"Aurora, Leith. Chef and owner Kamil opened this modern European eatery on Great Junction Street in 2018. This is high-end restaurant food, in a very relaxed and homely setting.The menu is a delight of flavour combinations, such as pigeon breast with wild mushroom and bulgur wheat cake, pickled beetroot, and pear. Or go for the reinvention of haggis, neeps & tatties in bon-bon form.Aurora is open for weekend brunch as well - and their full Scottish breakfast is highly recommended.Did I mention it’s a total bargain too? Book now, Aurora is going places."

"Bross Bagels, Leith. Bross Bagels original outlet in nearby seaside Portobello has become something of an institution in recent years, providing traditional ‘Montreal-style’ bagels to the masses - made with maple syrup in the dough and boiled in honey water.So Leithers did indeed rejoice when Bross came to Leith Walk in 2018. In her own words, Canadian owner Lara (AKA ‘Mama Bross’) opened her first shop because of “extreme desperation... I was tired of waiting for a visitor from Montreal to smuggle me bagels”.The results are outstanding - there’s nowhere else in the city (and probably Scotland) where you can get such authentic North American bagels with all the toppings. Try the Big Apple - hot pastrami, Monterey Jack cheese, pickles, mustard and mayo. Lara has a sideline as a stand-up comic and her viral videos promoting Bross are worth a watch."

"Campervan Brewery, Leith. Deep into an industrial estate, you’ll find Leith’s only brewery taproom. For years small batches of Campervan appeared in selected off-licences (where we buy our drinks in the UK) around Edinburgh, but we can now rejoice its available ice cold and on tap.Enter the unassuming factory doors and you’ll be rewarded with the tiniest of bars in a no-nonsense setup, with wood pallets used as tables and an industrial vibe. It gets busy, so you might have to make some new table mates there’s also a decent selection of board games, making it a good hang-out spot for socialising and beer sampling.Classics include the Leith Juice, a session orange IPA, or the strawberry milkshake porter. The bar staff are always happy to give you a wee sample and help you find the beer that suits you. Taps rotate, check their Twitter for the latest.As it's a working brewery, they’re only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. So don’t turn up thirsty on a Monday."

"Epoca, Leith. Diago and Elisa run this second-hand clothes and vintage boutique on Leith Walk. All the stock comes from Italy, so you might find a rare gem no-one else has. Their ragdoll cat Argo is in the shop most days too.If their friend Ally is hanging about, ask him about his salmon skin bags and shoes - his banter won’t disappoint."

"Leith Depot, Leith. The three owners of Leith Depot are musicians, who used to rehearse next door. When the lease came up for this space they jumped at the chance of transforming what was then ‘the worst pub in the city’ into this bar and live music venue. The beer is cold, the food is excellent, so pull up a chair and watch the world go by.On the menu is a surprisingly varied and international selection of bar snacks and main meals, with vegetarians and vegan customers well catered for. Their homemade veggie burger, complete with beer battered onion rings and sweet potato wedges, is a popular offering - while the black pudding bonbons hit the spot.Recently, Stead’s Place that houses Leith Depot was almost demolished to make way for a five story monstrosity. After years of campaigning by the Save Leith Walk group, the city council finally unanimously voted against the demolition, so the 1920s sandstone building would stay.Approaching it’s fifth birthday, Leith Depot is here for good. We hope!"

"Lioness of Leith, Leith. This bar and gourmet burger joint recently celebrated its fifth birthday. With a relaxed ambiance as well as a fine selection of Scottish craft beers on tap and a decent cocktails offering, it’s became a popular spot for the local clientele. There’s never a boring night in The Lioness.With upcycled vintage furnishing, the decor is shabby chic - complemented by features like a retro arcade game and pinball machine, and graffiti style street art on the walls.The food on offer includes inventive beef and chicken burgers, as well as catering for vegan, vegetarian and gluten intolerant customers. Watch out for their regular burger and beer combo £10 deal. All meats are from an award-winning local butcher and ethically sourced."

"Lucky Yu Canteen, Leith. The area’s only Asian fusion restaurant, Lucky Yu is an intimate space with an extensive menu of baos, gyozas and sharing small plates. Eating here twice and ordering the same meal is unlikely. There’s only space for around 20 people, so advance booking is essential.There’s a real effort to ensure the menu has decent vegan options – try the miso and aubergine gyoza, an absolute game changer. If you need that meaty fix, perhaps go for the lobster and chorizo bao with coconut and chilli mayo.It’s also BYOB, so be sure to visit a local bottle shop (Oddbins is a few doors down) and pick up some craft cans or a bottle of wine"

"Muzzicuni, Leith. Alain wanted to bring his authentic, original Sicilian street food to Edinburgh, knowing once people tried it they’d be hooked. Customers come for the Arancino (deep-fried risotto stuffed with mozzarella) and once they’ve tasted this, they return for the pizza and the cannoli.Alain’s favourite is the Rustico – stuffed with fried aubergines. Although this reviewer is enamored with the Arancino Al Ragu – bursting with a bolognese sauce.Everything is made fresh from scatch, every day. It’s a small place with a just a few tables to sit-in, while also being a decent option to grab a take away."

