While staying with friends we went to the Apiary for Sunday breakfast. The food was excellent (I had the eggs Benedict) and there was a wide range of choice for the vegetarians amongst us. I usually go for the full fry-up but this wasn't on the menu. I really didn't miss it!
The layout and atmosphere of this restaurant is excellent and it certainly proved popular on the day we visited. The customer service and attitude of the staff was first class.
I would have given it 5 stars except for one thing. The smoothie-maker is situated on the 'bar' area and is very loud. Two of our party chose to have one. Let's say I am glad we weren't sitting next to it!
Well worth a visit and I'm sure we'll return next time
Very friendly staff.
Multiple vegan and vegetarian options.
Good food.
Affordable place.
Not extremely busy.
Ambience is good.
Located at the buzzling Newington area.
Had a lovely lunch at the Apiary. The restaurant was bright and comfortable with interesting decor. Enjoyed the crispy mushrooms with the red mullet main and the chilli and sweetcorn ice cream was superb! It was also good value with 2 lunch courses for £10. I would definitely return :).
All around great.
Been a couple of times. Went for lunch with a voucher on the seafood platter - wonderful.
Accommodated daughters desire for absolutely plain chicken too.
Selection of ice-creams of particular note
Service, ambience, food all great
Parking a bit of a challenge
I can't sing the apiary's praises enough. I've been here numerous times and each visit has been stellar. The food is well portioned and takes inspiration from all over the world, in this way not dissimilar to Blonde on St. Leonards Street. Their imagination and daring with their menu really sets them apart with exotic meats regularly featuring (camel and llama!!) here and the craziest ice creams (think pink peppercorn and white choc, pb and j and lemon and basil). Particular dishes of note include their magnificent seafood sharer and the entire dessert menu which has failed to disappoint. Their lunch menu of 2 courses for £10 and pre theatre 2 courses for £15 is incredible value. Its is a must visit in the neighbourhood, along with sister restaurant 3 birds in bruntsfield
Even though we only went for lunch, the Apiary delivered a big meal in terms of atmosphere and flavour. What was once just a background feature of my daily commute has now become one of my and Mr. B’s favourite lunching spots. We’ll definitely be back to sample their dinner menu soon!
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
This lovely, quirky restaurant is situated in Newington where Metropole used to live and is the sister restaurant to Three Birds in Bruntsfield. The place is filled with rustic tables and booths with twinkly fairy lights and candles. It still has a bit of the French feel that the Metropole had but is way ahead of the game when it comes to the food. We had been to the Apiary once before but from time to time they offer ‘tester days’, where diners get 50% off their food bill in return for feedback on the dishes they are trialling to go onto Apiary’s normal menu.
I plumped for the chicken hearts to start which were covered in honey and smoked paprika and came with gin smoked cherry tomatoes and garlic toast. I followed this with maple and soy glazed breast of duck, sauteed pak choi, wild mushrooms and a ginger and spring onion sticky rice cake. My dining companion had a rabbit, root vegetable and confit duck terrine with homemade pickles and chutney. She followed this with a baked lime and coconut chicken supreme with steamed herb rice, asian vegetables and spicy coconut cream sauce.
My starter of chicken hearts was full of flavour. The honey brought the dish together and the paprika was noticeable but not overpowering. The gin soaked tomatoes were a delight. On the other side of the table, the terrine looked beautiful. The layers were distinct without it all falling apart.
Now, onto the mains. The maple and soy worked a treat on the duck. The sticky rice cake was just that. Its flavours complemented the glaze well and there was no clash or fight over the dominant taste. My friend was tucking into the chicken and was pleased that extra lime was supplied as she liked the option to increase the flavour. The asian vegetables weren’t particularly asian but tasted nice nevertheless.
We decided that we could just squeeze in a dessert, so I opted for the chocolate and amaretto tart with ganache and orange crème fraiche. The portion size was perfect and the casing of the tart was not too hard or dry. I think this was a good, solid dessert. My dining partner had opted for the drunken pineapple mess, which was charred roasted pineapple, meringue, rum cream and coconut sorbet. This was loved and adored.
We had a delightful meal and we will certainly be back again.
Alexandra Gushurst-Moore
+4.5
...The Apiary fuses rustic charm with foodie goodness to create the perfect relaxed dining environment. I had no preconceptions about the restaurant before we visited it for lunch, due to being in the area. S.o. had heard good things, but mostly just liked the chic look of it from streetside. Upon entering, we were greeted by a seemingly scatty waitress, who turned out to be absolutely lovely. Sometimes a casual approach to the service is just what is needed, and both ladies working behind the bar were beyond lovely, so all good on that front. Looking at the menu, I would have loved to sample virtually all of their dishes. The complex gastronomic wonders were something that I was incredibly excited about, however, s.o. thought the menu was overwrought, and later when we received our f
By chance I had arranged to have lunch here on one of their new menu tasting days. This meant it was a little busier than you'd expect on a weekday lunch hour but also that everything was half price. Being guinea pig to their chefs was frankly fantastic and at £13 odd for a starter, two mains, a flat white and a peppermint tea you couldnt fault it. The food was fresh, imaginative and cooked to perfection. The fish taco starter reminded me of sunny days in California while the beef with chimichurri sauce left me dreaming of Argintina. This place claims to deliver classic British food - I'd dispute this but say it's none the worse for it. Service was very friendly and quick enough without leaving you feeling rushed. They have also started to claim back some lost clientele from the Metropole days by serving coffees after 10am. Keep up the good work.
