This Junk food ain’t your average delicious food that you know ain’t healthy for you! It’s street food with a conscience that’s crafted and cooked with love and thought. I could seriously eat Junk food everyday!

You might know Junk from the Street Food scene - they’re winners of the Scottish, British and European Street Food Awards, you’d have seen them at the Pitt Street Market when it was open and they are a permanent vendor at the Edinburgh Street Food in the Omni Centre.

And if that weren’t enough, they’ve gone and got themselves a wee home in Newington for their first bar and restaurant which is simply called Junk!

REVIEW OF JUNK bar & restaurant, EDINBURGH

I was not prepared to be blown away! I’d tasted their food at Edinburgh Street Food and it was insanely good, but I like to keep my expectations on an even keel. I knew they’d produce good food, but what I was served was incredible!

They’re bar & restaurant is on South Clerk Street, it’s unassuming inside and out and gives nothing away. However set a foot inside and the staff are lovely, very welcoming, attentive but not in your face.

The menu is simple but this is elevated and sophisticated junk food.

• About A Mouthful - 3 dishes at £5 each

• Sharing’s Caring - 12 dishes, 3 dishes for £32 and they recommend 6 dishes for 2 people so expect to pay £64

• They do have a lunchtime special available, selected dishes, 3 for £25.

We tried the

• Wee Buns of Fun (£5) - white crab, brioche, szechuan

• Better than Gregs (£5) - chicken sausage roll, mango, curry

These 2 ‘starter’ bites set the tone. It sets your tastebuds up for the party that is about to commence, as well as a feast for the eyes.

The szechuan in the Wee Buns of Fun really creeps up on you and makes your mouth tingle but it also creates the need for more.

Greggs have nothing on this Chicken Sausage Roll - sensational and if they sold these in full size, there would be a queue out the door.

We chose 7 of the dishes plus dessert. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully cooked, perfectly balanced; well seasoned with every element carefully placed on the plate to play its part in creating exceptional mouthfuls of food.

1. Legs Like a Duck - confit duck, tattie scone and Hoiracha. Your eyes light up when you see this being delivered to your table. The tattie scone holds this together and I loved the popped rice on top. The textures are the magic in this dish.

2. ‘Mon Ya Bass - stonebass, makhani and onion bahji. I love their play on textures and flavours. The fish was impeccably cooked and I commend the chef in cooking that fish skin to perfection. The onion bahji was crunchy and perfect for mopping up that curry sauce.

3. Monsieur Crab - soft shell crab karaage, gem and yuzu. Crunchy and moreish in all the right places. The lettuce brought a lovely freshness to the dish whilst the yuzu brought the zing.

4. Le Kebab - lamb neck, ezme and tzatziki. Oh this was just downright yum! Pink and tender lamb on a bed of turkish salsa atop a fluffy warm thick flatbread.

5. Do Scallops have Tails? - Orkney scallop, ox tail and onion rings (£3 supplement). Of course I was going to order this, it’s scallop! The ox tail stuffed into the centre of the onion rings was unctuous to the point of umami heaven. The scallop bringing some serious sexy vibes to this plate of food.

6. Moo Point -beef tartare, Hondashi mayo and chilli oil. I’ve not had beef tartare in years, then all of a sudden, I’ve had it 4 times in the last month! It’s making a come back and for good reason, it’s bloody delish! The crackers and the chillies just elevate this dish even more.

7. Forever Blowing Bubbles - bubble and squeak, ham hock and egg. When a dish makes you think of breakfast, then it must be good. The egg was on point, bringing forth a bright yellow runny yolk, but I felt that the ham hock was slightly missing in this dish, however this did not distract you from wanting to devour every morsel.

8. Treacle Tart - milk sorbet and peanut. A good solid dessert. Loved the milk sorbet.

9. The Jaffa - chocolate, blood orange and chai masala. Just think Jaffa Cake but larger with a little spice.

We ordered a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2021. This crisp and refreshing white wine with its vibrant acidity and zesty flavours was a match made in heaven for the hot weather and every dish we ate. Its light body and clean finish made it incredibly easy to drink.

I’ve fallen in love with Junk. The food is outstanding and possibly one of the top restaurants in Edinburgh.

I very highly recommend it and if you were treating yourself and someone special, order everything on the menu!

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT JUNK

• They can cater for gluten free, vegetarian and dairy free on request

• They are not dog friendly

• They have disabled access. The entrance is level with the street and the w/c are on the same floor

Junk Bar & Restaurant, 58 South Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9PS www.wearejunk.co.uk

My Spoon Award : Tartan Spoon 10/10

I was invited by Junk to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.