The Magnum

Price guide: Mid-range

1 Albany Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3PY

Price guide: Mid-range

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By Alison Craig, your Edinburgh expert

I write for BBC radio, The Scotsman, .... Read more
#33 of 40
expert-rated restaurants in Edinburgh
Expert overall rating:4.2 out of 5
Food and drink:
4.2
4.2
Ambience:
4.5
4.5
Service:
4.5
4.5
Location:
3.6
3.6
Value for money:
4.1
4.1
Recommended for:
Business travellers, Singles, Nightlife, Relaxation

Expert review of The Magnum

Last updated 29 October 2010

A bar and restaurant that is well worth a visit.

The Magnum is great neighbourhood restaurant with a very loyal following. Chris Graham, the charming proprietor, is a natural caterer and makes sure everyone is having a good time. As soon as you walk in you feel the warmth of a genuinely lovely staff and comfortable welcoming place.

Food and drink: 

Great simple food, fresh ingredients, prepared to order. Simple as that. The menu changes daily and there is a good bar here too, so it ticks a few boxes. The fish and chips is a cracker of a dish, and the cullen skink and ribeye steak are firm favourites. These are available at both lunch and dinner and, to quote the restaurant. "if we took them off the menu there would be a riot!"

Recommended dishes: 

The vegetarian haggis, neeps and tatties with whisky cream is delicious and a great way to introduce yourself to the national dish if you can't quite face the meaty traditional version. My personal favourite is the salad nicoise, though, which starts a soft boiled egg atop a healthy slab of fresh tuna with all the trimmings.

Ambience: 

Fire roars in the winter, the bar has a Cheers feel to it and the dining area, though painted in dark colours, is far from oppressive - it is more cocoon like. It's a great place to wile away a good few hours.

Service: 

Friendly, helpful, casual.

Location: 

On the edge of the New Town on the corner of Albany Street and Dublin Street,  easy to get to from St Andrews Square and George Street with a good al fresco area if the weather allows.

Price advice: 

The set price two-course lunch is £10.95, three courses £12.95. If you go off plan, expect to pay £21.95 for a big steak. Other main courses average at £15.

Tables to book: 

Outside in the summer, if you're brave enough. If you stay inside, go for a window table.

More information on The Magnum:

Price guide:
Mid-range
Type:
Bar, Bistro, Pub
Food:
British, Fusion, Traditional
Address:
1 Albany Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3PY
Telephone:
0131 557 4366
Serves:
Lunch, Dinner
Opening times:
Mon–Sat noon–2.30pm and 5.30–10pm; Sun 10am–6pm
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Reservations:
Suggested
Free tags / Keywords:
local produce, owner run, friendly, Wine

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