Mother India Cafe Edinburgh
Indian tapas
Fiona from Edinburgh
Mother India Cafe is the perfect restaurant for people like me - those who can never make up their mind what to order when eating out.
I was a little dubious when I first heard about an Indian tapas restaurant, it sounded like an unlikely combination but, turns out, it is a phenomenal idea. The cafe is run by the same people who own Mother India in Glasgow (see the Mother India article) offering the same fantastic food but in smaller portions.
It's is always busy with a fun and buzzy atmosphere. Although you might get seated without a reservation it's worth booking if possible as there can be a wait. It's a favourite of mine for people who are new to Indian food as it's a good opportunity to try a selection of dishes, both traditional and more unusual.
It's recommended to get three or four dishes between two people. I would suggest sticking to the lower end of that as the servings can be large and it is always possible to order more food later.
Each time I visit I find a new favourite on the menu, some of the best I've had recently are the chili garlic chicken, patina lamb and the okra and potato bhaji.
The service is always excellent and the staff is more than happy to help when making the decision of what or how much to order.
Edinburgh Spotter Fiona
About this spot
3-5 Infirmary Street
- Mon - Wed 12:00 - 14:00 & 17:00 - 22:30, Thu 12:00 - 22:30, Fri - Sat 12:00 - 23:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:00
Dishes from:
£
3.75
+44
1315249801
Our Edinburgh City Guide
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh
Lochend Park
Birdwatching bounty
"Lochend Park" in Edinburgh is for you if you want a peaceful stroll around a loch (small lake), a gander at a doocot, a dander under mature trees...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Newhaven Harbour
Fish and chips by the sea
Cute, quaint "Newhaven Harbour" is a hidden gem in Edinburg. Try walking around the area - it will take you about an hour...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Starbank Park
Gardens with a view
"Starbank Park" in Edinburgh offers cracking views over the Firth of Forth - it's such a peaceful, beautiful place to sit and sun yourself in the sea air!
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Water of Leith
River through the city
The "Water of Leith" is a river that runs from one side of Edinburgh to the other, and it runs through some of the city's most scenic & interesting sites...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Wardie Bay
Wild swimming in the city
"Wardie Bay" in Edinburgh is a bijou beach on the Firth of Forth and my favourite spot for wild swimming in the city...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Dance Base
Dance your heart out
"Dance Base" is an award-winning building in Edinburgh established to provide classes, workshops & performances. Please do join me in dancing!
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop
Art and good coffee
The "Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop" is a bit of an institution. Going regularly means I can keep up with the artist’s work and enjoy a scone & jasmine tea.
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Dovecot Studios
Watch the weavers at work
The "Dovecot Studios" in Edinburgh were once public swimming baths where I'd swim every morning - now I can have a bird's eye view of weavers & looms...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Granton Hub
Community arts
"Granton Hub" (aka Madelvic House) in North Edinburgh is a community centre in a prosaic, truly historic building with a rich industrial heritage...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Inverleith Park
Green space and games
"Inverleith Park" is kind of a mirror-image of the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens: one is lauded for its unusual trees, the other for its wide-open spaces
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Japanese Garden Lauriston Castle
Peace
"Lauriston Castle" in Edinburgh is fairly well known to tourists, but its Japanese garden is not. All is perfectly balanced here...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Lothian Buses
Hop-on hop-off for less
In Edinburgh, you don't have to get on a tourist bus at all - get a day ticket for the local "Lothian Buses" and you can explore the city for cheap!
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Heading to Edinburgh?
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 138 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Edinburgh
Our team loves Edinburgh
Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh
As featured on:
