Skua

Skua offers a charming and intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a romantic date night. The carefully curated selection of plates, though not extensive, delighted our taste buds with bursts of exquisite flavors. The exceptional food was complemented by an impressive array of beverages, with the cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders who seemed to have a touch of magic, perfectly harmonizing with the dishes we savored.

+1

Just wow! Where do I start?! Michelin star quality small plates, in the cosiest of settings. Dark walls lit by candlelight accompanied by the coolest of soundtracks. Service and staff couldn’t be better. 10/10. The trout and Lamb is a must, and the desert was immense! Book! you won’t be disappointed. We should have taken more photos, but too busy enjoying ourselves.

We were very excited to check this place out with a Bib Gourmand distinction. It’s tucked away in a basement space. I liked how intimate it was, there’s probably only about 7 tables total. The menu is small but has a lot of delicious options. We picked a few plates to share and it got better and better with each course. My favorite was the market fish. All the flavors were perfect! Our waiter was very friendly and attentive as well. I would love to come back when the menu rotates again!

+2

In a tiny cubby hole on St. Stephen Street in Edinburgh is this mind blowing dining adventure. The space is so tiny but it gives the diner such an intimate experience. Dark and candlelit. The food was spectacular. Everything I tried was so delicious. And the wine was phenomenal. The service was above and beyond. So personal right as I entered. Friendly and engaging. One of the servers even took a moment to sit and visit as I was from Canada. I cannot say enough. Wow! 5 x 🍲🍲🍲🍲🍲

+6

Service is outstanding - waiters are so friendly and attentive! For food, the aged cheddar panisse was a standout. It was our first dish to come out, and after our remaining dishes came out, we were still thinking about the panisse and ordered a second serving. The pink fir potato dish was creative and paired many delightfully unexpected flavors (walnut cream, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto, not to mention the earthiness of the pink fir potatoes themselves). However, some of the potato cubes were slightly undercooked, while others were perfect. That was probably the only dish that wasn't executed at the caliber I would've expected. The chanterelles with coddled egg were perfect in texture: an abundance of autumnal comfort. The garlicky and cheesy take on beef tartare also suited the could and rainy weather well. Overall, worth the price for a night of fine dining.

+3

Highly recommend! Really cozy vibe, The food is just amazing, we loved everything we shared, loved the fish dishes. The cocktails are really really good too. Service is perfect, professional and friendly!

Small but perfectly executed menu, cooked with skill and imagination. The staff are super freindly and knowledgeable. Cocktails are great too. Highly recommend.

Fantastic in every sense. Small restaurant serving very interesting and most importantly delicious food. Lovely atmosphere great staff. They even made a mini version of the mushrooms for us so we could taste it Thanks so much highly recommended

Amazing food and cocktails! This place is great even for special occasions. It offers small plates menu which is good for sharing. They recommend ordering around 5-6 dishes for two people. They have a small selection of house cocktails and some wines, too. Given the good quality of cocktails and a pretty small selection of wines I’d recommend going with the cocktails - they are not just basic twists on the classics but go beyond that. Luchadoras cocktail was amazing, one of the best ones I’ve tried in a while. The Damn Fine Cherrypie was very good too, although it had a bit less sophisticated taste. Red Hackle was probably the next on the stack ranked list - it was nice as well. The Quincy was a bit below my expectations - the balance in that one was a bit off even though I am a fan of Mezcal. The brioche for the start was great - it was soft and warm and buttery - just what you want. The beef short rib was just amazing and probably my favourite dish of the night. Super balanced, tender and juicy. The leek with hazelnut and anchovy was a nice discovery as well. It was super balanced too, nothing was shouting in that dish and overall was delicious. The venison was fine and cooked properly although I expected more. The beef tartare was a probably an unfortunate hiccup since it was clearly too salty but the staff were able to correct the hiccup and excluded it from the bill and it did not affect the overall experience. They only had one dessert - ginger/clementine mousse/sorbet and it was pretty average to me. Overall, it’s a great place and well deserves to be on the Michelin guide. I’d love to be back some day

