Bombay Bistro looks like a lively, modern Indian spot with creative menu twists, strong food quality, and generally good value, though a few diners have flagged uneven service and some side dishes as underwhelming.
Bombay Bistro delivers exceptional food quality with bold seasoning and standout curries and biryani that earn consistent praise from repeat visitors, paired with attentive service that keeps the experience polished. The contemporary dining room elevates the experience beyond a typical high-street curry house, though the pleasant Bruntsfield location reads as convenient rather than destination-worthy, keeping it just short of the very top tier.
Bombay Bistro feels like one of those places locals start whispering about before everyone else catches on: polished, modern, and a little more ambitious than your average curry house. Reviewers keep circling back to the same themes — bright flavors, generous portions, and a dining room that feels calm rather than chaotic. One especially vivid note described the interior as tasteful and free of the usual overdone sparkle, which is a pretty good summary of the room’s appeal. On the food side, this is an Indian kitchen with a playful streak. The menu mixes classic curries and biryanis with Scottish-leaning fusion, tapas-style bites, naan tacos, and a few unexpected house specials. That means it’s a strong fit if you like Indian food with some imagination; if you want only straightforward, old-school curry-house classics, some of the menu may feel a bit adventurous. The upside is that the core cooking seems genuinely solid, with several dishes drawing repeat praise for flavor, tenderness, and balance. Families should do fine here. The menu has obvious child-friendly options like naan, rice, fries, mild chicken dishes, and even ice cream, and at least one review mentioned a child happily eating the chicken bunwich. It is not a dedicated kids’ restaurant, but it has enough familiar food to work well for mixed-age groups — especially if the children are happy with butter chicken, biryani, chips, or plain naan rather than a separate kids’ menu.
Area vibe: Trendy, residential neighbourhood with independent shops, cafes and a relaxed village feel.
Safety: Generally safe with good evening footfall on main streets though quieter on side streets after midnight.
What's nearby: Close to Bruntsfield Links, nearby tram/bus routes, close to central Edinburgh, boutique shops and a lively restaurant stretch on Bruntsfield Place.