checked out lunch menu, with incredibly good ingredients for real value. Atmosphere was great. So refreshing to find! My only criticism is that weekend breakfast all day would be perfect, but I guess we have Vittoria's for that.
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