Restaurant-Guide.com
hand picked restaurants

Pizza Express remains a hugely popular bedrock of casual eating. Its popularity is testimony to the fact that across the country, they have restaurants where you will always be guaranteed a good nosh, with children's tastes being well catered for.

Pizza Express has gone even more Roman, and following the success of that particular example of listening to their public have introduced Romana pizzas, including the scorching Etna and the hearty Siciliana.

These pizzas are now thinner, bigger and crispier, and if that sounds like a marketing line, it is. However, unlike many such lines, this one is true, and their quality is always consistent, though cleverly they have still managed to retain a homemade feel to their pizzas.

As an alternative to pizza, try their pollo pesto - cavatappi pasta with torn chicken breast, mushrooms, red onions and mozzarella in a creamy gruyere, parmesan and pesto sauce and finished with grana padano - or the niçoise salad with mixed leaves, yellowfin tuna, free range egg, green beans, potatoes and tomatoes with olives, anchovies, capers and house dressing.

Many of the big chains have come a long way, and Pizza Express is certainly amongst them. One of the first to be quoted on the Stock Exchange - in 1993 - Pizza Express is not a franchise operation and retains tight control through its own staff.

Their wine list - though short - contains some surprisingly good offerings, especially their intense Australian Chardonnay, and a big, full-bodied Merlot from Cusumano, Sicilia.

Located off Lothian Road, at the West End of Edinburgh city centre, Gandhi's Restaurant is a good dining out alternative if you are anywhere in the proximity of the Royal Mile or Princes Street. Established in 2003, the restaurant is popular amongst those who adore Indian cuisine and so haunt the place more often than usual. The décor is pleasing yet is kept unpretentious and modest with neatly arranged tables, and sunken lights.

Cooking is straightforward and reassuring with just about everything possible made in the kitchen. The speciality dishes at the Gandhi's Restaurant include the likes of marinated, charcoal grilled chicken cutlets cooked in a very aromatic medium sauce with fresh garden mint and spring onions, and king prawn cooked with butter, mushroom, bayleaf and a variety of spices and herbs, medium to taste.

A good choice of spirits is at hand to complement your meal or to accompany the light bites at the bar.

Offering a contemporary twist on the traditional Indian restaurant, The Copper Bowl features traditionally prepared food using fresh and wholesome ingredients. Located in South Road End, on the southern outskirts of Edinburgh the restaurant is perfect for a quick lunch or leisurely family dinner.

In addition to the à la carte, a kids menu, healthy options and a full Sunday buffet are available. Dishes such as deep fried marinated chicken strips, makhmali seekh kebab made with ground lamb, salmon and prawn fish cakes and barbequed cottage cheese make for appetizing starters. The main course selection offers a variety of chicken and lamb curries in addition to a tandoori kebab platter and Hyderabad-style biryani. Fiery laal maas combines red chillies, coriander seeds, garlic, turmeric and yoghurt into a dish that titillates the palate. The house speciality is raan-e-khaas, whole leg of lamb served with pulao rice and naan bread. The Copper Bowl also offers a selection of British and international cuisine options such as penne with pesto, Cajun roast salmon fillet, Thai beef stir fry or even beer battered haddock and chips.

Howies doesn't fit into the category of a chain because each of its restaurants has an individualistic style, décor and menu. But the underlying commitment to offering remarkable dishes in a relaxed and casual environment is consistently present in all of them. Howies in Victoria Street is situated in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town and its proximity to the registry office makes it the ideal spot for wedding day celebrations. Dim lighting lends a classical elegance that matches the dark wood furnishings tastefully.

The menu changes monthly and focuses on using local suppliers for all their ingredients. From amongst the starters you could choose the warm crab, dill and spinach tart with a caper dressing and move on to a main course of salmon en croute with buttered new potatoes, broccoli florets, parsley and lemon cream. End with the homemade shortbread and chocolate mousse tower with Chantilly cream and raspberry coulis and finally a cup of Irish coffee or an after dinner liqueur.

Located in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, The Grain Store - started in 1991 - monitors on the best of Scottish produce and cooking in a setting which conjures up thoughts of an historic auld Reekie and Scotland's colourful heritage.

The cooking, whilst recognising the traditions of Scottish cuisine, does not hesitate to innovate, with a seasonal menu that takes the best of mountain, sea and field retaining its flavours for the discerning palate.

With Ian Mellis, respected local cheesemonger next door, I leave you to consider the possibilities for the cheeseboard. The wine list makes highly attractive reading and even more compulsive drinking with careful selections from across the globe.