Ella - Taste of Greece — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

Disappointed. I would not recommend to a friend, and I'm certainly not returning.

The meat is delicious - I give the chef that. However, the grilled vegetables served were cold (rubbery/old), dip bland, and then some chips. For £38, 2 people can split 1 pita bread. Yay.

The whole experience was off. Booking a table was a nightmare, as the first time I called I was left on hold for 10min. The place itself is loud - too small and blaring music. Drinks menu given was a wet piece of paper. At the end of my meal, I even gave feedback that the food didn't meet expectations.

(I said the corn was rubbery and inedible, and poked it with my finger - I was very direct. "oh, that must be from boiling it" no dude, it's because it's been sitting out too long and dried out.)

It's very popular. Honestly, I don't see the appeal. The prices are high enough to be a fine dining restaurant but the experience and atmosphere is more like a cheap holiday kebab place with some tables, where at least the conversation rate means a good deal.. I don't see this place lasting.

On the plus side, it reminded me to book another...

I can’t understand why this place has 4.9 as it was distinctly average?

They ran out of gyros by the time we ordered (which is fine) and replaced the chicken one with chicken shish. The shish was definitely not homemade. The chicken was very uniform and it reminded me of the kebabs you get in the supermarket. The chips looked amazing, but had an old frying oil taste The fava meze tasted like thick lentil soup (I was willing to let this go as I thought, maybe I forgot the taste of fava beans? But then multiple people on the table said the same thing independently). The idea of eating lentil soup with octopus was weird. The calamari was frozen (which I guess is fine as we’re not in Greece)… and served with Philadelphia cheese? It was a weird combination for me. (I’m sorry if this is a traditional Greek thing, I don’t mean to offend) Tzatziki and pita bread were good.

It was expensive for the quality we got. Maybe the gyros are truly amazing and that explains the 4.9. Otherwise I’ve been to at least 2 Greek restaurants in Edinburgh with worse ratings… And if this place is 4.9, the other ones...

If in quest of a cosy Greek restaurant with a well appointed terrace, try Ella down Leith Walk - Edinburgh. Bus and tram stop fairly near so may a taxi or vehicle have access to. Ella's team is most welcoming and the guest or amateur of traditional Greek cuisine will be spoiled for the variety and quality of all the goodies served or offered is considerably delicious and nutritious. The cosy relaxing ambience is neither strange nor surprising, Greek hospitality and customs oblige. Themis the young, affable and courteous helper will spoil you either by offering you and your companion delicious meze - small samples of the wonderful Greek islands cuisine as we believe that he and some of his colleagues originate from Rhodes the magic flowery jewel of Dodecanese. Entries, mezes, main course, mixed grill and assortments will ravish soul - heart and palate. Just ask and thy shall receive in abondance. But if course we shall return and very soon so for Ella deserve to be better known through one's visit. Well done indeed all. Highly Commended and...