Indian Lounge

For over 30 years Indian Lounge has been doing what it does best – serving great Indian and Punjabi food. Established in 1983, this family business is regarded as one of the best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh by many food critics. This is partly down to how the head chef carefully and personally sources ingredients from local suppliers to make sure everything is of first-class quality. This includes free-range poultry, grass-fed Scottish lamb, freshly caught seafood and fresh vegetables, along with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options.

The award-winning menu features a good selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes, as well as a famous grill section that proves very popular. The house specialities, like the Indian-spiced fish and chips, tandoori salmon, lamb chop karai and haggis pakora are particular local favourites. Furthermore, the kitchen team ably caters for up to 80 people, including those who require gluten- and dairy-free options. Vegetarians will be spoilt for choice, with options like dahl soup, channa puri and vegetable pakora. For meat-eaters the barbecued king prawn bhuna oozes flavour and is prepared in a traditional cast-iron pot to enrich all of the spices. The set menu options offer amazingly good value for money. The dinner for-two set menu is £35 and is specially created by the chef with a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian starters and mains, as well as rice, naan and dessert.

All spices are bought whole and freshly ground to ensure that the team knows exactly what goes into each and every dish. No produce, aside from chips and peas, is cooked from frozen, guaranteeing that your meal has been cooked and prepared to order. The bar is stocked with all the classic Indian drinks, including Cobra beer. At Indian Lounge, a very warm welcome awaits. There’s a reason Indian Lounge is still flourishing in a city that is rapidly becoming a genuine foodie destination. Make sure you pop this eatery on your list next time you fancy traditional and authentic Indian cuisine that’s reasonably priced and always served with a smile.