The Galley Leith

I got 99 reviews, but the Galley ain’t one.
Til now!
Been meaning to lay my opinion on this place down for a while and what better way than with a milestone 100^th review?
Can’t recall how the Galley Leith popped up on my radar in the first place, but pop up it did and my attention was grabbed. Their website is stil in the pipeline so in the meantime they have been working hard to boost their online presence via Facebook. Not a bad idea as their menu tends to change daily and is updated by way of a photo upload on Facey. Good use of the platform, but yes, in the long run a website would and should be more efficient.
Anyway, located on Salamander Street, and clearly trying to give the location a bit of a reputation revamp, the Galley Leith seems to have been pegged as a the new fancy restaurant on the Edinburgh scene. Such is the way with new, hip Edinburgh venues these days (see: Hanging Bat, the Fountain and/​or Bar Soba). Everybody can’t wait to jump on the bandwagon.
But to those that haven’t already been, and go in with those misconceptions, I’ll say this: Galley Leith isn’t trying to be that kind of place. Galley Leith are building a more local, honest reputation, delivering hearty dishes in generous portions at affordable prices with zero pretention.
And personally I think they’re doing it well.
Sister restaurant to the Compass, just round the corner, I’ve visited the Galley twice now. The first was shortly after they launched and, seemingly, still finding their feet. The second visit was a more confident affair from them, but in truth there wasn’t much improvement needed between the two visits.
My first sampling of their wares saw me opt for a starter of Pigeon Breast on Black Pudding and a bed of Onion Marmalade. It was a perfectly-​sized, awesome-​tasting dish, one which I have often seen on their menu since, proving it to be a favourite with the regulars, I guess. Jennie’s appetite was not, and I doubt ever will be, as huge as mine, so she queried the size of the Haggis Pakora starter before committing. The understanding waitress happily offered a half portion and the missus was soon gifted with 3 sizeable pakora portions with Chilli Dipping Sauce. We were both a little gobsmacked that their regular starter size was in actual fact 6 pieces of pakora, but as I said above, it took me two perusals to realise that was no fluke; the Galley Leith like to feed you.
For mains we both opted for the Venison Stew with Dumplings. Again sizeable and hearty but, if I’m honest, a little under-​seasoned. However remembering they aren’t some fine-​dining operation where the chef doesn’t put salt and pepper on the tables because he’s decided it tastes the way HE intended, this was an easy fix. Afterward I was stuffed so dessert was not an option, in hindsight I suppose the idea here is you can eat as much or as little as you want. I like food so I will never argue with that ethos.
So my second visit, a group-​setting while meeting old friends, had to be different. As much as I loved the pigeon and had the opportunity for it to grace my plate again, instead I started with the– oh alright I had the Pigeon again!!! Now a mainstay on the menu, it is a real delight and MUST be tried if ever you go. For main I tried the Lamb Moussaka with Fresh Leaves, a humungous slab of meaty goodness, delivering on both portion and flavour. My previous reservations about their seasoning were instantly quashed.
I directed one of my dining partner’s attention to the afore-​experienced Venison Stew. And as the night involved a generous portion of alcohol, my only other memory of food are the pancakes the girl next to me ordered. Smelling, looking and (I’m told) tasting delightful.
The staff only add to the charm and local feel of the place. Not overly attentive but in no way neglectful, chatty and genuine. The place isn’t huge so, rightfully so, they don’t feel the need to check on you every five minutes (take note, Los Argentinos!). As mentioned before the menu tends to mix it up a little, introducing a new dish here and there day on day, as a result the menu’s are handwritten each day, a quirky little touch that epitomises the feel of the Galley Leith.
A warm, local place that tries its damnedest to make you feel at home. Sold.
And that’s 100 reviews, goodnight!

I was really excited to visit this new restaurant, although it is in a bit of an out the way location in Leith. Joe A and I drove there on Sunday evening and as it is a bit out of he way, there was plenty of on street parking around.
It is a small restaurant but they haven’t tried to cram too much in, it is very cosy and I felt very relaxed and at home in there. The female member of staff was really welcoming and friendly but not over the top like some can be when trying to impress you, she was just very genuine.
The menu was lovely, small but perfectly formed. I was just coming down with the flu so I wasn’t very hungry, the waitress knew I was thinking about the haggis pakora starter so she suggested I just got a half portion of it. When it arrived I was so pleased she suggested this, however, a half portion is actually a perfect size for a normal starter. The plate consisted of 3 delicious haggis pakora and an unusual sweet chilli dip, unlike the usual syrupy dips, this one was much lighter and more watery, really tasty.
For my main course I had chosen the venison stew. I was less happy with this, the portion was enormous and so I only managed to eat half of it. The chive mash was really tasty but the stew itself lacked seasoning and was a bit bland. It was just OK but i’m sure this is easily rectified.
Unfortunately, large portions are one of me pet hates, I don’t like being presented with large amounts of food and struggling to eat it. If they cut down on their portion sizes then they would also save themselves some money, everyone’s a winner :) Either way, I will definitely be back and recommend anyone going here. I saw their breakfast menu on the wall so I will be trying this next! :)