"Nauticus, Leith. Another newcomer to up-and-coming Duke Street, Nauticus opened in summer 2018 and specialises in cocktails, as well as a curated offering of Scottish beers and ales.The theme - as the name would suggest - is heavily inspired by Leith’s rich seafaring history. Cue nautical knots and a full-sized brass divers helmet on display. Yet it’s not done in a tacky way and very much maintains a comfortable, local pub feel.They have some intriguing and unique cocktails available. Their ‘Marmite offering’ (love it or hate it) would have to be the Porridge Colada - a coconut washed Aberfeldy whisky with honey, oatmilk and pineapple.One of the cities finest drinking establishments."

"Network Barber Club, Leith. Jamie and the boys are always busy, whether it's running the two Edinburgh shops or turning around tight cuts every 30 minutes.Pop by for a very accomplished haircut when you visit the area. You will find that the shop is always full of laughs as well as providing impeccable service. There’s also a newly opened Dundee shop if you venture north."

"Pitt Market, Leith. Relaunched in 2019 with a huge indoor area to complement the outdoor offering, this street food market has a fine selection of eateries and, er, drinkeries. It’s open weekends only from noon.For just £2 on the door you can access to some of the best food by the city’s hardest working traders. Fried chicken sandwiches, sourdough pizza, gyoza, boas, smoked meats, we’ve got you covered.Live music accompanies a relaxed setting, friendly for the whole family, including those four legged ones. High-quality drinks come in the shape of Barney’s Beers or Smith & Gertrude wines.Summer sun or winter frost (they have a fire pit), The Pitt is the place to enjoy a long afternoon session with friends."

"Port O Leith, Leith. For more than 30 years, The Port O’ Leith was one of the rowdiest places you might visit on a Friday or Saturday night - and an absolute Leith institution. It’s still a scream on the weekends to this day, but it has had a gentrification facelift in 2017. Gone are the nautical memorabilia and in is a stripped back look, making the most of this 19th century building’s features.For a small pub without a dancefloor, the punters quite often used to make do with the tables and bar itself. Decades of reviews in print don’t go away easily, so you’ll always find a mixed crowd from backpackers to sailors and solicitors. All in the mixing pot that is Port O’ Leith.Just don’t go for a quiet evening."

"Smoke & Mirrors, Leith. One of Leith’s newest venues, Smoke & Mirrors has an excellent choice of local beers served in optional schooner measures (two thirds of a pint).The decor is an eclectic mis-mash of up-cycled furniture and lights, giving it a retro 90s vibe. Think greens and purples - channel your inner teenage girl's bedroom. The bar also prides itself on sustainability, with food and drinks responsibly sourced.Try the Brazilian Bramble cocktail, topped off with Fair Trade acai berry liqueur, and if you get peckish tuck in to the selection of meat and cheese platters available."

"Storries Bakery, Leith. After visiting any of the bars in this guide, you might find yourself having had one too many drinks, and a lack of sustenance. Storries pies have actually been known to save lives - they’re a thing of legend in Leith.Importantly, their unfathomable opening hours (they seem to be open all hours of the night) means a visit to this no-nonsense, old-school bakery is perfect for when the pubs close.Classic steak pie is always a safe bet for first timers. At around a bargain £1.50 per pie you should take one home too - a macaroni cheese pie, perhaps, or try the chicken curry one.Look for the little queue forming out the door and the bright yellow glow. You’re nearly home."

"The Hideout, Leith. This snug cafe, tucked away on Constitution Street, is one of the best places for breakfast or brunch near the Shore. Decorated with old boomboxes and tapes, and offset with a neutral interior, it's probably the least try-hard place in the area.Opt for the smoked salmon eggs, served with artisan bread from our friends at Twelve Triangles. Pair it with a flat white (Hamza’s latte skills are next level) or go green with a *Schwarzenegger* Action Smoothie.They also do their own home baking - the carrot cake is recommended. Your waistline may be furious, but you’ll be satisfied."

"Twelve Triangles, Leith. This has to be one of the best bakeries in the city, with excellent breads & pastries - the charcoal sourdough loaf being a stand-out. It's got a real neighbourhood vibe, with regulars coming in every day for a coffee and a sweet treat.Their Duke Street outlet is a good brunch/lunch option, as well as a handy stop-off point for one of Twelve Triangles signature offerings - their delicious filled doughnuts.Try the apple & ricotta one and you won’t be disappointed. Maybe pistachio & custard too, just to be sure."

"Williams and Johnson Coffee Co, Leith. What started life as roastery is now Leith’s flagship coffee establishment. This is caffeine on a knife edge. Always single origin, the coffee beans change seasonally and are roasted around ten feet away from the counter.The shop occupies a space inside Custom Lane - a collaborative working space, art gallery and craft shop - so be sure to check out what’s on before you visit.In the summer months, the courtyard opens up and this is one of the best transformational spaces in Leith."

"Word of Mouth, Leith. This almost didn’t make it to the guide it’s so good, as sharing it with more people would only make it more impossible to get a seat on the weekends. Since 2007 they’ve been serving the best breakfast and brunch food on Leith Walk.Come for the eggs benedict once, and you’ll know why. Return for the croque madame and congratulations, you’re now a regular. Word of Mouth bake all their own cakes and pastries too - and if that’s not enough they roast eight blends of their own coffee.With only around eight table inside, and a few on the pavement outside when the weather is right, getting seated can be a challenge - but it’s certainly worth the wait.Service is always with a genuine smile, be sure to ask Roshi for a chai latte. Just keep it between us, K?"

