A polished New Town bistro delivering refined, seasonally led cooking and standout service at fair food prices, though the wine list skews pricey and noise can spike when busy.
Under The Table delivers refined, seasonal cooking with standout dishes like the celebrated onion tart and confident game preparation, supported by warm, attentive service that enhances the experience. Occasional consistency lapses in execution and a basement setting that can become quite noisy when busy prevent the grade A territory, though the restaurant competes well with New Town's better neighborhood establishments and offers strong value through its prix fixe lunch.
Tucked beneath Dundas Street, this basement room feels cozy yet polished, with a lively hum when full and staff who glide between tables topping up glasses. A diner summed it up as attentive but never intrusive, and when the kitchen is in stride, plates look as good as they taste. Do note that when a big party gets going, the space can tip toward quite noisy. The cooking leans modern bistro with seasonal Scottish produce—more refinement than flash. Think seaweed-buttered cod, an onion tart that regulars rave about, and game handled with confidence; it is elevated traditional rather than theatrical, so expect clean flavors, crisp technique, and smart sauces. Prices for food are fair for New Town, though several guests caution that the wine list feels expensive for casual visits. Families can make this work if kids are flexible eaters: there is no explicit kids menu, but sides like fries and green salad and simpler mains (fish, risotto) can help. If you rely on familiar comfort plates for little ones, plan ahead or consider lunch, where portions and pricing are a bit gentler.
Area vibe: Elegant Georgian terraces in Edinburgh New Town with a mix of galleries, boutiques, and professional offices; draws locals and visitors.
Safety: Well-lit, high-footfall and generally very safe, especially along main streets like Dundas Street.
What's nearby: Close to Princes Street shopping, art galleries on Dundas/Queen Street, and other New Town restaurants and bars.
Onion tart, seaweed-buttered cod, venison and Tarte Tatin are standout picks with menu prices listed.
Expect a polished but lively basement space, limited parking, pricier wines, and a good-value prix fixe lunch.
A cozy, polished basement bistro with a lively hum that can get loud with big groups.