Tani Modi Brunch House — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

Here’s a more polished, light-hearted version of your review:

My wife, baby daughter, and I popped in for brunch last week after the pictures of their pancakes caught my attention (I mean, who can resist pancakes?). The café is a bit tucked away downstairs, which meant we had to navigate some steps with our buggy, but we managed and were lucky to snag a table without a reservation.

First impression? There was a little leak dripping into a container – charmingly quirky, though it did make me wonder if we’d time-traveled to 2003 when the place first opened. It definitely has a “no rush to modernize” vibe, but honestly, I kind of liked the vintage charm. The open kitchen behind the counter lets you peek in on the chefs at work, which is always fun. We squeezed in with the buggy—note for fellow parents, it’s not the most buggy/wheelchair-friendly, but we made it work, and the staff were really accommodating.

Speaking of the staff, our server was an absolute star—seriously, five-star service. She was bright, cheerful, full of jokes, and really knew the menu. She gave us the kind of detailed recommendations you don’t often get, and I respect that. Her energy definitely added to the experience.

The menu itself is awesome—small enough to not be overwhelming, but with plenty of variety. Classics alongside some unique twists. We started with drinks, choosing between three kinds of hot chocolate. We went with a Belgian and an Italian one, though I can’t remember which was which. One of them came as a fun DIY kit with hot milk, chocolate buttons, and a hand mixer, which was a nice touch. Both tasted great!

Then we spotted another table with cannoli, which weren’t on the menu, so naturally, we had to order some. Unconventional starter? Yes. Delicious? Also yes, especially with the cream they served alongside them.

For mains, my wife ordered the Scotsman breakfast. She asked for no mushrooms and tomatoes, but when the plate arrived, it had both. Oops! A few minutes later, the chef came rushing out, realizing he’d sent the dish to the wrong table. Luckily, my wife hadn’t started eating, and the rightful owner of the breakfast was happy to take it. When hers finally arrived as ordered, she was pleased—it was one of the better breakfasts she’s had in Edinburgh. Whether it was worth the £14.50 is up for debate, but she did enjoy every bite.

I got a bit greedy and ordered two dishes: the strawberry and pistachio pancakes and the truffled mushroom. The pancakes? Phenomenal. Thick, with a rich pistachio flavor, balanced by the sweetness of the strawberries. So good, in fact, I probably didn’t need to order anything else… but of course, I did. The truffled mushroom was supposed to be a “small plate,” but it arrived looking like a full meal. While I initially enjoyed it, the mushroom flavor became a bit overwhelming by the end. I did my best but had to tap out before finishing.

Despite our main server being an absolute gem (seriously, best waitress we’ve had in a while), we did notice some of the other staff weren’t as professional. Chefs were walking through the dining area and bickering a couple of times, which wasn’t ideal. I get that kitchens are stressful, but maybe save the arguments for the back!

In summary, we had some top-tier moments and a few hiccups, but overall, we enjoyed our visit. The pancakes may have been the most expensive I’ve ever had, but I savored every bite. And to the amazing waitress (sorry, didn’t catch your name)—you deserve...

Feeling so honored and excited to try the new 5-course tasting menu at Tani Modi. I’ve had brunch here so many times before and have always been amazed by the quality and incredible flavors of the food, but the dinner menu takes it to an even higher level.

The surprise dinner started with toasted rosemary focaccia and honey-infused butter, a unique combination of crispy, salty flavors with a hint of sweetness. This was followed by a one-of-a-kind parma ham cannoli with a ricotta filling, topped with sun-dried tomatoes, watercress sauce, and toasted sourdough. I was blown away by the surprising combination of creamy, tender inside and crispy, flavorful textures.

Next came the deep-fried oyster mushrooms, which reminded me of Japanese tempura but with a more exotic twist—chili-infused coating and a fresh spring onion flavor. The dipping sauce was also unique, not your typical soy sauce, but something wonderfully aromatic and hard to describe, yet absolutely delicious.

The fried seabass with beans and peppers was another highlight. The seabass had crispy skin with an extremely tender inside, and the beans were so soft they practically melted in my mouth. Then, there was turkey with broccolini—a traditional dish from the chef's hometown in Nigeria, creatively fused with Argentine chimichurri sauce. This dish was incredibly flavorful and fulfilling, with such a unique aroma that words can’t fully capture its deliciousness.

The amazing dinner concluded with a dessert of pear, oat crumble, and cinnamon-infused foam. This instantly gave me cozy vibes, reminding me of sitting by a fireplace in winter, and made me think of the upcoming Christmas season and mulled wine. The oatcake was slightly 'burnt' on top, with a cinnamon flavor that felt like autumn in every bite—a party in my mouth, while also feeling like a warm hug on a cozy night.

The tasting menu was absolutely incredible, and I would say very filling. Each dish showed the creativity and ingenuity of the chef and his team, and every course was a pleasant and inspiring surprise. It warmed both my stomach and my heart during the stormy days. I will definitely be coming back for...

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh Centre, Tani Modi is a delightful café that offers a cozy respite from the bustling city streets. Specializing in a range of delectable dishes, this hidden gem is an experience not to be missed.Cuisine and Dishes: During my visit, I indulged in their Full Scottish Breakfast and a stack of pancakes. Both dishes were not only incredibly delicious but also left me feeling completely satisfied. The Scottish Breakfast was a hearty affair, perfectly cooked with all the traditional components, while the pancakes were light, fluffy, and paired beautifully with fresh toppings.Ambiance and Decor: The setup of Tani Modi is both clever and inviting. The interior boasts a tasteful use of colors that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Despite being quite busy, the café maintains a charming and relaxed vibe that makes it an ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions.Service: The service at Tani Modi was nothing short of perfect. The staff were fast, efficient, and exceptionally friendly, ensuring that every guest felt well taken care of. Their promptness and cheerful demeanor added to the overall positive experience.Overall Impressions: Tani Modi stands out as a small hidden gem in Edinburgh Centre. Its clever setup, delicious food, and excellent service make it a must-visit café. Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or a quick bite, Tani Modi will not disappoint. Highly...