+6

Skua in Stockbridge is a refined neighbourhood favourite that shines with creative small plates, seasonal Scottish ingredients, and a relaxed yet polished vibe. With a Michelin Bib Gourmand under its belt, this isn’t your average local haunt, it’s where you go to treat yourself, not fill up fast. Dishes are beautifully crafted and ideal for sharing, but portions are petite and thoughtful rather than hearty. If you're feeling famished or on a tighter budget, it's worth knowing that a meal here can easily tip over £100 for two without drinks. Skua leans into experience, flavour, and finesse, so come when you’re ready to savour, not scoff. A perfect pick for birthdays, date nights, or when you're craving elevated dining with a side of Stockbridge charm. We had a most enjoyable evening and dined on Sourdough & Coppa - Soft, chewy, buttery perfection with melt-in-the-mouth cured meat. A dreamy start. Panisse + Cheddar + Pickled Walnut - Delectable little rectangles of savoury heaven. Comfort food, but make it posh. Beef Tartare Brilliance - Delicate, precise, and packed with flavour. A minimalist beauty. Lamb - Pink, juicy, wild garlic-kissed. Dish of the night. No contest. Two Desserts, No Regrets - Sweet: light and floral. Savoury: big on flavour, could do with a visual glow-up. Service? Utterly charming. There’s a laid-back, attentive vibe that suits the setting knowledgeable without being stiff, chatty without overstaying the welcome. Dishes arrive as and when they’re ready, keeping the flow relaxed and the pacing refreshingly unfussy. My top tip? Share everything. Order a few dishes to kick things off, maybe a snack or two and one of the larger plates then take stock, chat, sip something delightful (the cocktails are properly impressive, by the way), and order more if you fancy. It keeps things flexible and avoids that awkward “do we all eat or wait?” shuffle.

+6

If a restaurant has a Michelin "Bib" it's always a useful hint, and Skua more than deserves it. It is a very small basement restaurant, very cosy. The staff is hilarious and the food absolutely delicious. Many chefs aim for a Michelin plate or star, that's why I always look for the Bibs. They're not over the top but always have that little something that makes it special. Skua has that. You just want to order everything again and again and again....

+1

Such a great vibe. Food was ace and the staff were all genuinely lovely without being fussy. Smoked Eel and Barra Cockles both highlights. Really interesting cocktail menu that has all the right kind of attitude. Anywhere with a tribute to David Lynch is tops in my book. Definitely recommended.

+3

Small exquisite restaurant in a quiet neighborhood, away from all the tourists! Everything we tried was excellent! The fried chicken was amazing as well as other small plates we tried. Cocktails were so creative…the Kim’s Chi cocktail was perfectly mixed if you like something savory that’s not a dirty martini.

+2

Met a friend here for a Tuesday dinner. Very cool vibe, friendly relaxed staff and fabulous food and amazing wine selection. We arrived at 6.30 and next thing we knew it was 10PM. Hidden gem for casual fine dining.

If you want to have a nice time and enjoy some unique food, then definitely try Skua. From the moment you enter the venue you’ll be greeted by some very friendly staff. The atmosphere is also lovely and cosy. I really loved the lamb dish (the only thing I would say is that I wish the meat was a bit more tender!). Thanks for a nice experience!

+2

I couldn’t be happier with my experience at Skua. As a solo diner, occasionally I get the sense that I’m inconveniencing the restaurant and staff by taking up a table. The staff at Skua made me feel like a priority from the moment I walked through the door until I walked out. The service was phenomenal in every way, with the individualized pacing from course to course being a highlight. The staff slowed the pace of my service purely based on observation of my slower-than-typical eating speed. The food was impeccable. I ordered 3 courses plus dessert and a cocktail — each of which was completely wonderful. I’m not one to enjoy raw seafood, but the cured sea trout with taramasalata changed my attitude on the subject. I was blown away by the asparagus. And the fried chicken? Perfection. Thank you, Skua, for a memorable dining experience. If I’m ever back in Edinburgh, I will certainly be returning.

+5

Absolutely stunning dining experience with Skua as always. I have had the pleasure of going a few times now, they always have a fantastic and well thought out menu that changes regularly, so you can keep coming back and trying new things. Excellent attention to detail in every aspect of the restaurant, atmosphere is lovely. Wine list was also excellent and server made great recommendations for dish pairings. Really can’t recommend enough, some of the best food you’ll get in edinburgh. Very much looking forward to trying the tasting menu next time.

