Archie Eats

Tag: Scotland

  • Aki—Edinburgh

    Aki—Edinburgh

    Sappari! Where Japanese Flavours Break the Mold.

    Taste – 6.8/10

    Atmosphere – 7.0/10

    Service – 8.4/10

    Value – 7/10 (For dinner definitely)

    179 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4DG

    Udon, ramen, katsu—words that echo the soul of Japanese cuisine. In the UK though? I’ll admit, they don’t usually spark much excitement for me. But passing by Aki every morning on my way to uni, curiosity got to me. Tucked between a row of buzzing restaurants, it’s easy to overlook. With its clean, minimalist aesthetic and just a handful of tables, it feels like the kind of place made for quiet catch-ups or a low-key dinner date.

    The place was glowing—not just from the sunlight, but from the waitress beaming like she’d just won the lottery. Somewhere between joyful and mildly unhinged, her energy somehow made the whole space feel weirdly comforting. She also dropped a little culinary gem: Sappari—a Japanese word meaning refreshed or relieved. According to her, it perfectly captures the essence of what Aki aims to serve.

    Oolong tea? Check. Ordered immediately, because nothing pairs better with Japanese food than that light, floral goodness that refreshes the palate without interrupting the delicate flavours. The menu was stacked—donburi, udon, curries, even a few Western twists thrown in. Perfect for picky eaters looking to dip a toe into the world of Japanese cuisine without full commitment (speaking to you—parents with chicken nugget children).

    I went with the Onsen noodle and Katsudon, plus a side of karaage chicken and miso soup. No real rhyme or reason for choosing the Onsen noodles, other than the fact it sounded weird and quirky… and it absolutely delivered. The tenkasu—those crispy batter bits—initially added a satisfying crunch, like Rice Krispies. But the magic faded fast; left to lounge too long, they turned into mushy little sponges. Still, the broth was a winning blend of sweet and salty, rich with soy sauce that hit all the umami notes. And the udon? Perfectly cooked—none of that rubbery Wagamama stuff. It tasted fresh, with just the right amount of bite. Karaage chicken—tender, juicy, and my personal poultry soulmate. The trouble is, most places serve it up the same. Which is great… but also weirdly disappointing when you’re hoping for a twist. Still, paired with a palate-cleansing sip of miso soup, the chicken delivered its full flavour drama. And honestly? I’d happily relive that crispy-soft combo all over again.

    Price-wise, it’s a win—just £15 for dinner, drink included, and zero regrets. If you’re craving something beyond the usual sushi spread and want a laid-back vibe, this place nails it

  • Toasted – Edinburgh

    Toasted – Edinburgh

    Melted Magic in Every Bite – Edinburgh’s Toastie Game Changer!

    104 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4ES

    Taste – 7.8/10

    Atmosphere – 6.7/10

    Service – 8.8/10

    Value – 7.6/10

    Toasted has been giving me the eye from across the street for months now. Tucked into the lively sprawl of Bruntsfield, elbowing for space among the artisan coffee joints, it has carved out something rare: a genuinely thoughtful coffee and toastie spot. Not just another café with a panini press, but a place with actual intent—something you don’t stumble across often in Edinburgh, no matter how many oat milk flat whites you’ve had.
    With its bold TOASTED signage slapped across the front like it’s shouting over the noise of Bruntsfield, and a line-up of homemade cakes practically winking at you from the window, there’s no confusion about what’s on offer. It’s toasties. It’s coffee. It’s cake. And it’s not pretending to be anything else.
    Family-run by a couple and their daughter, it offers a friendly, relaxed environment to enjoy either a takeaway with a pleasant chat or a cosy sit-down in practically their living room, with tight-nit tables and a massive window beaming with sunlight.

    From humble ‘classic melts’ to the bold and indulgent ‘signature melts’, there’s a toastie for every taste bud. But let’s be real—if you’re ordering a plain ham and cheese, you might as well stay home and let your toaster handle the mediocrity. The real action is in the signature melts: ‘The New Yorker’ brings pastrami and mustard together like a deli daydream; ‘The Spicy Fajita One’ cranks up the heat with jalapeños, chicken, and salsa; ‘The Bruntsfield Stack’ stacks up ham hock and chicken pesto like it’s building a flavour skyscraper; and ‘The Highlander’ goes full Scottish with haggis and peppercorn sauce—because why not? These toasties show the uniqueness and why Toasted has been one of my favourite lunchtime meals.

    Each toastie comes with its own signature dip—think of it as the pizza crust dipping craze, but toastie-style. (Italians would probably disapprove, and honestly, same.) Choose from guacamole, sweet chilli, spicy sauce, classic ketchup, or creamy mayo. If you’re in it for maximum flavour and getting your moneys worth, guacamole’s the real MVP—cool, creamy, and refreshingly perfect with every bite.

    The Bruntsfield Stack takes the crown when it comes to indulgent, greasy satisfaction. You simply can’t beat the rich harmony of freshly made pesto, melty cheese, tender chicken, and savoury pork—it’s the kind of flavour combo that wraps you in warmth, like your favourite jumper on a chilly winter day. And while guacamole does a decent job cutting through the richness, it’s the sweet chilli that really brings the zing, turning each bite into a fiery little celebration.

    For just £8.50, you’re treated to a generously sized toastie absolutely packed with fresh, flavourful ingredients—and that’s before the student discount kicks in. It’s hard to believe something this satisfying comes at such a bargain. From the first bite to the last, every element feels carefully crafted to comfort and fuel you for the day ahead. The experience is nothing short of delightful, leaving you not only full, but feeling like you’ve been wrapped in a warm hug. No downsides. Just great food, great value, and great vibes.