The Little Chartroom

This cosy bistro at the top of Edinburgh’s Leith Walk is the first venture from former Castle Terrace alumni Roberta Hall (who previously spent three years at Michelin-starred The Kitchin) and Shaun McCarron. The relaxed, intimate 18-cover dining room has a sailing aesthetic – featuring brass hardware and a marine-blue colour scheme – with an open kitchen serving lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday and brunch at the weekend. The simple, seasonal menu is concise, offering three starters, mains and desserts, but shows great confidence and attention to detail. Our starter of sweet white Newhaven crab meat was delicate and refined, paired with a summery gazpacho, while a charred-onion broth was robust and savoury. A lamb main course showcased the meat three ways – pink rump, rich kidney and a crisp croquette of leg – with salty anchovy potatoes and charred hispi. Desserts were equally impressive, especially an extraordinarily light tart of bittersweet dark chocolate and raspberries, and an orange pannacotta that boasted the perfect wobble. Add the friendly service and you have a welcome addition to the neighbourhood.

The Little Chartroom is a modern European restaurant in Leith, Edinburgh, run by The Kitchin alumni Roberta and Shaun Hall-McCarron. The restaurant is open seven days a week for dinner, serving an a la carte and tasting menu that uses quality Scottish ingredients from all over the country. 

If you’re visiting The Little Chartroom for dinner you will find a seasonal menu on offer, an example of the dishes you may find include starters such as crispy lamb sweetbreads served with Autumn truffle and artichoke, and pumpkin tart served with courgette marmalade, butternut squash and Blackmount. When it comes to main dishes you may find hake on the menu served with pickled egg yolk, leeks and potato, and a brown butter cauliflower dish served with golden raisin, chickpea panisse and buckwheat. 

When it comes to desserts perhaps you’ll go for the malt chocolate ganache served with yuzu caramel and a cookie crumb, or the creme fraiche set custard served with pear, grappa and almond. There is also a cheese option. If you’re visiting for Sunday lunch, you will find a classic roast, with a twist.

There is a large and varied wine menu with plenty of good red and white wines served by the bottle or glass. You will also find champagne on the menu, plus dessert wine and spirits. 

If you’re visiting The Little Chartroom you may also wish to explore the local area, perhaps you will take a stroll to the Sir James Young Simpson monument or the Coburg House Art Studios. You are also close to many good shops, including the Scottish Design Exchange where you will find a wide choice of designers, pop up shops, galleries and local traders.