Leith’s Raising the Steaks

I love a good steak, it’s usually the first thing I look for on the menu. It’s something that you can so easily get wrong and very rarely (pun intended) get spot on. I’ve lost count of the number of steaks I’ve had over the years and a lot of the time they just end up mediocre (although mediocre steak is always better than no steak at all).

On that note I thought I would put together a top 3 of my favourite places for steak in Leith. It’s probably worth pointing out that I like my steaks rare – medium, however if they can do rare well then the rest should be a piece of cake.

The Constitution

I’ve had a number of fantastic steaks in the constitution since it opened a few years back. In terms of overall dining experience I have to say it’s varied greatly – from top class service (most of the time) to no service whatsoever, including one unfortunate evening when the chef decided enough was enough and legged it in the middle of his shift, queue rock solid frozen desserts and general panic among the staff. Hey, we all have bad days right?

The steak however is generally excellent, although I used to opt for the sirloin and they recently reduced their menu and it would appear this is no longer available, sad face. It’s on the list to take another trip down to the constitution soon for a full review covering the new menu and try out the flat iron steak which I’ve been told is also very good.

I really like the atmosphere in The Constitution, it’s very laid back, easy listening music, friendly bar staff and transition from table to comfy sofa after eating for a cocktail or two is a winner. They have a good cocktail menu with a few of their own twists on classics. It also has a massive screen for lovers of the beautiful game (usually with the sound down and music on) which makes it a perfect place to take the missus when you know there’s an evening game on and you can faux surprise when you arrive “oh, I didn’t realise that was on tonight” . So I’ve been told.

The Compass

This place has received mixed reviews from what I’ve seen online but my personal experience has always been very good, it’s not Michelin star food by any stretch but it does offer a small varied menu which usually includes a steak cut and also has a strong selection of beverages (including current fav Innis & Gunn). The last steak I had in here was excellent, rump steak (medium). It was cooked to perfection and although not a huge cut was certainly sufficient, it came with the usual suspects of chips and salad and I opted for the peppercorn sauce. One of the best steaks I’ve had recently and great value for money, prices pretty much what you would expect for good quality pub grub.

The Leith Beer Co. (previously The Waterline)

One of my favourite spots in Leith, recently underwent a makeover when it changed from The Waterline to The Leith Beer Co. Thankfully the excellent food, selection of beers and lagers (Innis & Gunn on draught!) and friendly staff remained along with an upgraded interior. In terms of the food I would say it’s very much no nonsense but in a good way! Big portions of tasty food, no pretentious portions on offer here. I have been in twice recently and opted both times for the 16oz Rump Steak, cooked medium rare with two, yes two fried eggs on top. You can also choose from cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce, peppercorn or mushroom sauce. I think it’s fair to say I’m no stranger to putting away a lot of food (proud owner of a “I survived the Sopranos big mixed grill” T-shirt) however I have to say after a starter even I was pushed to finish off this beast of a main course. Portion size aside though this is one of the best cooked steaks I’ve had and is my current favourite from the three mentioned here. For the icing on the cake they also offer what is easily the best dessert I have ever experienced: Millionaire Shortbread Cheesecake; described on the menu as: Indulgent cheesecake with a layer of caramel and chocolate on a shortbread base. Which I don’t think does it justice to be fair, if you like extremely rich desserts like me then you will love this bad boy. In fact it’s been a good few weeks since my last visit, I’m off to book a table.

Stay tuned for updates over the next few months.

Cheers, him.