The Shore has a new-comer and I think it’s here to stay! Welcome to Mara which is Gaelic for Sea. Very appropriately named being located opposite the River of Leith.

This spot has seen numerous transformations over the years. It was most recently known as Innis and Gunn's Leith Taproom and before that, it was The Leith Beer Co, and Finn & Bear.

Leith has become synonymous with a hip and trendy lifestyle, frequently topping the lists of the best places to live. However, despite its vibrant appeal, it feels like the area's bars, cafes, and restaurants primarily cater to the younger, hipster crowd. This focus leaves a gap in the market, with limited options for the older population (I’m talking people in mid to late 30’s plus, who are semi-settled) who seek spaces that cater to their preferences, and this is the gap that I find Mara have filled.

When I dined here, I was struck by the relaxed and easy-going atmosphere. The place was filled with couples and groups of friends enjoying good food and nice glasses of wine. The music played at a low volume, creating a backdrop that added to the ambiance without overpowering conversations. It was the kind of place where you could unwind, savouring both the culinary delights and the company of those around you.

While there is outdoor seating available, it’s the inviting warmth from inside that truly draws you in, especially on these cooler autumn nights (no doubt the outdoor area will be jumping come Summer time). The gentle glow from the interior creates a cosy, welcoming atmosphere that beckons you to escape the chill. It's the perfect refuge, with the warmth and ambiance inside promising comfort and a delightful dining experience.

There is an abundance of seating options, with the bar split into two levels. We opted for the high tables at the front, conveniently located near the bar area. The chairs were comfortable, making it all too easy to settle in and extend our stay. With the inviting atmosphere and the convivial buzz from the bar, it felt like a place where time slows down, encouraging you to linger and savour the experience a bit longer.

Their drinks menu offers a delightful array of choices, with a distinctly Scottish twist. You'll find cleverly named cocktails like The Pictish Beast and The Faerie, each promising a unique blend of flavours that reflect the rich heritage of the region. Wine enthusiasts can savour a selection of excellent white, red, and orange wines, while beer lovers can enjoy a variety of local and international brews. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, there are innovative No & Lo beverages that don't compromise on taste.

During our visit, we indulged in the Nessie £10 cocktail, crafted with Lind & Lime Gin—a refreshing and perfectly balanced drink that truly hit the spot. For a non-alcoholic treat, the Bramble £8.50 mocktail with 0% Tanqueray Gin was a delightful surprise, offering all the complexity of a classic cocktail without the alcohol. And for the wine aficionados, the Five Ravens Pinot Noir £7.15 provided a smooth, elegant finish to our evening, with its rich and inviting flavours. The drinks menu truly has something for everyone, making it a perfect complement to the exceptional food offerings.

The menu is succinct yet thoughtfully curated, catering perfectly to both those with a hearty appetite and those who prefer to nibble while they sip their drinks. The standout feature is undoubtedly the Sharing Plates.

The Charcuterie Board, priced at £30, showcases a selection of three Scottish IJ Mellis cheeses and three cured meats, all accompanied by honey, chutney, and house pickles. It's a symphony of flavours and textures designed to delight any palate.

For a lighter, equally enticing option, there's the Mara Mezze Board at £15. This vibrant platter includes beetroot and chili hummus, muhammara, sumac onions, pickled chillies, pitta dips, and corn chips. It's a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, perfect for sharing among friends or savouring solo with a drink in hand.

The true star of the sharing plates is undoubtedly the Baked Camembert with sourdough. This dish elevated the humble camembert to an entirely new level of indulgence. Diners can choose between two tantalizing options: Nduja and hot honey £11, which offers a spicy and sweet combination, or Rosemary and lavender honey £10, which provides a fragrant and delicate sweetness.

The camembert was baked to golden perfection, its creamy interior oozed out enticingly. The surface was lightly crisped, with the cheese bubbling gently at the edges. Surrounding this molten masterpiece was slices of artisan sourdough, their crusts crisp and their interiors soft, ready to scoop up the luscious cheese. Drizzled over the camembert was a fragrant blend of rosemary and lavender honey, which infused the cheese with a delicate, herbal sweetness. The honey’s floral notes and the earthiness of the rosemary beautifully complemented the rich, creamy texture of the camembert. Every bite was a symphony of flavours and textures that promised to delight your palate. It’s the perfect dish for sharing—or for indulging all by yourself.

No matter the choice, each bite is a parcel of full-on ooey-gooey goodness that melts in your mouth. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience sheer culinary decadence.

The menu continues to entice with a selection of mouth-watering dishes. For sides, you can choose between the tangy Apple Cider Braised Red Cabbage, which would add a sweet and slightly tart twist to your meal, or the indulgent Pigs in Blankets, a perennial favourite that would never fail to please. Of course, we couldn't resist the allure of the Truffle and Parmesan Fries, a decadent choice that offered a perfect balance of earthy truffle aroma and the rich, savoury crunch of Parmesan.

From the Plates section, we found ourselves tempted by several enticing options. The Steak Frites, priced at £11, promised a classic combination of tender steak and crispy fries—a true comfort dish. The Tandoori Chicken Skewers, at £10, offered an aromatic and flavourful journey with its blend of spices.

However, it was the Grilled Prawns for £11 that ultimately captured our hearts. These succulent prawns, grilled to perfection, were served with a rich roasted garlic and white bean puree, and drizzled with a vibrant paprika oil. The dish presented a harmonious balance of flavours and textures that made it an irresistible choice.

Last but certainly not least, we opted for the Hachis Parmentier from the Pie section, priced at a reasonable £10. This dish was a true comfort food masterpiece, featuring slow-cooked beef that was tender and full of flavour, combined with caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness. The creamy potato puree added a silky smooth texture, while the melted cheese on top created a golden, bubbling crust that was simply irresistible. It’s hard to imagine any dish more satisfying and comforting than this classic, hearty pie. It wrapped you in warmth and richness, making every bite a nostalgic experience of home-cooked goodness.

Mara is a fantastic addition to The Shore, bringing a fresh and contemporary vibe to the area. This bar isn't just a place to grab a drink; it's a much-needed modern oasis that expertly balances superb food with a relaxed ambiance. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by an inviting atmosphere where the carefully curated menu and the stylish decor work in perfect harmony. Whether you're there for a full meal or just a few sharing plates with drinks, Mara offers a dining experience that's both satisfying and laid-back, making it a must-visit spot for locals and visitors alike.

THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT MARA :

They serve a Brunch menu served from 10am-3pm
Dinner menu is served from 12noon-9m
They have vegan and vegetarian options available
There is no disabled access with a few steps up into the bar/kitchen

MARA, 58 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6RA www.mara.bar

My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10

I was invited by Mara to review their menu.

Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.

TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.

Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk

FOOD : Mara Bar, The Shore Leith, Edinburgh