Cafe Modern One

Take a scenic stroll along the Water of Leith and approached across the extraordinary Jencks landform green lawns, you'll find the neon-lit, neoclassical building that is the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. If you prefer to drive there is plenty of parking. Our stylish contemporary cafe space here is light and bright with tables spilling out onto a stone terrace in the beautiful walled garden, making it one of the prettiest lunch spots in the city on a sunny day. The kitchen garden, lovingly cultivated by our Gardner Wendy, is a fantastic source of fruit and veg throughout the year, producing apples, plums, pears, berries, rhubarb, asparagus, salad leaves and herbs, even edible flowers - they all make their way into our 'cooking from scratch' menu. We reckon the journey from plot to plate doesn't get much shorter than that. As well as huge sandwiches made using delectable ingredients and artisan bread; wholesome but zingy salads and soups, the Modern One cakes and puds are gaining iconic status - once tasted, the Belgian chocolate brownie is notorious for its irresistibility to even the strictest dieter. If you're looking for a gift for a foodie, you can't go wrong with one of our gift vouchers - the perfect solution for 'tricky to buy for' friends and family. Despite our natural modesty we were so delighted to get this 5* review from those sticklers at The List magazine for their most recent (2014) Guide to Eating and Drinking in Edinburgh, which we think sums us up brilliantly: "In keeping with the ambience, food here is stylishly prepared with a creative use of fresh, healthy ingredients. . . A cabbage and carrot salad with hints of orange and cumin, or curried cauliflower with almonds, cranberries and potatoes are highlights alongside koftas and a sweet potato and spinach dahl. . . The salted caramel billionaire slice is not to be missed, along with other home-made bakes like a raspberry and green tea loaf. . . A great spot for a relaxed al-fresco coffee with delicious cake." The List Guide to Eating & Drinking in Edinburgh 2014. Our team at Modern One is headed up by Claire the manager, supported by Rachel and Aga out front and in the kitchen are Iwona and Cris.