"Folly Antiques, Leith. Since 1899, this address has been several businesses. Once a saddlery, then an ice-cream parlour, followed by an athletics shop, then finally joined by greetings cards and flowers. Fast forward to 2016 and Folly Antiques took hold.The shop has been restored as closely as possible to over a century ago, and now houses some of the finest Oriental Antiques in Scotland. The store is tastefully filled with furniture, vases, rugs and pictures.Not your thing? Don’t worry, there’s still retro and vintage items like glassware, jewellery, and niknaks from £5."

"Cafe Domenico, Leith. A landmark in the area, Cafe Domenico has been around 21 years. This is a slice of Italy up a side street at The Shore. The menu is classic, every dish is perfected and needs no adjustment. You’ll be spoilt for choice with pasta, meat and seafood dishes. Check the daily specials, the chef has creative twists on classics every week.Pass on the fine dining over the road, give us Domenico any day of the week.If you’re just passing by, it’s also open for takeaway lunch. Arguably the best stuffed wraps and subs in Leith Edinburgh."

"East Pizzas, Leith. East Pizzas prove that not every pizzeria has been green-white-red Italian. If you source locally and use the best ingredients, then really you can’t go wrong. East Pizzas’ slow fermented sourdough bases only use flour, water, and their own starter. The cheese is from Dumfriesshire and charcuterie from Leith.Pizza makers get excited about crusts. I can see why. Theirs is huge - fluffy on the inside and charred on the outside, while the centre is a delicious gooey mess.Pizza is so often a mass-market and mass-produced product. Yet individually these are of the highest quality."

"Little Fitzroy, Leith. “Passion is contagious, it rubs off onto other people”, says Cathryn, owner of Little Fitzroy. It’s clearly evident as the morning rush of customers eagerly await their speciality coffee. This was setup to fill a gap in the local area where you can get caffeinated from 8am (7am on the weekend).They offer a vegetarian and vegan breakfast/brunch menu too, which complements the coffee, and have an extensive pressed juice menu too. Watch out for Little Fitzroy’s monthly dumpling pop-up, part of the Slow Food movement, which is definitely worth sampling. Just don’t come on Tuesdays, it’s the one day they are closed."

"Alby's, Leith. Natasha and Matt’s love for sandwiches goes back many years, from teenage jobs in O’Briens, to sandwich tours of NYC. They’ve spent the better part of nine months renovating the old Snax Cafe venue into a relaxed mid-century haven on the edge of Leith.Their “big hot sandwiches” are all served on focaccia squares, generously stuffed with filling and smothered in delicious condiments. The short-rib is a signature, with red sauerkraut, parsnip crisps and horseradish mayo. The veggies will not be disappointed either with spiced roasted cauliflower, garlic & lemon tahini, coriander dressing and pickled onions.They’re open late, so you can bring along your own wine/beers too. A great alternative dinner spot, just don’t leave it too late, they’re selling out fast."

"East Coast Cured, Leith. Scotland rears some of the finest animals in the world - with Scotch beef, lamb and pork sought after. So, it’s surprising that home produced charcuterie is a rarity. After years of eating in farmers markets around Europe, Steve and Susie spotted a gap in the market and East Coast Cured was finally born.The best cured meats can be bought directly from their Leith shop, online, or sampled at a number of establishments in this guide (try the plate from the closest local venue, Nauticus)."

"Bodega, Leith. Simply put, Bodega is the premier taqueria of Edinburgh. Possibly one of the UK’s very best. A rollercoaster of cuisines, from Mexican to Indian to Vietnamese, have all featured on the menu at one stage. Even the special British bacon sandwich inspired taco, at the time of writing. Locals will remember the original nearby venue fondly (now Lucky Yu). But this new, larger 2019 venue presents opportunities to showcase their fusion food to the Scottish capital on a grander scale.Order a frozen margarita, sample their delicious tacos and forget your problems. The baja cod, spicy buffalo chicken (or cauliflower) tacos are recommended - as are their churros."

"Beer Zoo, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. While it might appear modest on the outside, Portobello’s smallest bottle shop proudly claims to house the greatest beers in captivity. Dom opened Beer Zoo in 2016 and today it boasts a vast selection of Scottish beer as well as the best beers from across the UK, Europe, the US, and beyond. Dom is incredibly knowledgeable, as you can imagine, and he will happily help you choose the perfect tipple to satisfy your tastes.Although the shop also has a range of cider and organic wine, the clue is in the name as Beer Zoo firmly focusses on beer. It is not unusual for up to 500 different beers in stock at any one time – the majority of which aren’t sold by your usual supermarket or local off-license. Pop in to Beer Zoo on a sunny summer’s day, grab a cold one (or two) from the fridge, and head down to the Porty promenade to enjoy."

"Beer Zoo, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. While it might appear modest on the outside, Portobello’s smallest bottle shop proudly claims to house the greatest beers in captivity. Dom opened Beer Zoo in 2016 and today it boasts a vast selection of Scottish beer as well as the best beers from across the UK, Europe, the US, and beyond. Dom is incredibly knowledgeable, as you can imagine, and he will happily help you choose the perfect tipple to satisfy your tastes.Although the shop also has a range of cider and organic wine, the clue is in the name as Beer Zoo firmly focusses on beer. It is not unusual for up to 500 different beers in stock at any one time – the majority of which aren’t sold by your usual supermarket or local off-license. Pop in to Beer Zoo on a sunny summer’s day, grab a cold one (or two) from the fridge, and head down to the Porty promenade to enjoy."

