Zest New Town - Edinburgh

Indian, Indian, Pakistani
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Zest New Town

Zest New Town
4.3 / 5 (4399 reviews)

Description

Step into Zest New Town and let thoughtful spice work alongside generous portions and hospitable service. This tucked-away New Town spot celebrates robust, layered curries and standout lamb dishes that fall off the bone, served in a setting that suits birthdays, dates and relaxed shared plates. Expect classic, comforting presentation — chutneys, warmed dishes and big flavours — plus a drinks list to match. Friendly staff aim to make you feel welcome; whether you linger over a slow-cooked shank or grab a takeaway, Zest offers a warm, flavour-forward experience designed for those who love honest, hearty Indian cooking with a touch of theatre.

Last update: 27.03.2026 from: Atmosphere

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★ 4.3 / 5 from 4399 reviews

Reviews praise Zest's lamb and friendly service but flag occasional reheated dishes, uneven quality, noise from busy nights and limited accessibility.

leo-watson
01.08.2022

We loved this place and their warm personal eating was too good. very spicy and just as we like to house what for an unforgettable evening it was though we had little hungry, so we ordered bhindi fry and matar wiper with two naans and cooked rice only but in edinburgh so far away from india, they get such soft n crispy naans with fantastic sweetness and fantastic again what they wish to return in life we are very happy

dennis17
01.08.2022

We visited this restaurant withte the week while in the city in business. it started very quiet and they sat us in the window, but within an hour the place was almost full and dizzy. eating was a very good standard and the staff very friendly and helpful. I would definitely return to this restaurant when in the city.

edwards-gordon
01.08.2022

I wish I could give this place a 0. the waiter out there is so cold. he couldn't even talk right. we left the place without eating and at the end the waiter advised us to go to the close of mc donald to eat! that was so disgusting that it can't come to words. I wouldn't advise anyone to go there. in the action the people would discourage to go to this place! not worth the offense!

atmosphere-2
11.08.2025

Multiple things wrong with this place: 1. Avoid this place of you looking for Indian food 2. The food was awful and ingredients did not match the dish 3. They did not have proper glasses to serve water and if you ask for a refill, they take your glass away to fill it from the tap (guys atleast invest in a jug if not on a drinking glass) 4. Bunch of guys (not customers, may be friends of the owner) were having a friendly chit chat in the restaurant as if it were their drawing room. Makes it not a nice ambiance. 5. Much better options available nearby Food: 1 Service: 2 Atmosphere: 1

erna-labeau-2
11.08.2025

This restaurant can be a romantic place for special occasions, colors of table clothes caught my attention first, its very settled and beautiful. Not sure if it needs reservation to have a corner table which is very secluded with street view. We order to go its lamb kabob. Its full with flavour and a small (really) fresh salad. The people who works there are very friendly. Will definitely be back when we get a chance to visit Edinburgh to try other dishes. Not very wheelchair friendly, couple step up from the street and stairs down to the bathroom. Price per person: £1–10 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Vegetarian offerings: Clearly labelled vegetarian dishes

Menu

  • Main Course - Chicken Specialties

    P297 Special (Medium)
    P297 Special (Medium)

    Delicate slices of marinated sliced chicken; stir‐fried + a combination of fresh peepers; onions; tomatoes & fresh coriander to produce a memorable & enjoyable tribute dish to a well known & much respected Edinburgh Taxi Driver

    £9
  • Main

    Bombay Channa Massalam
    Bombay Channa Massalam

    Chickpeas cooked in sweet sour sauce; garnished + fresh chillies & coriander (Hot)

    £8
    Sir Walter Scott Lamb Shorisha
    Sir Walter Scott Lamb Shorisha

    Named after the legendary Scottish author; Sir Walter Scott. The dish incorporates pieces of the finest lamb; slow cooked in a mustard based sauce + fresh ground spices; garnished + spring onion to produce a dish as memorable & enjoyable as Sir Wa

    £9
  • Seafood Specialities

    Salmon Country Captain
    Salmon Country Captain

    Spicy fried salmon fillet complemented + curry basied stir fried onions; peas & tomatoes garnished + fresh coriander (Medium)

    £15
    Tandoori King Prawn Massalam
    Tandoori King Prawn Massalam

    Tandoori King Prawns + fresh green herbs in a creamy sauce (Mild)

    £18
    King Prawn Jalfreizie
    King Prawn Jalfreizie
    £17

FAQ

Yes, takeaway is available for many menu items, making it easy to enjoy their dishes at home.

Yes, many guests choose Zest for birthdays and romantic evenings thanks to its intimate table settings and décor.

Yes, Zest accommodates groups and family meals and is often used for small celebrations.

Noise levels can vary; the venue does not guarantee a quiet experience on busy nights and large parties may be lively.

Some guests have reported that water refills were handled informally; if you prefer a jug or specific glassware, ask staff on arrival.

More information

Regular visitors often single out a particular lamb shank and a handful of trusted servers (one named Ahmad is frequently praised) — and Zest has been known to appear on Tastecard promotions, so checking for deals before you go can save you money. If you're after a quieter, more romantic corner, ask for a secluded table with a street view when booking.

Suggested nearby restaurants.