While we’re big fans of adventure in foreign parts, it’s also true we rarely leave Edinburgh’s city centre. But in a moment of madness, we walked an entire 20 minutes north of Waverley Station, and there we discovered our new favourite restaurant.

     

Spitaki, meaning the Little House, is an absolute joy. The atmosphere’s relaxed, the food’s outrageously good, and the prices unbelievably modest. They also welcome larger groups with open arms, and NO ONE will go away hungry.

In fact it’s one of the few places where even people as greedy as us (#fat_bastards) regularly say the words: “You know what, I really couldn’t eat another thing.”

 

How is this possible you ask??!?

Actually, we’re not sure. After all, Isaac’s been known to suggest KFC immediately after fine dining, and I have been unkindly referred to as “the hoover.” But somehow Spitaki’s mezze menu just really hits the spot.

 

       

 

Now if sharing isn’t your thing (often the case with us fatties), by all means go a la carte, BUT … our advice is to tell everyone at your table to order the special at £15 per head.

This incredible deal allows you to sample practically every savoury dish on the menu. Then, with those delicacies you particularly love, you can always go ahead and order seconds. Maybe even thirds.

Mind you, chances are you won’t need to. Unless of course, you’re as greedy as the people writing this review.

 

Our utter, utter, UTTER favourites:

While it’s not easy to narrow the menu down to our greatest hits, here goes:

Htipiti – Spicy green pepper and feta dip. Boasting the addictive properties of heroin, this dish is outstanding. With just the right amount of kick to it, you need to order at least two. Your life will never be the same again.

 

      

 

Cheese Saganaki – Kefalotyri cheese coated in breadcrumbs, and pan-fried. Well, what about that description doesn’t sound amazing?? The reality of course, as that melted cheese hits your tastebuds, is even better.

Chicken Souvlaki – skewers of chargrilled chicken. A simple premise, but my god this was good! So tender, so juicy, it felt as if the creamy Tzataki dipping sauce wasn’t even required (though we still ate every drop of that too).

Lamb Chops – marinated in olive, lemon & rosemary. Seriously, these were outstanding. If money’s tight (even despite the modest prices), we would say they’re totally worth selling a family-member for.

Keftedes – minced pork and beef kebabs. Again, simple ingredients, but the taste is heavenly. These sausage-shaped delights will literally melt in your mouth.

And then there’s the squid … the fried potato with oregano … the spicy baked feta …

 

    

 

Hang on, starting to realise we’re just listing the entire menu.

Suffice to say, the food really is fabulous. We ate an offensive amount, ordered countless bottles of wine, and had double helpings of baklava (FYI it’s gorgeous). Even so, somehow the bill for our table of eight still came out at £35 a head!

We’ve now dined at Spitaki on at least five occasions. Each time the staff, the food, and the wine made us feel like we never wanted to leave. It may be a twenty-minute walk from town, but it’s really worth the journey!

 

Reviewed April 2017

Spitaki, Greek Taverna
133 – 135 East Claremont Street, EH7 4JA
0131 556 9423
http://www.spitaki.co.uk