"Franklin Browns Sale Room, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Franklin Brown’s is a family-run business whose love of all things beautiful, historic, different, and eye catching is evident as soon as you walk in. Their passion for great customer service and contributing to the antiques scene across Scotland means they are also more than happy to help with valuations. This little gem is just 5 minutes outside of the Portobello centre and is the only remaining salesroom in the area. It also holds a thrilling live auction every 2nd Saturday with doors opening at 9.30am.They also offer 0% commission to charities looking to sell any items, which helps them play a huge part in recycling unwanted goods to save them from going to landfill."

"Franklin Browns Sale Room, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Franklin Brown’s is a family-run business whose love of all things beautiful, historic, different, and eye catching is evident as soon as you walk in. Their passion for great customer service and contributing to the antiques scene across Scotland means they are also more than happy to help with valuations. This little gem is just 5 minutes outside of the Portobello centre and is the only remaining salesroom in the area. It also holds a thrilling live auction every 2nd Saturday with doors opening at 9.30am.They also offer 0% commission to charities looking to sell any items, which helps them play a huge part in recycling unwanted goods to save them from going to landfill."

"Harry's Treats & Dog Bakery, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Harry’s owner Paul often came across local pooches who had intolerances to preservatives or colourings in standard dog food and treats and decided to take matters into his own hands. Displayed beautifully in the shop, there are different flavours of gourmet treats happening every week, all made with quality, human-grade ingredients. Based on looks alone, you’d be forgiven for thinking that all the treats were for human consumption!You’ll be hard pushed to find a surface that isn’t covered in some of the best goodies for your fur friends. There is a floor-to-ceiling wall of ChuckIt toys which have become increasingly popular, almost every ball/toy/game you could imagine, a fantastic selection of coats, leads and collars, and even dog-friendly tipples such as beer and paw-secco."

"Harry's Treats & Dog Bakery, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Harry’s owner Paul often came across local pooches who had intolerances to preservatives or colourings in standard dog food and treats and decided to take matters into his own hands. Displayed beautifully in the shop, there are different flavours of gourmet treats happening every week, all made with quality, human-grade ingredients. Based on looks alone, you’d be forgiven for thinking that all the treats were for human consumption!You’ll be hard pushed to find a surface that isn’t covered in some of the best goodies for your fur friends. There is a floor-to-ceiling wall of ChuckIt toys which have become increasingly popular, almost every ball/toy/game you could imagine, a fantastic selection of coats, leads and collars, and even dog-friendly tipples such as beer and paw-secco."

"239 The High Street, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. As you step into 239 The High Street, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a shop in the Scottish Islands that specialised in Harris Tweed. As much tweed as there is, John Paul, the owner, also sells gifts for the whole family. 239 stocks footwear, homewares, bags, hats, local chocolates, lots of tweed, and much more. And, perhaps best of all, if you visit on a Saturday you’ll probably be offered free cake! John Paul was a baker in his previous life, and he still creates delicious baked goods to happily hand out to customers.Fancy browsing the goods but can’t make it to the shop? 239 has an online shop too, with all products available on their website."

"239 The High Street, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. As you step into 239 The High Street, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a shop in the Scottish Islands that specialised in Harris Tweed. As much tweed as there is, John Paul, the owner, also sells gifts for the whole family. 239 stocks footwear, homewares, bags, hats, local chocolates, lots of tweed, and much more. And, perhaps best of all, if you visit on a Saturday you’ll probably be offered free cake! John Paul was a baker in his previous life, and he still creates delicious baked goods to happily hand out to customers.Fancy browsing the goods but can’t make it to the shop? 239 has an online shop too, with all products available on their website."

"Velow Bikeworks, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Established in 2015 and Based at Tribe Porty, Velow brings incredibly unique, and beautifully restored, vintage and classic bikes to Portobello. Walter’s workshop is an emporium of every bike part you can imagine, topped with interesting frames and memorabilia – including some of his own racing numbers proudly displayed.Velow Bikeworks specialises in quality, hand-built custom bikes and restorations and will have something in stock no matter what type of bike you’re looking for. Walter will work with you to build your dream bike that will look great and ride beautifully. And if he doesn’t have your perfect base bike in stock? He’ll source it for you from somewhere in the world. If you’re planning a trip to Portobello and fancy a bike ride along the promenade, get in touch with Walter and he’ll be able to sort you out with a bike for the day."

"Velow Bikeworks, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Established in 2015 and Based at Tribe Porty, Velow brings incredibly unique, and beautifully restored, vintage and classic bikes to Portobello. Walter’s workshop is an emporium of every bike part you can imagine, topped with interesting frames and memorabilia – including some of his own racing numbers proudly displayed.Velow Bikeworks specialises in quality, hand-built custom bikes and restorations and will have something in stock no matter what type of bike you’re looking for. Walter will work with you to build your dream bike that will look great and ride beautifully. And if he doesn’t have your perfect base bike in stock? He’ll source it for you from somewhere in the world. If you’re planning a trip to Portobello and fancy a bike ride along the promenade, get in touch with Walter and he’ll be able to sort you out with a bike for the day."

