Our Review Of Leftfield: A Serene Bistro Offering Seasonal Flavours And Laid-Back Luxury

Picture this: It’s a warm Saturday afternoon in June, and you’re looking for the perfect peaceful haven for lunch in Bruntsfield. For us, this happened to be on the summer solstice, so we were in search of somewhere extra special to hibernate for the afternoon.

We could not have found a more perfect spot than Leftfield, a neighbourhood bistro from chef Phil White and his partner Rachel Chisholm, the owners behind Margot, its little sister next door. Sitting on the corner of Bruntsfield Links with superb views of the park, I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful and tranquil spot to while away the afternoon, with a glass of wine and some delicious food.

Bright and airy, the interiors of Leftfield reflect its tranquil location.

DesignMyNight Reviews Leftfield In Edinburgh

After a slow stroll through The Meadows to reach the restaurant, it felt perfectly fitting that the interiors and ambience inside reflected the calm beauty of the walk itself. Bare plaster walls, light oak furnishings and neutral tones were complemented by large windows that looked out towards the historic First Boroughmuir School, a beautiful Victorian building.

With only six tables in the main dining area and a cosy private room downstairs, the restaurant had an inviting, intimate feel. The staff were warm and attentive, with the owner also serving tables and chatting to customers, adding to the relaxed and thoughtful dining experience.

As we took our time deciding what to order, we started with the house pickles (£4) - a fresh mix of lightly pickled vegetables that made for the perfect little snack to start. My fiancé and I are always a bit indecisive when ordering, and we usually agree on dishes to share. After all, that’s the secret to any happy relationship, isn’t it? That said, we really appreciated the simplicity of the menu: no fuss, no clutter, just a carefully curated selection of seasonal dishes with thoughtful pairings.

Meat at Leftfield is sourced locally, and the wine is minimal intervention. 

After agreeing on our starters with a handshake, we began with the hand-dived scallops (£14), which were beautifully presented in their shell and topped with cucumber, crispy garlic, ginger, and chilli. The scallops were sweet and tender, complemented by crisp cucumber and a gentle spicy kick. Sticking with seafood, we tried the mussels (£14) next, and the generous-sized portion could have easily been a main course. These came in a red pepper and wild garlic broth accompanied by focaccia and salsa, and melted in the mouth.

To accompany our starters, we enjoyed a glass of crisp white wine each. I had an Eric Texier, Adele (£8.50), a fresh and floral natural wine that was easy to drink and refreshing. My fiancé went for the Domaine Bonnigal-Bodet, Les Beauvoirs (£16), which paired perfectly with the scallops with its smooth and creamy aftertaste

For mains, I decided to switch things up from my usual and went for the sea trout (£22), served with peas, broad beans and chorizo. It was the perfect dish for a warm midsummer day - light, fresh and full of flavour. Continuing to step out of my comfort zone, I paired it with a glass of Le Grappin, Beaujolais Villages (£11.50). I’ll admit, it was a bit of an acquired taste, but I enjoyed trying something different. I’m far from a wine connoisseur just yet, but I’m keen to learn more and was happy to take pairing recommendations from the owner, whose passion and knowledge were evident.

My fiancé, who can never resist a good cut of red meat, was thrilled to spot venison haunch (£25) on the menu, served with asparagus, chicory, and oyster mushrooms. The venison haunch was tender and full of flavour, nicely balanced by the fresh asparagus, earthy mushrooms and slightly bitter chicory. He went with a glass of Mora & Memom Nau, Sardinia (£10), a smooth, elegant, light-bodied red that paired beautifully. Alongside our mains, we had crushed roasted new potatoes (£6) with truffle, rich and comforting, and chargrilled tenderstem broccoli (£6) with lemon and dukkah, adding a nice zesty, nutty kick.

You could sit by the window and soak up the sun with a glass of wine if dining for lunch. 

Even though we were full, we couldn’t resist the desserts. As usual, we each picked one and shared them (it’s become a bit of a habit for us). After a few days in Madrid earlier this month spent hunting for the perfect slice of Basque cheesecake, I was thrilled to spot one on the menu served with a generous helping of rhubarb compote (£8). The owner recommended pairing it with a glass of Ximenez Spinola Fermentacion Lenta (£9), a beautiful dry sherry that’s not too sweet and strikes the perfect balance between rich and smooth.

My fiancé can never see past a chocolate dessert, so naturally he ordered the chocolate mousse (£8), served with strawberry compote and shortbread. I’ve got to say, this might be the best chocolate mousse I’ve ever had - decadent and velvety, with a sharp, fresh kick from the strawberry compote. The owner suggested a glass of Domaine des Baumard Coteaux du Layon (£7.50) to go with it - a sweet wine with honey and citrus flavours and a smooth, fresh finish. 

Leftfield: Overall

Leftfield is the perfect peaceful escape after a stroll around The Meadows. Every detail from the calm, inviting atmosphere to the beautifully crafted dishes is thoughtfully considered, and the friendly service and carefully selected wine pairings enhance the experience. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to slow down, savour each bite and truly enjoy the moment. Thoughtful food, great wines and a relaxed vibe. What more could you want for a summer afternoon?

Discover more with our guide to the best restaurants in Edinburgh.