The Orchard Bar Restaurant

The Orchard had long been on our list for a visit when we were reminded of it, recently, when asked if we knew places that served Cockburn’s of Dingwall haggis. As far as we could work out, this is the only place to do so, in Edinburgh, so if that’s your haggis of choice, this is the place for you. The Orchard’s interior is lovely, with elegant stained glass windows, delightful cornicing, and stylish lighting features. It’s a lovely pub environment. Their menu is in gastropub territory. Their version of steak pie is steak and merlot, for example. I opted for their soup of the day, which was cauliflower, parsnip and honey, then followed with a pork and chorizo burger. I’d been toying with the idea of cauliflower and parsnip as a combination, the other day, but shied away from it, as I really liked both flavours, separately. This soup was very well made, but I’m not sold on the flavour combination. Still, this was accomplished cooking. The main course burger was similarly good. For a chorizo burger it lacked the expected punch, but it was lovely and juicy and the roll had good integrity. The accompanying cheese and salad were a bit of a non-event, but again, it was a good quality item. The accompanying chips, in the chip shop style, were the highlight of the meal, with just the right balance between crispness and softness. So overall, The Orchard was rather good. It didn’t quite wow me, as I couldn’t help but feel that some of the corners had been unnecessarily smoothed, bringing refinement where gutsy boldness would have been a better fit. Only with the chips, where flavours were left to run free, untrammelled, did things really hit home. But I admire what they’re doing, though, so I’d be happy to point you in their direction, next time you’re looking for a good pub feed. Scores Blythe scores the Orchard 3.5/5 for food 3.5/5 for presentation 4/5 for setting 3.5/5 for service giving an overall 14.5/20 I ate: cauliflower, parsnip and honey soup; chorizo burger I drank: Schiehallion I wore: rainwear Total bill: £15.65

First time I 've been for food having been just for drinks before. Service was great and really friendly. I had the fish chips: fish was crispy, tasty and not greasy and the chips were next level skin-on 'rooster ' ones. Only minor thing was it was a wee bit on the chilly side even with the radiator on but we were right at the window. I also got a taste of the steak pie (helped with the leftovers) it was also really good. Oh and couldn 't resist the sticky toffee pudding and glad I didn 't. Will definitely be back!

The best food in Edinburgh! The Orchard is hands down my favorite restaurant in the city, and I encourage everyone to give it a try. The dining experience is exceptional, featuring everything from modern brat dinners to soufflés, and even venison with chocolate and cherry sauce — all presented with a contemporary twist and absolutely delicious. The staff is incredibly helpful, and the atmosphere is wonderful, relaxed, and inviting. There's also a great selection of spirits, beers, and more. The restaurant itself is bright and cheerful, but for me, the standout aspect is undoubtedly the food. In a city filled with fantastic dining options, The Orchard truly ranks among the best. I hesitate to share such an amazing find, as it might draw in more crowds, but it absolutely deserves the recognition. Every guest I've brought there has left thoroughly impressed. It's truly a hidden gem!

Rich Pickings at Orchard? During my first visit to Orchard, I appreciated the fresh interior and the friendly service. It was nice to see patrons happily gathered at the bar, alongside a good number of diners, even on a dreary Wednesday night. I started with mussels that were plump and flavorful, but the sauce was a bit overly creamy for my taste as a starter. For my main course, I had the steak and Merlot pie, which was also delicious. The rustic chips were a great accompaniment, but since the dish was quite hearty, a side of vegetables would have been a nice addition. The plate felt a little bare, with just the pie and chips on it. Looking around at my friends' plates, it was clear that all the dishes not only looked appetizing but were also quite large! They were perfect for a chilly October evening. This is the closest I've seen to a genuine gastropub in Edinburgh, and Orchard excels at serving comfort food. I'll definitely be returning.

My husband and I are currently looking for a new house, and it brings us a sense of sadness at the thought of leaving the Broughton/Canonmills area. This sentiment, combined with our work commitments...