Olive Branch Bistro - Broughton

This delightful and informal bistro is located at the corner of Broughton Street and Broughton Place, with its large windows and relaxed atmosphere it is the ideal place to sit and watch all Edinburgh go by.

Olive Branch Company owners, husband and wife team, Stuart and Kerry have set up the Olive Branch Bistro to bring a new element to eating out in Edinburgh, bringing to bear Stuart's experience gained at top Edinburgh restaurants, such as Witchery, Tower and Zinc.

You could catch up with friends after work over their Mediterranean influenced menus, possibly uncork a romantic tête-à-tête with that special someone with a bottle from the cellar, perhaps linger over the Sunday papers for brunch or drop in to top up your batteries when out for a spot of retails therapy. More information is available on their Website. In the evening they offer 10% off for diners going to the Playhouse Theatre.

Review from Laura Sheehan:

"Ambience - This is best thing about this restaurant - it's been really nicely renovated (it used to be a Mamma's Pizza restaurant). It is well lit and very cosy and romantic (we went for Valentines' weekend meal). The tables are quite close together but it didn't feel too crowded. We were also there when two large groups were there but the acoustics were such that they didn't disturb us at all.

The food was OK. I started with deep fried prawns with chilli sauce and my boyfriend had had chicken satay. Both were fairly standard chain restaurant fare - not exciting but tasty.

Main courses were better, I had a chicken and vegetable stir fry with egg noodles and it was very fresh, crispy and spicy. My boyfriend had a home made burger with chips - burger was great, juicy, and smothered in cheese, he really enjoyed it. The chips were spot on too, proper chunky ones.

I finished off with a fruity sorbet and partner had the banoffee crepes. Sorbet was pretty standard but the banoffee crepes were to die for, crepe filled with hot bananas and icecream and smothered in toffee sauce.

Wine - Not a bad selection, we started with a glass of the Viognier and it was enjoyable. We then shared a bottle of La Rareza/Condor, Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. It was one of the cheaper bottles and stood up well to the burger and spicy stir fry.

The total bill was about £30 each for 3 course, wine and coffees. I felt that was was good value and only the starters slightly let it down. I have been told that this is a great place for brunches and lunches - we will certainly be going back soon to try out the brunch."