"Twelve Triangles, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Twelve Triangles is a coffee, doughnut, and bakery heaven found on Portobello High Street. This delightful little shop first blessed Portobello High Street in 2016 when it opened after the success of its sister shop in Edinburgh. The joy in picking your bread, doughnut, or pastry from the shop window is both beautiful and dangerous. The journey of choosing the perfect looking doughnut for that Instagram shot, combined with the freedom of shoving as many pastries as you can into your brown paper bag is not for the weak-willed!Coffee at Twelve Triangles is provided by the excellent Williams and Johnson of Leith and the equally excellent Fortitude of Edinburgh, both fantastic local roasters. Alongside their home-baked breads and pastries, you’ll find spreads such as peanut butter and caramel, homemade jam, local farm eggs, and gorgeous tote bags to take it all home. You can thank me later."

"Twelve Triangles, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Twelve Triangles is a coffee, doughnut, and bakery heaven found on Portobello High Street. This delightful little shop first blessed Portobello High Street in 2016 when it opened after the success of its sister shop in Edinburgh. The joy in picking your bread, doughnut, or pastry from the shop window is both beautiful and dangerous. The journey of choosing the perfect looking doughnut for that Instagram shot, combined with the freedom of shoving as many pastries as you can into your brown paper bag is not for the weak-willed!Coffee at Twelve Triangles is provided by the excellent Williams and Johnson of Leith and the equally excellent Fortitude of Edinburgh, both fantastic local roasters. Alongside their home-baked breads and pastries, you’ll find spreads such as peanut butter and caramel, homemade jam, local farm eggs, and gorgeous tote bags to take it all home. You can thank me later."

"Tribe Porty, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. With a mission to create a space for good people to make good things happen, Tribe is a central point for the community to connect through the coworking space, creative workshops, yoga classes, and markets that showcasing local producers and makers.Tribe Porty currently houses a number of freelancers, businesses and charities in their coworking space. Plus, they have a fully kitted Pilates Studio and an open hall that hosts over 25 classes a week. Almost every interest is catered for with classes like Yoga, Pilates, meditation, drama, fiddle, breathing, flute, children’s yoga, and animation. They also host a range of creative workshops and courses like Creative Writing, Mindfulness, basket making, dance and more."

"Tribe Porty, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. With a mission to create a space for good people to make good things happen, Tribe is a central point for the community to connect through the coworking space, creative workshops, yoga classes, and markets that showcasing local producers and makers.Tribe Porty currently houses a number of freelancers, businesses and charities in their coworking space. Plus, they have a fully kitted Pilates Studio and an open hall that hosts over 25 classes a week. Almost every interest is catered for with classes like Yoga, Pilates, meditation, drama, fiddle, breathing, flute, children’s yoga, and animation. They also host a range of creative workshops and courses like Creative Writing, Mindfulness, basket making, dance and more."

"Portobello Beach, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Portobello beach is Edinburgh’s only beach. Located 2 miles east of the city centre, it is a sandy beach with spectacular views over the Forth to Fife and beyond. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it’s rare to find the promenade and beach deserted. During the summer Porty beach been likened to the beaches of Spain with visitors swimming, rolling in the waves, and sunbathing. Kayaking and sailing are also popular and beach volleyball games are played near the swimming pool entrance.Many dog walkers, runners, and cyclists can be found on the promenade which runs parallel to the beach and continues on to Seaview Terrace which leads through Joppa and nearby Musselburgh."

"Portobello Beach, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Portobello beach is Edinburgh’s only beach. Located 2 miles east of the city centre, it is a sandy beach with spectacular views over the Forth to Fife and beyond. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it’s rare to find the promenade and beach deserted. During the summer Porty beach been likened to the beaches of Spain with visitors swimming, rolling in the waves, and sunbathing. Kayaking and sailing are also popular and beach volleyball games are played near the swimming pool entrance.Many dog walkers, runners, and cyclists can be found on the promenade which runs parallel to the beach and continues on to Seaview Terrace which leads through Joppa and nearby Musselburgh."

"Noble's Arcade, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Nobles Amusements Arcade, situated on the beachfront in Portobello, has been around for as long as anyone can remember. It is a family-run establishment with an array of arcade games that include the classics like Pac-Man, and modern games like Doodle Jump and Angry Birds. Most machines produce tickets for wins and this adds to the fun. There is a ticket office where you can spend your winnings and the choices are endless. Perfect for sheltering from the Scottish weather whilst it passes… and so much fun too!"

"Noble's Arcade, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Nobles Amusements Arcade, situated on the beachfront in Portobello, has been around for as long as anyone can remember. It is a family-run establishment with an array of arcade games that include the classics like Pac-Man, and modern games like Doodle Jump and Angry Birds. Most machines produce tickets for wins and this adds to the fun. There is a ticket office where you can spend your winnings and the choices are endless. Perfect for sheltering from the Scottish weather whilst it passes… and so much fun too!"

"Demi's Flowers, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. As you step into Demi’s floral heaven you’ll get a warm welcome from Demi herself and wonderful waft of fresh cut flowers to boot.The small shop is packed with simple, beautiful florals, as well as exotic varieties and gorgeous houseplants. It also boasts a collection of artificial flowers that are so life-like it’s almost impossible to tell that they aren’t. Demi was quick to point out the benefits of these, not only because they look fantastic all year round, but also work for people who love flowers but have allergies."

