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    Zara's Mediterranean Bistro

    4.4 (25 reviews)
    ModerateMediterranean
    Open 12:00 pm - 11:30 PM

    Zara's Mediterranean Bistro Photos

    ZARA'S MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Good for kids
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Zara's Mediterranean Bistro

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    Sign at entrance
    Joe P.

    We ordered a few appetizers instead of a main course. Plenty for us. Artichoke hearts - good. Prawns - so so. Lively atmosphere. Okay for a friendly meal and prices are reasonable.

    The menu
    Aileen N.

    This place is a great find if you enjoy Mediterranean food! I ordered the vine leaves and the hummus. I didn't enjoy the vine leaves, but I had never had them before so I didn't have anything to compare it too. The hummus was absolutely delicious though and they brought out warm fresh pita bread to dip with. I would go again!

    Freddy M.

    Staff was too stressed !! Food was decent good taste. Staff needs a bit more training on service but it looks like new staff.

    Brenda T.

    So yummy and fun little find. The gentleman was so sweet and helpful...a gem.Love wandering, getting lost and discovering

    Iskinder

    We came here towards closing time late on a Wednesday night. The owner/host were amazing and gracious and made us feel truly welcome. We did not get drinks and ordered food directly. Paras Gratinadas was mind-blowing and I highly recommend it to anyone coming here. The Mixed Grill was awesome as well and the Iskinder. You can probably skip the Moroccan Chicpeas.

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    7 months ago

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Food was just ok. Calamari appetizer was limp, the grilled lamb was a bit tough & dry and the lemon meringue pie was weirdly goopy.

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    9 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Zara's Mediterranean Bistro

    We had the lentil soup, the tzatziki, the hummus, and the sautéed chicken with mozzarella and a red sauce.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Hanam's - Hummus and Bread

    Hanam's

    4.0(73 reviews)
    0.4 miOld Town
    ££

    While exploring the Royal Mile, we stumbled upon a Kurdish eatery whose terrace overlooked Victoria…read moreStreet. What used to be called Hanam's is now Daika; same menu, same offerings, I don't know if they've changed ownership. We ordered: -- Mixed Grill (£24.95): three meat skewers that he said were middling. -- Halloumi Fries (£9.85): usually my favorite thing on a Mediterranean menu, but theirs was a bit tough, took chewy to the next level, & the pomegranate molasses did nothing to improve the flavor. -- Babaghanoush (£9.80): nice texture with the eggplant bits, properly smoky, & went well with the pita that stayed warm in its parchment bag. -- we also had lemonade in a bottle that was tart & refreshing. Rather than having lunch at Daika, we instead should have ordered a hookah; smoking shisha on their beautiful terrace with a view of Old Town around us would've been more enjoyable.

    To be honest everything was fine, however I just thought it would be a little bit better. The…read morefattoush salad was not very flavorful. The best thing we had was the fried halloumi. It was actually excellent and I would give that dish five stars. The Falafel was a bit dry. The grilled prawns were served with the shell on so they had to be peeled which was a bit messy. I usually don't expect to peel my prawns at the dinner table. The meats on the mixed grill were average. The minced meat kabob was the most flavorful. The others were a bit overcooked. Also, they may have been a bit understaffed but they generally did not clear any dishes when we were finished with them unless we asked them to.

    Photos
    Hanam's
    Hanam's - Haloumi fried

    Haloumi fried

    Hanam's - Merishke Kebab

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    Merishke Kebab

    Palmyra - Look at the size of this wrap. The slightly crispy outer layer is a nice contrast to the juicy, savory donner meat within

    Palmyra

    4.0(52 reviews)
    0.8 miNewington
    £

    Chose this place because of the high rating and menu options shown in the pics. I really don't…read moreunderstand why it's rated so highly. They basically only have pizza and wraps (no menu like the one in the pic) I was expecting a hole in the wall with yummy food. It was indeed a hole in the wall, but the food thoroughly disappointing. I ordered the kofta kebab wrap and hummus wrap both with no tomatoes. One came with tomatoes. Though the wrap was 10" x 3" the kofta hiding inside it was about 7"x1"-the veggie to meat ratio was ridiculous. I guess that's what makes it a small? I did enjoy the sauce-creamy with a little spice. My friend did make the point of why she thought it was highly rated. Nearby a university, open late, cheap, and quick...even considering all of that it's still a no for me.

