Mara — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

I was struck by the relaxed and easy-going atmosphere. The place was filled with couples and groups of friends enjoying good food and nice glasses of wine. The music played at a low volume, creating a backdrop that added to the ambiance without overpowering conversations. It was the kind of place where you could unwind, savouring both the culinary delights and the company of those around you. Their drinks menu offers a delightful array of choices, with a distinctly Scottish twist. We indulged in the Nessie £10 cocktail, crafted with Lind & Lime Gin—a refreshing and perfectly balanced drink that truly hit the spot. For a non-alcoholic treat, the Bramble £8.50 mocktail with 0% Tanqueray Gin was a delightful surprise, offering all the complexity of a classic cocktail without the alcohol. And for the wine aficionados, the Five Ravens Pinot Noir £7.15 provided a smooth, elegant finish to our evening, with its rich and inviting flavours. The drinks menu truly has something for everyone, making it a perfect complement to the exceptional food offerings. The menu is succinct yet thoughtfully curated, catering perfectly to both those with a hearty appetite and those who prefer to nibble while they sip their drinks. The standout feature is undoubtedly the Sharing Plates. The true star of the sharing plates is undoubtedly the Baked Camembert with sourdough. This dish elevated the humble camembert to an entirely new level of indulgence. Diners can choose between two tantalizing options: Nduja and hot honey £11, which offers a spicy and sweet combination, or Rosemary and lavender honey £10, which provides a fragrant and delicate sweetness.

The camembert was baked to golden perfection, its creamy interior oozed out enticingly. The surface was lightly crisped, with the cheese bubbling gently at the edges. Surrounding this molten masterpiece was slices of artisan sourdough, their crusts crisp and their interiors soft, ready to scoop up the luscious cheese. Drizzled over the camembert was a fragrant blend of rosemary and lavender honey, which infused the cheese with a delicate, herbal sweetness. The honey’s floral notes and the earthiness of the rosemary beautifully complemented the rich, creamy texture of the camembert. Every bite was a symphony of flavours and textures that promised to delight your palate. It’s the perfect dish for sharing—or for indulging all by yourself. The Grilled Prawns for £11 captured our hearts. These succulent prawns, grilled to perfection, were served with a rich roasted garlic and white bean puree, and drizzled with a vibrant paprika oil. The dish presented a harmonious balance of flavours and textures that made it an irresistible choice. Last but certainly not least, we opted for the Hachis Parmentier from the Pie section, priced at a reasonable £10. This dish was a true comfort food masterpiece, featuring slow-cooked beef that was tender and full of flavour, combined with caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness. The creamy potato puree added a silky smooth texture, while the melted cheese on top created a golden, bubbling crust that was simply irresistible. It’s hard to imagine any dish more satisfying and comforting than this classic, hearty pie. It wrapped you in warmth and richness, making every bite a nostalgic experience of home-cooked goodness. Mara is a fantastic addition to The Shore, bringing a fresh and contemporary vibe to the area and the staff...

After a morning exploring the sights, we entered Mara to escape the wind and drizzle to enjoy a feed and a pint. As a big group at short notice we were grateful for their offer of a table inside, some wifi and a chance to re-group.

We basically ordered most of the available menu and unwrapped ourselves and settled in with our first round of drinks.

The waiter explained the food might take a while that day but we had so much to talk about, we were happy for the warmth and the wait.

I’m not sure what they were going with when it came to the presentation of the Pigs In Blankets, it looked like a Halloween gimmick of human fingers or worse appendages sitting in a pot of Hollywood horror film entrails. Flavour wise it was fine but a few of the group were happy to leave them to the braver folk.

The prawns looked good, but being fully in the shells and needing to be peeled completely before they could be eaten, makes it an odd choice to serve them on a bean puree and in an oil. It makes the dish more like a game show challenge aimed at making it harder to shell before you eat them.

The Teriyaki Mushroom Wontons were really good flavours and the depth of flavour in the broth was perfect.

The Steak Frites cut of meat had some stringy elements that countered the way they’d cooked the meat to be tender and medium rare.

Sadly, the above dishes I’ve described so far came to our table cold. I assume this was because the kitchen wanted to send all the food out together, but in a group sharing scenario I would always recommend just sending them when they are hot and ready to go, and not wait.

It was a shame because the flavours of each of the dishes was mostly on point. It was obvious that thought had gone into the flavours and combinations - so when the presentation and execution resulted in cold dishes, it’s hard to overcome.

In the defence of the venue, we didn’t complain about it, we just took it as it came, and we’re hungry enough to persevere. We didn’t want to be a hassle after they had accommodated us, but it was disappointing.

What wasn’t disappointing was the Baked Camembert. The spicy and sweet combination of the sauce was a definite highlight of all the food we ordered. I was expecting the nduja (a cured spicy spreadable sausage from southern Italy) to be more of a presence, but either way the flavour of the chilli and the honey was fantastic with the creamy melting cheese and toasted bread - it warmed my belly and soul.

The Arancini and the Battered Fish were hot temperature wise, but they were just okay flavour wise. A few of the group used the phrase “nothing to write home about” - and that’s probably an accurate assessment.

The venue was busy, the staff were friendly, and I got the sense the kitchen was under the pump, and everyone has their off days.

Some small tweaks to some of these dishes preparation and presentation would make this a must visit venue for food.

But if you find yourself in the area - I’d say it’s worth a visit and my guess is they are normally a better kitchen than they were this visit. Give it a go and definitely get the Baked...

Where do I start! Mara is a Hidden Gem !! Nestled in the charming Shore area of Leith, Mara is a delightful new addition to Edinburgh's vibrant bar scene. Its prime location offers stunning views of the waterfront, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a drink. The outdoor seating area, with its picturesque surroundings, truly captures the essence of Edinburgh's old cobbled streets and historic buildings. The bar's interior design is sleek and modern, with neutral colors creating a calming and inviting atmosphere. However, what truly sets Mara apart is its exceptional staff. They are attentive, friendly, and always ready to go the extra mile to ensure a memorable experience. The service is prompt and efficient, making it a pleasure to dine or drink here. The menu features an array of impeccably crafted small plates, showcasing the chef's creativity and attention to detail. Each dish is a work of art, both visually appealing and incredibly flavourful. Whether you're looking for a light snack or a full meal, Mara has something to offer. In conclusion, Mara is well worth a visit. Its beautiful location, friendly staff, and delicious food make it a must-try for anyone seeking a memorable experience in Edinburgh coolest area!! Just go. You won’t...