"Demi's Flowers, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. As you step into Demi’s floral heaven you’ll get a warm welcome from Demi herself and wonderful waft of fresh cut flowers to boot.The small shop is packed with simple, beautiful florals, as well as exotic varieties and gorgeous houseplants. It also boasts a collection of artificial flowers that are so life-like it’s almost impossible to tell that they aren’t. Demi was quick to point out the benefits of these, not only because they look fantastic all year round, but also work for people who love flowers but have allergies."

"Crumbs of Portobello, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. This unassuming food wagon is not to be missed. Christof and his team at Crumbs are a force to be reckoned with on the Porty promenade. A handmade crepe and a cup of their freshly-brewed coffee (in a compostable paper cup) is all you need for a stroll along the beachfront on just about any kind of day. Whether you are passing by on a bright morning walk, or need something to warm you as you explore the local surroundings on a dreich Scottish day, there will likely be a small queue for you to join. But I promise that queuing is definitely worth it. Four-legged friends are well-catered with Crumbs homemade liver cake for dogs. The recipe has been passed down through generations and proves to be a hit as it’s wolfed down each time."

"Crumbs of Portobello, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. This unassuming food wagon is not to be missed. Christof and his team at Crumbs are a force to be reckoned with on the Porty promenade. A handmade crepe and a cup of their freshly-brewed coffee (in a compostable paper cup) is all you need for a stroll along the beachfront on just about any kind of day. Whether you are passing by on a bright morning walk, or need something to warm you as you explore the local surroundings on a dreich Scottish day, there will likely be a small queue for you to join. But I promise that queuing is definitely worth it. Four-legged friends are well-catered with Crumbs homemade liver cake for dogs. The recipe has been passed down through generations and proves to be a hit as it’s wolfed down each time."

"Bross Bagels, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. We all know the best bagels can be found in Montreal, and Portobello’s Bross Bagels is bringing that reputation to Scotland for everyone to enjoy. Larah, a proud Canadian, brought Montreal-style bagels to Edinburgh after finding a severe lack of ‘real’ bagels in Scotland. Bross first blessed Portobello High Street with its presence in 2017, and since then has grown another two branches in Leith and the West End. Her bagels are freshly made every night, with maple syrup in the dough and boiled in water laced with honey. Dreamy!The Porty Bagel, as pictured, is the bagel of choice when visiting the area and the original BB location."

"Bross Bagels, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. We all know the best bagels can be found in Montreal, and Portobello’s Bross Bagels is bringing that reputation to Scotland for everyone to enjoy. Larah, a proud Canadian, brought Montreal-style bagels to Edinburgh after finding a severe lack of ‘real’ bagels in Scotland. Bross first blessed Portobello High Street with its presence in 2017, and since then has grown another two branches in Leith and the West End. Her bagels are freshly made every night, with maple syrup in the dough and boiled in water laced with honey. Dreamy!The Porty Bagel, as pictured, is the bagel of choice when visiting the area and the original BB location."

"Umi, Stockbridge. Authentic Japanese Restaurant in Edinburgh.Sushi fine dining & homemade Ramen."

"iolla, Stockbridge. A brand of prescription eyewear that is totally different from what you're used to. They make shopping for prescription glasses as fun and easy as it should be. By cutting out unnecessary costs, designing glasses in house, and listening to our customers, they are able to provide higher-quality, better-looking eyewear."

"Smith & Gertrude, Stockbridge. They believe that a great glass of wine, accompanied by well matched cheese and enjoyed in the company of good friends is about as good as it gets."

"Studio Bizio, Stockbridge. Studio bizio is photography gallery, specialising in 20th century & contemporary photography but with occasional forays into other areas. They have collected paintings, sculpture, photography, art books, African art and modern furniture, some or all of which will be presented in the gallery at some time. The services they offer include curation, management of collections as well framing and installation."

"Aesop, Stockbridge. Natural materials and local references effect a sense of hospitality from the moment of entry. The rough-plastered walls employ a traditional technique, for example, and floor-to-ceiling Scottish Sycamore shelving was crafted from a single tree by cabinetmakers Method Studio. A muted palette draws on the sandstone prevalent in Edinburgh’s buildings as well as the raw beauty of its hinterland. Two bay windows flood the retail area with natural light; a fireplace and seating in the adjoining middle room allow for consultation and repose. An open door to the back-of-house space gives an uninterrupted line of vision through to a window overlooking a garden, its greenery an echo of nearby Inverleith Park."

"Golden Hare Books, Stockbridge. Golden Hare Books is proud to be an independent bookshop with a love and appreciation for book design at its heart. This is why every detail of the shop, from their bespoke layout, right down to every book on the shelves, is given care and attention to detail. They want the aesthetics of books to grab the curiosity of customers by using maximum display space. With this in mind, they have styled the shop to show as many outward facing books as possible, and these are always changed regularly, so you should never see the same books in any spot twice!"

"Henderson Artshop, Stockbridge. Henderson Artshop has been established for 47 years and offers a bespoke framing service as well as an array of quality art materials and Scottish prints."

"Water of Leith Walkway, Stockbridge. The walkway passes through many areas of interest including: Colinton Village and Dell, the Union Canal, Saughton Winter Gardens, Murrayfield Stadium, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art, Dean Village, Stockbridge, the Royal Botanic Garden and Leith. Ideal for family walks, the walkway is a delightful afternoon’s stroll, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The route is suitable for cycling and is accessible in part by wheelchairs and even by horseback."

