About
Welcome to Malvarosa, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Edinburgh at 262 Portobello High St. This charming eatery invites you on a culinary journey to Spain without ever leaving the United Kingdom. With a focus on authentic tapas and paellas, Malvarosa thrives on delivering wholesome, flavorful dishes crafted with passion and precision.
As you step inside, you're immediately enveloped by a warm and cozy atmosphere. The intimate setting makes it perfect for both casual lunches and special dinners. The restaurant's commitment to hospitality is evident, as guests are greeted with friendly service that makes you feel like part of the family.
Guests rave about the homemade breads, a perfect starter that sets the stage for the culinary delights to follow. Naomi Balau described her experience, noting how each tapas dish was not just a meal but an exemplary celebration of flavors. The dessert, a cheesecake, was a highlight—a sweet note that left a lasting impression.
Aninda De’s remarks on the theatricality of food preparation provide a glimpse into the kitchen’s inner workings, where each dish is crafted with care. From aubergine to flavorful meatballs paired with homemade gravy, every bite is a testament to the restaurant's dedication to authentic Spanish cuisine. The paella, celebrated by many, encapsulates the culinary passion that colors every plate.
Malvarosa isn’t just about delicious food; it’s about creating memories. Michael Andreas captured this sentiment aptly when he expressed that the dining experience felt like a delightful vacation. Such testimonies are echoed by others, highlighting the restaurant’s ability to conjure a genuine Spanish flair amidst the Scottish landscape.
As you contemplate your next dining destination, consider Malvarosa—a place where every dish is made with love and an eagerness to share the rich traditions of Spanish culinary heritage. Whether you're a local or a traveler, your palate will thank you for this small slice of Spain.
“ We decided to have lunch at Malvarosa today and the experience took us all the way to Spain!! The selection of home-made breads was an excellent starter and a great way to introduce the food that was to come. There were only 2 of us, hence why we could only go for 2 tapas each, but they were all individually perfect and prepared in an exemplary manner. We finished with a slice of cheesecake as a dessert, which was one of the tastiest cheesecakes we've ever had!!! We would love to be back and try more delicious, wholesome Spanish food! Thank you for serving us and for providing us with outstanding dishes! ”
“ Went to Malvarosa on a Wednesday night with some friends and it was a big beautiful hearty homely meal, and a very enjoyable evening. We ordered one or two small plates for each of us, shared some paella, and then went through the whole dessert menu. Food was excellent. Delicious, and cooked and plated right beside us in the small kitchen area. It was exciting to see the measured theatricalilty that goes into creating the dishes, now that they have been perfected through years of service. Among the small plates, I believe we liked them all. The aubergines were great. Chicken, fish, prawn, all were tasty. Loved the gravy on the meatballs, had to order extra bread (which was excellent as well) to soak it all up. The paella was fantastic as well. Special mention goes out to the Choco Loco (coffee with coconut rum and cream) and the Churros (comes with excellent thick chocolate sauce - with just enough bitterness) and the basque cheese cake (just the right hint of sourness). All in all a very enjoyable meal. It strikes the proper balance between being a reliable neighborhood restaurant but also a quiet special place. Recommended. ”
“ Some time ago we had a spontaneous meal at Malvarosa. I've never been to Great Britain and had such a Spanish flair as here with you. It was a vacation that we will remember with great pleasure. ”
“ It was surprisingly really good. I'm picky, but i see why some people say it's one of the best. ”
“ Visited on a Wednesday. Restaurant was cosy and atmospheric with around half the tables in use. Service was excellent: attentive and friendly. The food we could not fault. It is clear this gem is a passion to the owners and staff and was both authentic and made with love. Thank you. We hope to return when next in the area. ”
“ If you want to try Spanish tapas, this is the place and for the Spanish bear as well, we were amazed how the dishes stayed warm through out the time we were eating, then the waiter told us that is because of the bowls made of mud in which they were serving, they were so good we ended up buying the bowls, you can cook, heat up and eat good in the bowls and they are dishwasher safe. ”
“ Yummy small plates and great service! The fried eggplant was delish! I suggest you make a reservation as they are quite small and pretty popular. ”
“ Small authetic Spanish reservation, walking distance from Portobello beach. Walked in for dinner around 6:30PM on a Friday night and glad we got a table. Tapas here are unbelievable, and they make excellent margarita. Suggest to call and ask if they have a table to avoid disappointment. ”