We had a great time dining here! The restaurant just opened (sister restaurant to Heron) and the food was delicious. Our favourites were the pork sando and the dessert. I didn’t get many good photos because I ate everything too quickly :) Great cocktails too.

All 5 of us were blown away by this place. The food and drinks are top class, served by genuine, down to earth, approachable, friendly and relaxed staff in a stylish and trendy setting. The menu is small and thoughtful and the dedication, love and passion from the kitchen team is overwhelmingly apparent on the plate. The finest ingredients showcased with elite skills and originality. We let them know in advance about the pesky vegan in our group and the chef created some of the best food our vegan had ever eaten. The cocktails and wine list match the excellence of the kitchen with some mysterious mixtures and creative genius. Keep up the good work 💪❤️😎

Imaginative small plates ideal for sharing, brilliantly executed. We particularly liked Brill, beef tartar, pork laab, and (surprisingly) the miso and ginger sticky-toffee-pudding.

Had a great meal here while visiting Edinburgh. Everything was delicious but the chicken and the tartare were a standout. Cocktails were also really good. Staff were super lovely and overall had a good time here.

Gorgeous fresh food full of flavour. Lovely staff. Completely painted black inside takes you away from the outside world for a couple of hours. Delicious wine too.

Simply a Michelin star in waiting. Fabulous food, warm hospitality & a thoughtful wine list. Go before it’s famous, then go again.

This is a fabulous new addition to the neighbourhood. The food and drinks are great. Yummy fried chicken and pisco sour? I couldn’t ask for anything more - see you guys next week!

Absolute standout on our 2 week trip of Ireland and Scotland. This would be my top recommendation if you do nothing else in Edinburgh. Our waiter Fraser and the rest of the staff were absolutely lovely. The wines were delicious, (c’est la vie Spanish white wine was phenomenal) every dish was incredible, perfectly cooked, seasoned. I’d trust went dish they made to be amazing. I think we may try to go again before we leave.

A more casual and cool place. Loved all the food and interesting cocktails. Quite lively in there when we went with friends.

Our favourite meal in Edinburgh. Local ingredients and great service. Highly recommend!

My partner and I had a fantastic meal here to celebrate our anniversary. The atmosphere is cool, casual, and relaxed but still feels special. The staff were welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions and share details about the food and drinks without overdoing it. The menu offers a good variety of small plates and drinks, all carefully considered. The brill was the standout for me — rich, buttery and well balanced, with a subtle smoky char, cooked to perfection. It brought to mind summer barbecues and is definitely a dish I’ll think about often. Had I known how much I’d enjoy it, I would have ordered it twice! The panisse and cured trout are also worth mentioning. We also visited their knife shop, Messer, just across the street beforehand. The owner was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to guide me through several options to help find a suitable knife to my needs. She was patient and offered thoughtful, no-pressure advice. Clearly very passionate owners — both spots are ideal for anyone serious about quality!

Had a wonderful anniversary dinner at Skua last night. The food, service and atmosphere were all wonderful. We had 6 things from the menu and it left very satisfied. Portion sizes were exactly as you'd expect for this sort of food, Small-ish but glorious. Everything was shared and the suggested 5/6 plates between two was a good amount (we had a second beef tartare over pudding as it was so good). The cocktail menu was great, too. Also a fan of their knife shop, messer, over the road and excited to try their other places. Thanks so much for a lovely meal. I forgot to take pictures, which is testament to how good a time we had to be honest.

Lovely staff, good vibe, cosy. Cocktails are great, food is delicious only comment is that it's not clear how big the plates are or that they will come out when ready, not like starter, main. We ordered 3 small and 2 large and we ended up with a bit too much food for 2! But managed! Everthing was great, he monkfish and kale was standout and steak tartare too.

My partner booked this as a surprise meal for me as he knew it had been on my list for a while. It was cosy, lovely and intimate. The cocktails were amazing, the wine was delicious and the food we had was incredible. I drop one star because as a vegetarian there was only two things on the menu I could eat the evening we went and one was bread. So it was an expensive and not very filling meal for me. If you like your meat and seafood though, I’m sure you’d love this place as much as my partner did.

