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!
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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
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I'm sure I am not alone in thinking that late February can be a bit grim. Whilst spring is tantalisingly just round the corner, the second month of the year can still dampen spirits, with its short days, long nights and stormy weather. Sometimes, a pick-me-up is needed at this time of year. And what better to boost spirits than visiting a new restaurant that is generating a bit of a buzz?
I had already been hearing good things – from the likes of Lunchquest and Scotland on Sunday’s Richard Bath – about The Apiary, even though the place only opened a few weeks before Christmas 2013. Occupying premises in Edinburgh’s Newington district - that previously housed the Metrople café-bar - a glance at the new restaurant’s website indicated it promised “Modern British grub to comfort or excite; pickling, smoking and preserving all done in house…” together with “Top to tail offerings dressed head to toe in tasty.” Home curing, smoking and pickling AND nose to tail grub – well that most definitely whets my appetite. So maybe The Apiary would provide the culinary lift I was looking for?
Initial portents were promising, as so busy was the restaurant on a wet winter Saturday that the only dinner reservation available was at 7pm. When we arrived, the large and airy dining area was already peppered with full tables, so we were courteously shown to one of the leather-upholstered booths that line its walls. With the combined a la carte and specials menus offering plenty to consider – including some very appetising-looking sharing platters – we ordered a couple of beers (with my Harviestoun Wild Hop IPA being notably refreshingly bitter) whilst we made our choices.
Just as when we thought we’d finished placing our order, our server – and I should point out that the front of house staff really know the menu, and how to make diners feel at ease – drew our attention to the “side bar” section of the carte. A side order of crispy pig's ear, smoked Maldon salt and aioli – oh why ever not?! And as our starters appeared so did a beautifully crisp – yet fruity – bottle of Marqués de Altillo Rioja blanco.
Our choice of wine proved an ideal accompaniment to JML’s first course of ham hock hash cake, with poached egg and hollandaise. This proved to be a generous, round slab of fried mashed potato combined with meaty morsels exuding delicious smoked porcine flavours, and brilliantly set off with silky-smooth sauce and an egg poached to perfection. To be honest, it was a challenge to solicit a forkful from my dining partner for me to try. My choice of starter counts as one of my all-time favourite dishes, so the pressure was on – but I needn’t have worried. The plate of crispy whitebait that landed on the table was absolutely spot on, harbouring an intense taste of seafood which was further enhanced by being dipped in the accompanying citrus-infused mayonnaise. This was most definitely good mood food.
Read the full review at: http://www.scrumptiousscran.com/2014/02/edinburgh-restaurant-review-apiary-make.html
I've had lunch at Apiary two days in a row, even though it's across town from me, so that should tell you something.
Love the restaurant setting, it's lovely to sit in a booth by the window with the sun streaming in.
Tried quite a few things on the new spring menu, loved the boudin noir, I'm assured the lamb tostada is also fantastic. The duck confit had a perfectly crunchy skin and beautifully cooked meat underneath, paired well with greens & buckwheat noodles and a star anise sauce. The peanut butter & jam ice cream with the rocky road is a taste sensation and the mess is delicious for those with a sweet tooth.
A few other things still need a bit of tweaking but overall the menu is shaping up to be fantastic. The evening menu looks great as well and I look forward to heading back and trying it out.
Service is very relaxed and friendly, although at times could have been slightly more attentive.
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The Apiary is absolutely lovely, and it feels like you are stepping into a world of charm and decadence. I first came two weeks ago with a group of friends. The decor is beautiful and the place is charming and elegant but also feels like it is romantic yet unpretentious.
When I first came I ordered a vegetarian for my main that was served over couscous. Having traveled in Morocco two years ago, my expectations for an authentic tajine were quite high but I was a bit disappointed by it since it was underwhelming compared to my neighbours' 3Bees Bird and Beasts sharing platter - it was absolutely massive and astounding! The quality of the meat was also superb (my manly friends were kind enough to share a bourbon glazed rib with me, which says a lot, but then again they were so stuffed with the massive platter that by the end they seemed a bit relieved to share with me although they didn't want to let on about that!). On to dessert - I had the chocolate brioche bread pudding with chocolate ice cream and it was really tasty! I ordered well that time round.
Tonight I came back with a friend and it was busy and bustling since it was the second day of their new menu and they were offering 50% off food in exchange for feedback - I was more than happy to help! To start, I had the 3bee boudin noir salad with honey roast sweet potato, grapefruit soused tomato and roasted red onion. The richness of the black pudding was complemented perfectly by the sweet and fruity other components of the salad, making it divine. My friend had a vegetarian salad with lovely field mushrooms.
For our mains, my veggie companion had couscous and feta fritters which seemed quite innovative and she said they were delicious. I had the coriander, chili, and lager braised lamb shoulder which was well done but succulent and cooked to perfection. We also shared the fries that came in a little bag - they were tasty skinny fries that were along the lines of McDonalds' French fries (not a bad thing in this case) but much better. They also came in a rustic paper bag.
For dessert my friend had the banana, honey and custard mess which she felt was too sweet. I had the rocky road with marshmallows, shortbread, Turkish delight and chocolate over peanut butter and strawberry jam ice cream. I was a bit put off by the idea of PB&J ice cream (thinking that one or the other would be ok but not together in ice cream although they do work in the classic sandwich of my childhood!) but the enthusiastic server convinced me easily to try it. It was amazing! It was really peanut butter ice cream with a few little swirls of jam, and the rocky road and shortbread was fantastic (although if truth be told the pieces could have been a tad smaller and more bite-sized).
All in all, it was a fabulous evening! The ambiance was perfect and beautiful with the candles on the tables. The staff were all helpful, friendly and enthusiastic. The wine was fantastic. Last but but least, the food was absolutely delicious, and innovative!
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
Probably the best brunch in Edinburgh. Staff is always super polite and helpful, and the atmosphere couldn't be more relaxed. Love this place.
A lovely restaurant on the south side of Edinburgh. We were here as a big group for a birthday and they looked after us so well.
The food was delicious and arrived at the table all together which is often a challenge with such a big group.
The service is very friendly and relaxed and made for a perfect night out with friends.
I look forward to coming back and getting to try more of the menu.
A wide range of options, including brunch, lunch and kids menu. The price is very friendly. The toilet is very clean.
This is an outstanding restaurant. I rarely post reviews but our wonderful experience this evening has been enough to make me do so. The menu has been created with real flair and a deep understanding of flavours. The scallops with crispy prosciutto were an amazing start. Although I'm a proud carnivore I opted for the vegan squash with pickled apple and toasted coconut. This was divine. Not enough to convert me from my meat eating ways, but I'm so glad i chose. It. The house wine was excellent. I just wish we could move this restaurant to my home town. A real gem.
A group of us (7) went to this restaurant yesterday and had a thoroughly great evening. The welcome and hospitality was excellent and nothing was to much trouble. We all are from different areas of the UK but agreed that the food was outstanding. Well done to all concerned highly recommended.
The restaurant is relaxed and friendly. The food is beautifully cooked with a French feel to the specials whilst we ate there. Excellent Pork Rillettes followed by Confit Duck. Wines are reasonably priced also. A lovely meal.
What a fabulous find! We hadn't booked, but got a lovely warm welcome. Very professional and friendly staff and the food was amazing. The pork belly and dauphinoise potatoes are highly recommended -seriously good food. Lovely cosy atmosphere, too. We will certainly be back.
Great food, nice place and friendly staff.
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