"Kenji, Stockbridge. Healthy, Tasty and Fresh.Produce from local farmer's markets."

"Cafe Gallo, Stockbridge. Cafe Gallo is a small family-run cafe specialising in authentic, Italian bites and coffee."

"Bon Tot, Stockbridge. Founded in 2014, Bon Tot offers a carefully edited collection of design-led children's clothing and toys, sourced from small brands around the globe. Quality over quantity is their mantra. Selling things that they really love and the focus is on the designer and small batch production, so you know where your products come from and who crafted them."

"Six°North, Stockbridge. Continental feel, with minimal, understated décor throughout. They take influence from their favourite Belgian bars to create relaxed, friendly environments to enjoy great beer with friends."

"The Pastry Section, Stockbridge. Founded in 2017, The Pastry Section is a contemporary bakehouse creating the best sweet treats in Edinburgh.Their team bake everything from scratch, and our offerings change daily."

"Catalog Interiors, Stockbridge. Catalog is a high-end yet accessible design store founded on the ethos of good design for all. Their team is continually refreshing their displays of furniture, lighting, soft furnishings, textiles and accessories."

"Gamma Transport Division, Stockbridge. They offer a range of cycle services to suit all riders. Cycling is their passion.Serving excellent coffee which is blended by Mr Eion and dispensed from a classic 1960's Faema espresso machine. If you don't enjoy it, you don't pay for it."

"Brill - Jewellery & Coffee, Stockbridge. Jewellery & Coffee, a unique combination catering to all tastes and budgets with one to one help from Teresa Brill."

"George Bower Butcher, Stockbridge. Game dealer and venison specialist.At George Bower, they have been butchering the best cuts of meat for more than 50 years. Dedicated to supplying only the tastiest, most succulent fresh meat. Skilled and knowledgeable butchers that always deliver the best service."

"Strumpets, West End. A cosy and quiet café on William Street, Strumpets is the perfect place to curl up with a slice of delicious cake and a large pot of fresh loose leaf tea. With a small but delicious menu on offer, it’s also a fantastic choice for a light lunch. The café itself is filled with antique details and the warmth of the staff make it a comfortable choice. The chai is particularly perfect and you can’t go wrong with any of the baked goods on offer."

"Paper Tiger, West End. In the West End and need a gift for someone? How about a Scottish souvenir from an Edinburgh or a UK based artist? Then Paper Tiger is the place for you! Established in 1981, Paper Tiger is a treasure trove of unique gifts, homewares, stationary and more. Among one of the first Living Wage employers in Scotland, Paper Tiger is a responsible business who prides themselves on their commitment to local charities and supporting local Scottish work. They offer an endless selection of beautiful cards, delicious chocolates and quirky gifts suitable for anyone."

"Bross Bagels, West End. When Bross Bagels opened their third location in the West End of Edinburgh, Canadian expats rejoiced! And they were not alone. A firm favourite in the city among locals and visitors alike, Bross is the place if you’re looking to find a delicious authentic Montreal style bagel. Boiled in honey water, with maple syrup baked right in the dough, and served with an assortment of toppings the results are truly delectable.Try “The Goy”, an everything bagel piled high with scrambled egg, smoked cheese, maple bacon, and a potato latke. Bross also sells their bagels by the dozen so when you inevitably become obsessed with this Canadian staple you can take some home with you for easy devouring."

"Roots Deli and Salad Bar, West End. Whether you pop in for a delicious lunch made with fresh ingredients from sustainable sources, or to say a quick hello to resident heartthrob Dougal the dog, the charm of Roots is undeniable. Their motto 'where food doesn't cost the earth' perfectly encapsulates their mission to deliver tasty food while considering their impact on the environment. Roots has plenty of options for diners with dietary requirements and many vegan and vegetarian options to choose from. Food is available to dine in or take away and you’d be hard pressed not to find something for everyone. Their dairy free desserts are particularly tasty!"

"Maialino Deli & Café, West End. Founded in 2013 by owner Claudio, Maialino is the Italian deli of choice for many a local. They specialise in delicious sandwiches filled with an assortment of the best Italian charcuterie you can find. They also offer a range of salads and soups, as well as Matthew Algie coffee and local brand Eteaket tea. The café itself is popular for takeaway lunches but also offers a smalls eating area if you’d prefer to enjoy your delicious lunch in house. Although clearly passionate about Italian meats, Claudio is also more than happy to cater for every vegetarian whim and will happily make you a number of vegetarian options. Keep an eye out for their daily specials, Friday's homemade meatball sandwich is a must-try!"

"Nomad, West End. Conveniently located right across the street from Haymarket station, Nomad is a great choice if you’re looking for a quick bite or cup of coffee before heading out on the train or tram. With a selection of fresh baking and sandwiches, Nomad is a comfortable, light filled spot for a tasty lunch. Grab a seat in the window and enjoy people watching while sipping on a delicious latte or nibbling on a scone."

"Söderberg Bakery Shop, West End. Söderberg is known throughout the city as Edinburgh’s best offering of Swedish baking. The West End location is small but attractive, and perfect for a quick takeaway coffee-meticulously prepared by the helpful staff. You would be remiss to go to Söderberg and not get one of their buns, made fresh daily by the expert bakers who have perfected the art of Kanelbulle (cinnamon buns) and Kardemummabulle (cardamom buns)."

