Lioness of Leith

Promoting itself as the new meaning of LOL, the Lioness of Leith is an independent bar and bistro at the foot of Leith Walk. It's set in a formerly derelict building, but fear not, the interior is now bright and beautiful thanks to a bit of an overhall in 2013. Now, the LOL (as it is affectionately known) is the perfect place to meet pals for a drink or two. It also does a spread of damn good food too.

Throughout the week, there are all sorts of mouthwatering specials on offer. The regular menu is full of exciting staples too, like harissa marinated steak kebabs and Mull of Kintye cheddar tarts. Customer service is notoriously impeccable, and their rotisserie Sunday Roasts are something to tweet home about.

Did you happen upon our Lioness of Leith page while seeking out the best new pubs and restaurants in Edinburgh? You're in luck. Every year, The Skinny carries out a Food and Drink Survey in which we ask our readers to vote on what they deem to be the best food and drink venues in Edinburgh and Glasgow. In 2015, Lioness of Leith landed a spot within the category of Best New Place along with Aizle, Drygate and Ox and Finch. If you're keen to find out who else raked it in, check out our full list of Food and Drink Survey winners.

If you'd like to find out more about new restaurants, pubs and food shops in Scotland, check out our feature, Brave New World, in which we pick the brains of Scotland's best newcomers and get a bunch of tips for getting a new venue off the ground.