Lively Nepalese-Indian spot with friendly service and standout curries and momos; flavors lean crowd-pleasing over fiery authentic, prices mid-range, auto service charge added.
Solti delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality and outstanding service attentiveness, earning its strong reputation as a neighborhood gem near the museum. Occasional consistency variations and tight seating arrangements prevent grade A territory, though the warm decor, welcoming team, and reliable execution make it competitive with Edinburgh's better dining destinations. Heat-level customization and reasonable pricing enhance the experience for diverse diners.
Solti hums along a Southside Old Town street with warm, colourful decor and a team that guests often describe as genuinely welcoming. Diners talk about plates arriving hot and aromatic—"the biryani with cool raita just hit the spot"—and the room stays busy but relaxed, so booking helps on peak nights. The cooking leans Nepalese-Indian comfort with a modern twist: momos, rich tomato-butter curries, and Indo-Chinese chilli chicken sit alongside veggie haggis and truffle naan. Heat levels skew gentle by default; those chasing deep spice should ask for it. Highlights include the slow-cooked nihari lamb shank and crowd-pleasing butter chicken or tikka masala, though a minority find some sauces sweeter than traditional. Families do fine here. There is no formal kids menu, but naan, rice, butter chicken, and veg or chicken chowmein are easy wins. One guest called the secret garden a cute spot for children. If your crew prefers mild, you are covered; if they crave serious heat, request spicier prep to match expectations.
Area vibe: Historic university-adjacent Old Town corridor with student energy and tourist footfall; casual dining mixed with pubs and cafes.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical Old Town late-evening bustle.
What's nearby: Near National Museum of Scotland and University of Edinburgh buildings; convenient for visitors and students.
Momos, Raja’s Nihari Gohst and Piro Lamb are standout dishes with reasonable add-on breads like black truffle naan.
No dress code but book ahead, watch for a 10% auto service charge and a busy, sometimes loud room after 9pm.
Warm, colourful decor and a busy but relaxed vibe make Solti feel lively and welcoming.