Alexandra Gushurst-Moore
+3.5
I usually don't entrust s.o. to make our dining choices, but after we visited The Apiary I think I'll let him do so more often. A sister restaurant to Bruntsfield's The Three Birds, which I have yet to try, The Apiary fuses rustic charm with foodie goodness to create the perfect relaxed dining environment. I had no preconceptions about the restaurant before we visited it for lunch, due to being in the area. S.o. had heard good things, but mostly just liked the chic look of it from streetside.
Upon entering, we were greeted by a seemingly scatty waitress, who turned out to be absolutely lovely. Sometimes a casual approach to the service is just what is needed, and both ladies working behind the bar were beyond lovely, so all good on that front.
Looking at the menu, I would have loved to sample virtually all of their dishes. The complex gastronomic wonders were something that I was incredibly excited about, however, s.o. thought the menu was overwrought, and later when we received our food, that it was all a bit too try-hard. So a mixed opinion.
Ultimately, I settled for the 'pea, lemongrass, coriander & chilli soup with diced sugar snap & red pepper and marinated shrimp' and s.o. the 'crispy whitebait with rosemary & tomato dipping sauce'. Clearly, his choice was determined by the most concise description. I thought my soup was delightful, really great depth of flavour and just the perfect palette tester. The whitebait were good also, although I usually prefer a thicker batter to the fish, but I think The Apiary were conscious not to detract from the natural flavours and textures of the little fishies.
For our main courses, I opted for the 'confit duck leg with redcurrant and star anise sauce, sauteed spring greens and buckwheat noodles' and s.o. went for the 'peruvian oxheart skewers with lime & amarillo chill mayo, warm salad of roast butternut squash, plum tomato, red onion & sweetcorn and tortilla'. My main was absolutely wonderful. The duck was perfectly cooked, succulent inside and crispy on the out. The flavours of the sauce were delectable and the noodles and greens were a lovely backdrop to a perfectly composed dish. The oxheart skewer dish was essentially an overwrought fajita. It was really tasty, and neither of us had ever eaten heart before so we were greatly pleased about this. But I would say I definitely lucked out regarding the courses.
I am incredibly excited to eventually return to the Apiary to try more of their courses. It has a great vibe, lovely staff, and really interesting dishes. What's more is that I would take anyone there, family, friends, or the s.o. (although he might think differently). I've read divided opinions about the place, but I think that given the lunch menu is an extraordinary £9.50 for two courses (plus they offer student discount!), you might as well see for yourself.
Read the full review: http://gastronomicum.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/the-apiary-edinburgh.html
There was not that much crowd when we went there for a brunch on a Saturday around 11am and this is strange considering how the food was good with tapas-style dishes and delicious freshly made smoothies. The lady who took care of us was pretty nice too and the cosy ambiance was perfect to have brunch.
Food and service were great. Would give 4.5 stars if possible. The seasoning of some of the food, which is maybe personal taste, would have made a 5 star for me. Lovely atmosphere and staff are very friendly.
We are just back from here. First visit despite living nearby for years. We were very impressed with atmosphere and the menu. Staff were pleasant and attentive. I had pulled lamb nachos with smoked cheese followed by chicken and polenta. Both were fantastic with the chicken verging on amazing. We will definitely be returning.
My Daughter wanted Ice Cream - We went to the right place.
The service was excellent - we arrived after 2 on a Thursday, and it was really quiet, so not sure how it is when busy, but doubt it would very different.
We just wanted coffee and Ice Cream for my daughter, but I was intrigued by some of the flavours on offer. You can have a taster spoon for 25p, which is incredible value, so we ordered 2 of each. The Salted Pistachio and the White Chocolate with Horseradish were incredible. None of them disappointed.
Fantastic restaurant with an interesting, reasonably priced menu. Great for gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and meat eaters alike; there really is something for everyone without an overwhelming menu. The decor is fresh and inviting and the staff were friendly and helpful. Food was delicious.
We had great lunch at Apiary Restaurant. Food amazing!!! Very tasty!
Service perfect 10/10
Very nice atmosphere. Really recommended!
Amazing brunch and lunch place, highly recommended! Most of the items on the menu are gluten free and they have a lunch deal, so you can try out various combinations. Also, they have milk alternatives, if you fancy to have a diary free coffee!
Delicious food and all meals had an interesting twist. Make sure you stay for dessert and try the ice cream ✨
Nice surprise. Food locally sourced with great flavours, and last but not least 99% of the menu is gluten free! My wife is celiac so she could also enjoy a great dessert, the Rocky Road, but food taste great in absolute terms. I had the Indonesian chicken supreme as main followed by the 3 cheeses platter. Great variety of sorbets and ice creams directly from the farm. Whether you prefer meat, fish or vegetarian you won’t be disappointed!
Amazing food and really friendly stuff!!
Really like the soup!
10/10
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in Edinburgh
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes