Best French Bakery in Livingston Village

"What: Edinburgh-born Martin Wishart is one of Scotland’s most famous chefs and this Leith flagship (he has another restaurant on the shores of Loch Lomond) has held a Michelin star since 2001. It’s not hard to see why: neutral furnishings and thick carpets look sleek and suave, though everyone is here for the sophisticated French-accented interpretations of Scottish ingredients, best sampled by first timers from a tasting menu that might include Orkney scallop with Jerusalem artichoke and sweet potato. There’s also a great-value lunch menu."

"Located in the port of Leith and opened in 1999 Martin Wishart has a solid reputation in Edinburgh as being one of the best restaurants in the city. Rather than piecing together your own meal from the extensive menu, it is best to opt for the six-course tasting menu prepared by the chef each evening, there are some variations available, including a vegetarian menu, and a fish menu, so that the dishes cater for a wide audience. If you are drinking have staff pick out wines to pair with each of the dishes."

"I’ve lost count of the number of times we visited Dynamic Earth as we used to have a yearly membership. This is a fantastic place for children (and adults) of all ages. You’ll embark on a journey through time and space where you’ll learn all about our planet earth – how it evolved from the Big Bang to present day."

"It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on a 4DVENTURE around the world. You'll be embarking on the interactive adventure of a lifetime - the lifetime of our planet."

"A post shared by Mary’s Milk Bar (@marysmilkbar) on Jul 5, 2019 at 1:39am PDT. Step back in time and enjoy a freshly made ice-cream at this cosy parlour reminiscent of the traditional National Milk Bars, supported by the Government, that served the British public from the 20’s – 60s’. Mary is a Gelato graduate, having trained at the prestigious Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna, Italy and has worked as a chocolatier for the last five years – we’re impressed!"

"Outside lockdown, Mary’s Milk Bar is unmissable for its fabulous hot chocolate gelato floats. For now, though, we’ll have to make do with her inventive artisan chocolates and cakes, packed full of ever-changing flavours. New for spring is her white chocolate, saffron and nutmeg bar."

"A post shared by Mary's Milk Bar (@marysmilkbar) on Feb 21, 2020 at 1:59am PST. Mary’s Milk Bar is as cute-as-a-button. This quirky parlour serves ice creams, sorbets and chocolates with daily changing flavours that are mixed up every morning."

"This award winning family run bakery has three other outlets in Edinburgh, and is a popular spot for afternoon tea. Serving up a selection of homemade cakes, it’s also a good lunch spot especially if you can grab an outside table on a warm day. Photo: Mimi's Bakehouse"

"Sweet, moist and beautiful to look at, Mimi’s cakes are reasonably priced too – on any day you might chow down on a raspberry chocolate brownie, caramel shortbread or Mars bar crispie whipped up on site. Soups, sandwiches and tarts are available for lunch."

"If you look for a nice place for an afternoon tea, look no further. Mimi’s Bakehouse is the best choice. The freshly prepared sandwiches and mouth-watering cakes are the perfect addition to a good cup of tea."

"Hula started off in Edinburgh as a juice bar but has now turned into so much more. They aim to be an “island in the city” where you can come and relax while enjoying amazing food and drinks that nourish your body at the same time!. They pride themselves on standing by their community and source all their food locally – including the coffee which is roasted here in Edinburgh."

"A post shared by Susan (@susandoherty__) on Nov 16, 2016 at 4:13pm PST. Hula Juice Cafe has a lot more to offer than just juice. Here, you can get a selection of fantastic vegan food, including wraps, bagels, salads, and açaí bowls, to enjoy with your smoothie or nut milk latte."

"Located on the West Bow at the foot of Victoria Street just off The Grassmarket you'll find Hula Juicebar. This is a terrific option for anyone seeking a healthy breakfast in Edinburgh. You'll find great big bowls of porridge, bagels, fresh fruit and loads of tempting beverages."

" This famously laid-back venue recently moved across the cobbled road from its original berth into the premises formerly occupied by Skippers Bistro. ..." Read our full review"

"A post shared by Nomad (@cafe_nomad_) on Feb 15, 2017 at 9:31am PST. Situated just opposite Haymarket station and tram stop, this new kid on the block is already making an impression on the Edinburgh coffee scene. The interior of Nomad gives off definite Victoriana vibes with characteristic white tiled walls, dark wooden counter-tops, artfully mismatched chairs, and a coffee bar with intricate fretwork detailing, which is a piece of art in itself."

"This new little coffee spot nestled right on the corner of Haymarket Street has taken the world by storm with its recent opening and tasty pastries. Its location makes it the prime location for travelers, vegan and gluten-free alike. If you’re in need of a coffee fix and want to watch fellow travelers and locals pass by the corner, settle into one of their stools for a little while."

"Down-to-earth Field offers some very accomplished cooking served up without a hint of pretension. International flavours are to the fore on a one-page menu, though the approach is European. Fun puddings and good-value set menus, too."

"Plant-based, vegan, dairy free: Considerit ticks all the boxes. Grab an iced cinnamon bun or gorgeously gooey Oreo or Biscoff doughnut plus an oat milk latte or vegan ice cream milkshake at this low-key bakery and cafe (all chipboard benches and student vibe) on Edinburgh’s Southside. Before you leave, stock up on their hand-crafted chocolate bars (popcorn, chai spice and smoked sea salt flavours)."

"Located near the Meadows, Considerit is a relatively new addition to Edinburgh’s exciting foodie scene. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, this is one for you as Considerit believe in a plant-based future and therefore all their sweet treats are free from animal products!. Also, their doughnuts, chocolate, and ice cream are all hand crafted on a daily basis."

"Out of the Blue operates out of a former army drill hall that has been transformed into a full-blown cultural hub, playing host to a range of public events and artists’ studios. Their monthly flea market (last Saturday of the month from 10am to 3pm) is an all-ages event with a cornucopia of handcrafted goodies from local artists: bric-a-brac, vintage vinyl, fashion, musical instruments, antiques, furniture and indescribable one-off gems. The in-house social enterprise café keeps shoppers fuelled with seasonal snacks and organic baking."

"I went to the Queen’s Gallery instead, which showcases a small subset of the art that is found within the royal, private collection. ***For the Queen’s Gallery, tickets are £7.00 for adults, £6.40 for adults over 60 or students (with valid ID), £3.50 for children under 17 or the disabled, and children under 5 are free.The Queen’s Gallery is open daily from 9:30 am – 6:00 pm."

"The Queen's Gallery, located in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in November 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Now, it hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. A worthwhile stop on a visit to the Royal Mile."

"The Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queens Gallery lie at the east end of The Royal Mile, opposite the Scottish Parliament. The visit is best achieved by taxi, local bus service from Waverley Bridge or tour bus. Walking takes around 15 minutes from Waverley Station."

"The lunch menu at Bell’s Diner has barely changed in 40 years, but why change a winning formula?. This cute little diner on the corner of St Stephen Street has been serving up gourmet burgers long before the likes of Byron got in on the act. Its steaks are also excellent and come with a choice of five sauces (go for the garlic butter), while the large hot fudge sundae pancakes are legendary in these parts."

"Housed in a converted warehouse and serving a menu that’s about as far removed from stereotypical Scottish cooking as imaginable, Tapa has earned itself a loyal following among in-the-know residents in Leith. Its take on Spanish tapas dishes provides a break from the norm: there are melt-in-your-mouth ribs, and the chef’s mother offers her own recipe for venison stew that’s not to be missed."