Ardfern

Ardfern is simply outstanding. We loved it so much we went twice during our trip, and each visit was unforgettable. The food is FABULOUS—creative, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. Sharing 5–6 dishes was more than enough, and every plate felt like a work of art. The service is just as remarkable. Attentive, warm, and genuinely invested in making the evening special. The wine selection is fantastic, and here’s the part that truly sets Ardfern apart: after returning to NYC, I called to ask about a wine we’d enjoyed. Victoria not only remembered me, but took the time to send the exact wine we had. That kind of care and personal touch is rare—it’s service at its very best. The location and atmosphere are equally wonderful, making Ardfern a must-visit in Edinburgh. Just be sure to make reservations—you’ll want to experience this gem for yourself.

I first visited Little Chart Room and loved the wine so much that I went back to buy a bottle. The atmosphere was so inviting that I decided to return for a proper meal with wine. Overall, the staff were friendly and extremely knowledgeable, offering professional guidance in choosing the right wine. However, the food was quite salty across all courses. Additionally, the table was only reserved for 1 hour and 45 minutes, and the dishes came out so slowly that we didn’t even have time for dessert. I think they should allow more time per table so guests can fully enjoy the food and wine at a relaxed pace.

I think it's finally time to type up my Ardfern Review... Sensational to start! We have been twice (the photos below are from both visits) and it truly blew our minds both times. The second you walk in, you're immediately no longer in Edinburgh. There is an air of chic, London vibe that immediately makes itself very apparent. The interiors are stunning yet relaxed, and everything just feels cool. Also, quick honourable mention to the mismatched dish-ware which is my favourite thing ever!!! Both times, we ordered the lamb sausage rolls and just... wow. The homemade brown sauce is truly sensational and it is such an inventive twist on a classic. We also got the rosties with feta and spinach on top and they were also so yummy. Both times, we got the polenta and just truly do yourself a favour and try it. It is such a flavour bomb and satiates a salty-girl craving. We tried the oysters with carrot hot sauce and those were great, as well as the babaganouj flatbread. The courgette flower fritters are also deliciously addictive, with a homemade romesco and some hot honey (?), so so so good!!!! Star of the show both times is obviously the smashburger!! it is truly delectable, no notes! It def feels inspired by the film 'The Menu', but it adds such a coolness to the menu and shows the ability to have all these lovely inventive dishes but something still as simple as a smash cheese burger (It was sensational both times, don't let the simplicity of the idea draw you back, it is THE BEST burger in the city trust me). For dessert, both times we went it was the chocolate cheesecake with black cherries and I STILL think about it all the time. Such a show stopper!! I'm excited to go again soon and see how the menu has changed and developed :) While the food was exquisite, it is critical to mention how incredible the front of house team is! All the waitstaff are so lovely and so cool, knowing exactly when to attend to you and when to let you chill out. They made sure your experience at Ardfern is memorable, and I do believe that you can see the chef Roberta hall standard throughout this experience. Do yourself a favour and try this absolute firecracker of a restaurant!

Sunday lunch with hash browns instead of roast potatoes needs to become a thing. Like, yesterday. Absolutely fantastic food. Great wine at reasonable prices per the glass. Can’t wait to return.

I had the best meal of my life so far here at the weekend! Lovely service and atmosphere on top of incredible food. We had the oysters with the hot carrot dip, the prawn toast, the duck liver parfait, the Sunday roast, doughnuts to finish and house red to wash it all down. Whenever someone has asked me what the best meal of my life has been, I’ve never had an answer - have had the privilege of eating a ton of amazing food over my life, but nothing has really stuck out. That has now changed. Thank you, Ardfern!

Fantastic flavours individual and combined components. The chef and staff really know what they’re doing and the easy, casual setting is great, too. Hats off to the team - food was 10/10. Highly recommend!

Amazing food and fantastic service. We had the vegetarian set menu, which was super delicious and inventive. Great selection of wines and drinks and lovely staff made it a really special visit.

The restaurant is very cute and I would recommend the fries and courgette flatbread (so so so delicious). However, the burger was a complete let-down and the service was, for lack of a better word, bad. It ruined the atmosphere for me, which sucked because I was really looking forward to trying this place. I’d say we caught them at a bad time but the place was nearly completely empty. I’d also recommend going for brunch (which I didn’t do) because the menu looked a lot more appetizing. Overall: some very taste things, some not so good, just didn’t feel worth it for the bad service and price.