26-cover neighbourhood bistro · Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh
0131 496 0524 Reserve a table ↓

Morven Neighbourhood Bistro

Five seasonal plates, natural wines, and two unhurried evening sittings.

Chef Claire Morven cooks a weekly changing five-course menu in a 26-cover dining room on Constitution Street in Leith. Fish landed at Peterhead, walled-garden produce from East Lothian, and no card deposit required for tables under five.

Autumn five-plate menu

Served to the entire table. £52 per person. Low-intervention four-glass wine pairing available for £36.

  • Course 01 — Cured North Sea Mackerel

    Lightly cured Peterhead mackerel, fermented gooseberries, cold-pressed rapeseed and dill oil

  • Course 02 — Roasted East Lothian Squash

    Ember-baked Crown Prince squash, brown butter, crispy sage, fresh Scottish crowdie cheese

  • Course 03 — Pan-Roasted Peterhead Hake

    Day-boat hake fillet, braised sea leeks, smoked mussel and cider liquor

  • Course 04 — Highland Roe Deer Loin

    Pan-seared venison, parsnip purée, pickled wild brambles, roasting jus

  • Course 05 — Meadowsweet Set Cream

    Infused Jersey cream, poached damson plums, toasted Scottish rye crumb

We cater for pescatarian, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets with 24 hours notice. Please notify us when booking.

From the owners

Cooks directly from Peterhead day-boat catches and East Lothian smallholdings.

Claire Morven Head chef & owner

Selects European low-intervention wines and manages the 26-cover dining room.

Alasdair Boyd Front of house & wine

A plated starter of cured North Sea mackerel with gooseberries and bright green dill oil

Chef plating roasted venison with parsnip puree and brambles at the open kitchen pass

House standards

Two evening sittings

Our 18:00 sitting returns tables by 20:15 so both dinner services run calmly and without rushing. The 20:30 sitting is yours for the remainder of the evening.

Dietary notices

Because we prepare a single five-plate set menu from fresh morning deliveries, we need at least 24 hours notice to prepare pescatarian, vegetarian or allergy alternatives.

Corkage and wine list

Alasdair pours a concise list of 20 low-intervention European wines by the glass and bottle. Guests wishing to bring a special bottle are welcome for £20 corkage per 750ml.

Common enquiries

Do you accept walk-ins?

We keep our four counter seats open for walk-in dining and drinks each evening from 18:00, but all tables must be reserved in advance.

Is there a children's menu?

We serve the same five-course menu to all guests and do not offer a separate children's menu. We recommend Sunday lunch for family gatherings.

How do I find the restaurant?

We are on Constitution Street in Leith, two minutes on foot from the Foot of the Walk tram stop. Metered on-street parking is available along Bernard Street.

Reserve a table

Instant table reservation. We hold tables for 15 minutes past your booking time.

Please note if anyone is pescatarian, vegetarian, or has specific allergies (e.g. shellfish, nuts).

Used for booking confirmation and day-before table reminder.