Our favourite dish was the venison tartare. It was extremely well balanced and the flavours were layered well from the aromatic chives, the complexity of the venison meat and the neutrality of the artichoke base. Even the acidity was well balanced. Recommended. Another recommendation is the sourdough was crusty on the outside and pillowy on the inside. As for the other dishes, some of the components seemed out of place, like the flowers on the pheasant, the thick cabbages and under charred, under flavoured fish dishes. They didn’t go really well together.

+6

Pleasant, friendly staff. Some courses good but others not that exciting. Note the toilets are outside under the stairs and are tiny. Atmosphere is dark and moody. Fried chicken is the best course. Followed by the steak. Bread didn't taste that fresh but the accompanying butter was very good.

+2

A Michelin Bib restaurant, with great tapas like dishes. Delicious light meals, with friendly staff. Make a reservation in advance as they seem to be booked.

Atmosphere: Interior walls are painted flat black and tables and bench seats are also flat black. Few small colorful prints on walls without frames completely out of place. Loud fast rock music played making it hard to hear. Bathrooms are tiny, outside the restaurant, under the stairs, painted flat black, with almost no lights. It’s a dark and not a pretty restaurant. Service: Service was awkward and weird and waiter pushed us to order 6 small plates. Not friendly, fun, or easy. Food: surprisingly good. We ordered sourdough bread (£6), 4 oysters covered in oil and salt (£25), sea trout covered in strawberry juice (£17), mussels in butter, white wine, and egg whites (£18), thin sliced salami (£12), and venison (£30). Two glasses of OK wine from wine board list (£23). No vegetables on the menu. None. The servings were quite small but the mussels, sea trout and venison were delicious. So if you want sea trout, mussels, and venison in a small, dark, basement restaurant, go. We’re not coming back.

I was hopeful, based on the reviews of this restaurant, but the experience fell flat. While the presentation and plating of the food was well done, the overall taste left something to be desired. We ordered several dishes: bread w/cultured butter, cheddar panisse, beetroot & radicchio, market fish and the lamb. The cut of lamb we received was mostly fat, and the beetroot dish was missing acidity. That being said, the fish was cooked well and was enjoyed. Unlike other patrons, we didn’t receive much of a detailed rundown of the menu offerings nor were we offered wine pairing suggestions, which is what Ive come expect at a restaurant with this style of dining, at this price point. However, our server was very friendly and welcoming. Overall, it was a pleasant enough experience but not a place I’ll be returning.

I really wanted to like this place due to reviews. The reality was a bit underwhelming. The main menu is so small, it's hard to order 4-5 plates to share with something that matches. The options for main food (if you take out the snacks) are 6 and one of them was not available on the day. The wine and cocktails list was 2x bigger than the food menu. For a bar it would be ok, but for a restaurant i don't think it is. The food was tasty, but nothing special that would justify the price. I would have preferred my wine to be served in a wine glass rather than a vermouth glass and for the cutlery to be clean. Restaurant is extremely small and the toilets are outside under a staircase. They were really tight and smelly. The staff is really great, and big thanks to Fraser, our waiter who was so knowledgeable and funny. Overall, we had a good night but i wouldn't come back. There are much better places in Edinburgh for that price.

Very over priced for quite average dishes. Expect small plates with overinflated prices - a dish made of a shallot onion was £14 & a tiny piece of fish with potatoes was £28. We left very underwhelmed by this place - nice wine & vibe but overall not worth it.

Been a couple times now and usually have a great time , this most recent visit was extremely disappointing. Very expensive for what it was, tiny portions of mostly seafood. didn't feel like value for money. Got the feeling staff didn't think we 'got' what they're doing. we did, it just wasn't great.

The worst restaurant I’ve ever been to. Grossly overpriced and awful food. £23 for 2 chicken wings is shocking profiteering. All we could do was laugh when a few slices of under seasoned tomatoes arrived that we paid £14 for. Bread was stale (and overpriced), olives were from a jar (and overpriced). The only saving grace were the oysters, which were fresh and… reasonably priced. The ambience is nice, staff are friendly but the food was laughable and the price left us feeling completely robbed.