Harbour Bistro — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

I've been to Newhaven's Harbour Bistro several times, and not just because the menu has changed several times. I'm not a fast mover, but the lovely little restaurant still feels new to me and each trip back is a treat of discovery.

On my last visit to the Bistro overlooking Newhaven's charming harbour, I brought the most awkward, stern, and demanding food audience in the world—my family.

My family loved the Bistro.

As I prefer, I've always booked online. You get a confirmation ahead of time, and once, when I booked a birthday meal so far in advance that I was sure we'd fallen off the system, Michael Neave himself responded.

My parents remembered Michael Neave from Young Chef of the Year competitions, popular Edinburgh restaurants, and his name recognition (though the Bristo doesn't mention it!) was a big lure.

I recommend the fish since this is a nautical-themed restaurant overlooking a fishing harbour. I've not always followed my advice but I'm never had a dish that was less than amazing.

I've taken vegetarians here, and they've always found something to eat (the menu isn't huge but robust) and liked it.

The food is surprisingly affordable! The two- or three-course options are very reasonable, and we've mixed and matched with some tables with all three courses, some with a starter and main, and others with a main and dessert.

I'm a volume eater and hard to fill up, but despite using the word "smaller" I'll admit I've never left the Harbour Bistro feeling cheated or unsatisfied. It's just quality over quantity.

I can't imagine a table of sportsball fans or rowdy businesspeople trying to outdrink each other here, and Newhaven's Harbour Bistro can quietly impress guests.

Harbour Bistro succeeds by being the best of both posh/classy and friendly/cozy. It's fancy food without the pretentiousness.

Cafe? No. Small Bistro. The word "bistro" fits the tiny nook, and I think tables of four to six are large here, so you and a date about to be wowed by your tastes are ideal.

The atmosphere is relaxed, and there's a window seat with a diorama of sand and pebbles to simulate a beach.

I recommend the friendly atmosphere, trip to Edinburgh's waterfront, and...

The Harbour Bistro is a really special place to share an intimate relaxed lunch or dinner - and even better with a friend or two! Very interesting seasonal menus - and incredible value, so a good excuse to come back regularly! The "Cullen Skink" made with Arbroath Smokies on the lunch menu is worth going there for alone - one of my favourite Scottish specialities and Michael's version is absolutely delicious! Charming waitress Kasia - who remembered us immediately, as we did her, from our regular visits to the much missed "The New Chapter" when both it and "Michael's" nextdoor in Eyre Place, were forced to close post-Covid within weeks of each other... Even remembering that I would always book the seat in the window weeks ahead and always ask for a wee extra pot of the delicious jus! LOL! She and Michael have since joined forces - and how lucky we are for that! I just wish that I had known about them sooner - or I would have spread the word long ago! Just a few minutes walk from the tram terminus; excellent value for money and a very gifted chef! What more could...

What a wonderful little restaurant this is. My daughter and I were on holiday in Edinburgh recently and happened to take a tram ride to Newhaven. From the moment we stepped inside Harbour Bistro we were not disappointed. Not only was the waitress warm, welcoming and attentive - the food that was delivered to our table was truly exceptional. Everything was presented beautifully and tasted absolutely delicious. We regretted not having a starter - but the main courses and desserts were superb. We can not fault this place at all. It's a little gem and was by far the best meal we had during our stay in Edinburgh. The price was extremely reasonable and it was a pleasant surprise to not have a service charge surreptitiously added on to the bill. Everything about the place is fantastic - including the washroom which, in keeping with the restaurant, is spotlessly clean and decorated tastefully. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening at Harbour Bistro. We loved...