Restaurants, North American

Right in the heart of student land, Buffalo Grill has been thriving for 27 years serving up staple grill favourites of burgers, steaks and chicken wings. With so much success, this little restaurant with its cosy wood-panelled interior and mish-mash of…

The theme of the current incarnation of this style bar is literally plastered over the walls with eye-catching monochrome wallpaper featuring New York landmarks. The space is dominated by a huge curved bar and an open floor which suggests evening…

Thriving Broughton Street in the East End of Edinburgh has loads of choice for hungry visitors looking for a nice night out. Hamburger Heaven aims for a mid-way option focusing on decent-quality American-style food. A fairly extensive menu certainly…

With a menu that has worked for 26 years, why change it? No reason, when you continue to pull in the crowds the way Buffalo Grill does. The Stockbridge restaurant, an offshoot of the original in the heart of Edinburgh’s student land, is cosy, warm…

Sometimes the playful messiness that comes with devouring a towering burger is part of its charm, and this is certainly the case at Ketchup's Shawlands branch – aimed more at families than the student-driven Ashton Lane venue. There is inventiveness in…

In these days when food provenance is to the fore, McKirdy’s finds itself suddenly en vogue. It’s doing nothing new, of course, just continuing to offer red meat and haggis crafted by the family butcher. Here, they can tell you exactly where the meat…

The long dining room has a mix of booths and tables, and art deco styling. There’s a magician touring the tables with a pack of cards entertaining families, couples and larger parties. Although not here every night, he’s a Di Maggio’s stalwart. It’s a…

Some restaurants are all about the expectation game. Launched in London over 40 years ago, the Hard Rock has since exported its rather cookie cutter approach all over the world, but should you go in expecting generous portions of decent, if rather…

When it comes to knowing what students want, you’ve got to hand it to Ketchup. Set on the ground floor of a block of Ashton Lane venues, the American feel may not quite fit the cobbled lane, but inside, large booths and benches are crammed full of teens…

It’s love at first sight at Nick’s – what a stunning interior, all exposed brickwork, dark wood, slightly industrial, Brooklyn-loft kind of vibe. A newcomer to Hyndland Road, having opened in late 2009, it takes over the site of the unique…

Di Maggio’s have a reputation for no nonsense US-Italian fare, big flavours and generous portions. Though each branch shares the same evening menu, the Southside branch, its canopied windows overlooking Shawlands Cross, opens earlier at weekends…

Di Maggio's is nearing its 30th year in Ruthven Lane, a statistic attributable both to its family friendly atmosphere – there's a play area especially for kids – and consistency. Located on a cobbled lane a stone’s throw from Byres Road, the west end…

If a multinational fast food outlet woke up in heaven cleansed of all sin, it might be a bit like Illegal Jack’s. A glance through the plate-glass windows fronting Lothian Road reveals a cavernous interior with rows of tables and a brightly lit service…

Behind the blinking neon sign, Katie’s Diner is the kind of hospitable family-run restaurant that every neighbourhood should have. Owners Geoff and Kate have been perfecting their game for the last 13 years, concentrating on doing a few things well and…

This café doesn't wear its USA theme lightly, with a yellow taxi and NYPD cruiser usually sat outside for diners on the al fresco tables to admire plus Americana draped around the tight space inside. It's all about the breakfasts and brunches here…