Alby's Leith — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

Posh sandwiches? I call them super loaves because you get such a generous chuck of gorgeous bread.

My main problem with Alby's, my only problem, is that sometimes I struggle to open my mouth wide enough to bite into this deliciousness.

Tip: Alby's gets busy so I strongly recommend booking. I've been doing this over Instagram without bother.

The menu changes throughout the month but you can check online and should expect about four sandwiches and a few sides. I find a sandwich makes for a good lunch and adding a side dish upgrades the quantity to a good dinner.

I'm weaker in the drinks menu, haven't really tested it to destruction and tend to go with a coffee. Happily, I can confirm that do a good brew.

Alby's is down a short flight of steps. I've mobility challenges and would really struggle in my darkest days. Right now, long may it last, I don't need my stick and don't have problems with the steps. If you're in a chair though, sorry to say, you won't easily make it in.

Once inside, Alby's is friendly and cosy. I've no expertise in this sort of thing but I think it could be a good informal fourth or fifth date venue. Not a first date, I suspect, as messy sandwiches are a risk. Perfect for relaxing together, though, and a chill chat. I find the venue great for my solo eating to, with small tables, and table service.

On the flipside, I think they'd struggle with large parties or office outtings. No harm in asking, but I wouldn't spring it on them.

Tip: Ocean Terminal and Vue cinema is a minute or two down the road. I think Alby's is a great pre-film treat.

Yes, the sandwiches are more expensive than at Gregg's but they're different beasts. I really do think Alby's is good value for money with large and tasty fresh Sandwiches, friendly and able staff, and a cosy cafe.

[Update - June 22 -...

Alby’s in leith is not to be missed - these are excellent sandwiches you won’t forget about. I’ve been 3 times now and they never disappoint.

The menu changes up every so often so it’s worth checking the delivery menu ahead of time on Google via Albys website. I would advise to book ahead of you want a seat (it’s not always busy when I’ve been but once I had to wait for a seat).

In the first pic I had the Baja fried Coley, tomatillo salsa verde, spicy mexican slaw, crema & rocket sandwich, and I shared my half with a friend who got the Poached chicken thigh, tarragon aioli, sugar snap peas, garden peas, chicken salt croutons & rocket sandwich. Both were unreal - but if I had to pick a winner it would be the baja! All with House fries.

Sandwiches are bursting with flavours, hearty and messy. The bread has an amazing butter and salt base (I think) - Imagine a diner in America making you a sandwich. You’ll never forget these. If you’ve not had an Alby’s sandwich you are missing out!!!!

Staff are always friendly, there are vegetarian options and prices are around £11-12 per sandwich. Totally worth it! Only downside is the small seating arrangements, and maybe the location. Seats and white interior don’t make it very cosy.

Second pic is from last year. Think it was steak sandwich and a fried chicken sandwich (again, a swapsies scenario), and much like the review above, they...

I was honestly not expecting much when we walked in this place. The location is a bit underwhelming... You walk down a small set of very steep stairs and duck to enter. Once you're inside there are a few tables to sit at and a small counter.

The sign in the window promises just one thing: Big Hot Sandwiches. It's not a lie.

We were offered a seat and the server came over to offer us some water and a menu. The menu is quite small, with a few sandwich options, and a large drinks selection of mostly beer and soft drinks.

I was a little skeptical as I ordered the Toastie, and Rosemary Fries - my experience with focaccia is usually not great... When the sandwiches arrived, my skepticism soon turned to extreme enthusiasm... The sandwich was amazing, and the bread was a huge part of that. The contrast between the pillowy-softness of the bread and the slight crunch imparted by toasting the whole thing matched so well with the gooey cheeses, and the slight kick from the jalapenos.

The fries (thought they called them "chips" here?) were also delicious, and perfectly cooked to be nice and crisp on the outside, but soft and slightly chewy on the inside. The rosemary flavor was strong and really meshed with the saltiness.

The server was very friendly and efficient and the price was definitely right.

If this place existed back home, I'd be there...