    This place is so gooood! I came here during one of my re-explore Edinburgh days, where I walk…read morearound this fine city until I get hungry and then go on the hunt for a favorite food. So the craving at the time was schwarma, and Palmyra had some pretty decent reviews. So off I moseyed in the hopes of getting a delicious meal. Not even 12pm yet, I was the only customer in the shop, nabbing a window seat so I could people watch during my lunch. My server was so friendly and the service overall was great. I ordered a chicken schwarma with chips. I was kind of hoping for traditional Turkish bread, but my meal came on the thinner pita-style bread that didn't exactly hit the spot, but was delicious all the same. The schwarma was large for £5.50 and my fries could have easily served two, the serving was massive. Also served with garlic sauce and a sweet type of chilli sauce. Overall a flavourful and filling meal that I would certainly have again. For about £8 this meal could have served two and easily satisfied two grumbling bellies.

    Photos
    Palmyra
    Palmyra
    Palmyra

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    Yeni Meze Bar - Inside Yeni. Cosy and comfortable.

    Yeni Meze Bar

    4.3(14 reviews)
    0.3 miNew Town
    ££

    I LOVE Yeni's. It's a go-to lunch choice with their bargain of 3 tapas dishes for £10.50. The decor…read moreon the inside is subtle and stylish, the colourful posters and shelves with vintage Turkish crockery brighten the space. The food is flavoursome and fresh, while the service is quick and friendly. I go to Yeni's with my friends and my family, everyone is catered for with the inclusion of vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options. The dishes are extremely reasonable in price, and midday is always quiet, if not completely deserted! Of course, dinnertime is busier if you're looking for more of an atmosphere. Lunchtime, however, is my favourite time for Yeni's. The deserts are absolutely delicious, the ice cream flavours are unique and garnished with fresh mint. Yeni's is located centrally, with excellent transport options. I have to say, I love a bit of Yeni's.

    Yeni's is a real diamond in Edinburgh's food scene. The service is wonderful and the food is…read moresublime!! I come here with my mum whenever she visits as it's her all time favourite. We order practically everything on the menu and savour every morsel (and this is a woman who is the epitome of self restraint when it comes to food). You never feel rushed so you can sit back and wade through the delectable assortment of dishes at your own pace, and it's all served with piping hot pitta bread to mop up the scrumptious juices. My personal favourites are the meze sausage, calamari, mixed roast vegetables and the lamb kebabs with that authentic Turkish rice that takes me back to a particularly magnificent holiday in Istanbul. Finished off with their Baklava and a cup of steaming apple tea. Perfection. Give Yeni's a try, you will not be disappointed. Lauren x

    Photos
    Yeni Meze Bar - Good flavour!

    Good flavour!

    Yeni Meze Bar

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    Pasha - Donner kebab

    Pasha

    4.0(10 reviews)
    0.4 miOld Town
    £

    I know I have friends all over, but I didn't realise that I had a friend in Pasha until I stepped…read morethrough the door. The prompt greeting from the fellow behind the counter was welcoming, verging on friendly. Seemingly to ensure absolutely -no- confusion on the point of whether or not we were buddies, he referred to me no fewer than half a dozen times as 'my friend' during the ten minutes I spent in the shop. Not bad for never having exchanged names, right? After a brief perusal of the menu board, I opted for a basic donner kebab. Reportedly, they also serve up everything from burgers and chips to pizza to curries. Quite versatile, considering the wee footprint of this takeaway. With my meaty bounty (which barely fit in the styrofoam container!) in tow, I returned to my hotel room to stuff my face before passing out, as one does after four drams of whisky in one night. Though I can't rave much about the meat (it ran a bit on the dry side), Pasha certainly isn't stingy with portions. Even though my last meal was nearly twelve hours prior, I was still only able to get down about half my kebab before raising my white flag in surrender. The combination of freshly toasted pita topped with shaved lamb (presumably) and topped off with salad, a lone wedge of tomato, and a heavy dousing of white sauce left me feeling satisfied and sleepy. And as if you had to ask what I did with the other half of my kebab... it vanished once the sun came up and tasted even better than the night before. Waste not, want not!

    The proprietor is a very friendly Turkish guy. We had an extended conversation while my chicken…read morekabobs were over-cooking on the grill. That was probably MY fault. Nice flavors off the grill, but the chicken was really over-done. I ate it anyway. If he had not over cooked the chicken, I would have easily awarded a 4th star. Only £6. Really great place if you are in need of filling your stomach on a budget.

    Zara's Mediterranean Bistro - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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