"Rogue Flowers, West End. Nestled away on William Street is Rogue Flowers, a florist bursting at the seams with beautiful blooms, striking bouquets and creative arrangements. Whether you’re in the market for single stems or a whole wedding’s worth, Rogue Flowers can cater to your every botanical need. Pop in for a chat as Alice and her team are always more than happy to lend a hand and answer any botany questions you may have."

"Cairngorm Coffee, West End. Serving their own coffee, roasted in the Cairngorms every week, Cairngorm is a café close to the heart of every coffee connoisseur in the city. This place takes their coffee seriously, serving up each cup with pride and care. You can also buy their beans to take away both online and in store. While the coffee is the main attraction here the food is also not to be missed. They offer a selection of pastries and light lunches and the grilled cheese is infamous for a reason."

"Café Noir, West End. Opened in a former bank at the start of 2016, Café Noir quickly became a local fixture in the West End. As equally popular with business folk looking for a quiet place to work as it is with locals looking for a great cup of coffee, Noir consistently delivers. Try any of their coffees, complete with impressive foam art, and choose from an assortment of very delicious treats. The brownies are particularly delectable and they make one of the nicest matcha lattes in the city."

"Frontiers Man, West End. When you walk into Frontiers Man you will be greeted by a meticulously well curated selection of high quality menswear. You will also be greeted by owner Nigel, whose positive energy is inviting and infectious. Frontiers Man has a large selection of independent brands like Norse Projects, Folk, Oliver Spencer, Universal Works and Lee 101s. In the words of the owner himself, "Frontiers Man is a small but growing friendly independent menswear store providing classic casual clothing that is generally not available elsewhere in the city and catering for all ages from 18 to 70; our clothes are not one season fashion items but classic styles that can be worn for years"."

"Frontiers Woman, West End. Founded over 25 years ago by Jane Forbes, Frontiers Woman offers a wide range of unique brands, some well-known and some hard to find. The store spans over two floors and offers everything from denim to shoes, from brands such as Penelope Chilvers, House of Holland, Acynectic, Mads Norgaard, Alex Mill and Ace and Jig. The space is light filled and airy, while the clothes are laid out with great care to make for a comfortable and stylish shopping experience."

"Solo Menswear, West End. Solo Menswear is an airy, whitewashed space nestled into the heart of the West End. Specialising in high end menswear they offer a selection of fashion brands and footwear. Stop in and meet the knowledgeable staff who are more than happy to help you pick out the perfect outfit for a night out on the town."

"Teuchters, West End. If you like your pubs warm, cosy, and comfortable then Teuchters is for you. Being so close to trams and trains leading in and out of Murrayfield, Teuchters is a firm favourite with rugby fans and a great place to watch a match. It’s also beloved by locals, and any day of the week you can find old friends catching up over a pint.Teuchters offers 90 single malts, more than 20 international and blended whiskies, and even has a game of hoopla with malt whisky as the prize. If whisky isn’t for you then they offer a great choice of predominantly Scottish beers, and a menu full of other drinks to choose from. Their “mug menu” offers small tastings of everything from haggis to mac and cheese and, with a wide selection, you’re sure to find something that catches your fancy."

"Boombarbers, West End. Boombarbers celebrates their 20th anniversary in 2019. Scott Williams' flagship salon nestled in the financial district of Edinburgh has been treating customers to great cuts along with friendly chat and a relaxed atmosphere since 1999. Stop by and grab a cut from Scott or his friendly and experienced crew and see first hand why Boombarbers is a firm favourite in the city. With great banter and even better scissor skills, the staff at Boombarbers know how to make everyone and anyone feel relaxed, confident, and looking their best."

"Hau Han, West End. Nestled just across from Haymarket station lies a truly hidden gem. Started by husband and wife duo Derek and Sonia, Hau Han is offering up some seriously delicious Hong Kong delights. The space, designed by Sonia, is a modern and Chinese inspired nod to Wes Anderson with a playful and welcoming atmosphere. The food, pulled from Derek’s family recipes, is fresh and delicious. Try the Herng So Gnap, a quarter duck with pancakes and the Geu Yeim Gai, a seriously addictive crispy chicken. If you have any room left after sampling the exceptional menu then do leave room for the Fried Man Tau, Chinese doughnuts rolled in sugar and cinnamon that you will not be able to resist."

"Greek Artisan Pastries, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Eleftherios opened the Greek Artisan Pastries shop in March 2018, and boy it has been a success! With up to 20 different types of freshly-baked goods available every day within this small shop at the west end of Portobello, there is always plenty to choose from. For meat eaters, veggies, vegans and those with a sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed. Take away coffee is also available, which is perfectly accompanied by one of the freshly baked biscuits that have just come straight from the oven."

"Greek Artisan Pastries, Portobello by Sarah Wardlaw. Eleftherios opened the Greek Artisan Pastries shop in March 2018, and boy it has been a success! With up to 20 different types of freshly-baked goods available every day within this small shop at the west end of Portobello, there is always plenty to choose from. For meat eaters, veggies, vegans and those with a sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed. Take away coffee is also available, which is perfectly accompanied by one of the freshly baked biscuits that have just come straight from the oven."