The Blackbird is an independent neighbourhood bar and restaurant at 37-39 Leven Street in Tollcross. Open since 2012, it combines a casual interior with a well used garden and spaces that can handle everything from a quiet catch up to a larger gathering. The mood remains relaxed even when the bar becomes livelier later in the day.
Street food gives the kitchen a flexible identity rather than tying it to a single national cuisine. The menu is designed for casual eating with drinks, but provides enough substance for lunch or dinner. Changing dishes allow the food to keep pace with the bar’s creative approach and the different ways people use the venue.
Vegan and gluten free choices are available, and staff can explain which current dishes fit particular needs. As with any shared kitchen, guests managing allergies should discuss preparation before ordering. The garden adds an outdoor option, while indoor and counter seating support solo visits, dates and groups.
An ever changing cocktail list is the defining drinks feature, joined by wine and beer. That selection makes The Blackbird equally useful for a meal, an evening drink or a longer celebration that moves between the restaurant and garden. Its strength is the combination of independent neighbourhood character, approachable food and a serious interest in cocktails.
Address: 37-39 Leven Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LH, United Kingdom
The Blackbird Tollcross Menu
Snacks
Spiced rice crackers
Wasabi peas
Chilli roasted nuts
Sharing bag Savoursmiths crisps
(ngc)
Nocellara and Kalamata olives
lemon, rosemary (vegan ngc)
Starters
Grilled sourdough
red pepper hummus (v)
Venison salami
pickles (ngc)
Naked fries
Fries
parmesan, black pepper (v ngc)
Haloumi fries
Dom’s peach hot sauce (v ngc)
Goat’s cheese arancini
roast red pepper, parmesan (v)
Confit duck
mango, watercress, maraschino cherries (ngc)
Chargrilled broccoli
poppy seed hummus, red chilli oil (vegan ngc)
Monk cheek scampi
green olive tartare
Coconut fried chicken
spiced peanut butter
Burrata
Honeydew melon, prosciutto, sourdough, basil
Pork belly skewers
curried cauliflower, honey, green apple, matcha (ngc)
Heirloom tomatoes
Honeydew melon, mint, kalamata olives (vegan ngc)
Mains
Beef and pork burger
Cheddar, bacon, house pickles, burger sauce, fries
Fried chicken bun
pickles, peach hot sauce, fermented pineapple relish, fries
Chicken breast
bacon, anchovies, romaine, parmesan, croutons, house Caesar dressing
Vodka pasta
cherry tomatoes, cashews, vodka, green herbs, rigatoni (vegan)
Steak frites
flat iron, skinny fries, red chilli cowboy butter (ngc)
Spa Salad
broccoli, avocado, strawberry, chickpeas, kale, mint, spring onion mayo (vegan ngc)
Desserts
Lemon and poppy seed crème brulee
(v ngc)
House Tiramisu
(v)
Blood orange sorbet
Aperol, prosecco (vegan ngc)
Pre-Theatre Menu
2 course £24 / 3 course £27. Available every day, 3.30pm – 6.30pm. Steak frites has a £6 supplement.
Goat’s cheese arancini
roast red pepper, parmesan (v)
Confit duck
mango, watercress, maraschino cherries (ngc)
Chargrilled broccoli
poppy seed hummus, red chilli oil (vegan ngc)
Burrata
Honeydew melon, prosciutto, sourdough, basil
Chicken, bacon, anchovies, romaine, parmesan, croutons, house Caesar dressing
Vodka pasta
cherry tomatoes, cashews, vodka, green herbs, rigatoni (vegan)
House beef and pork burger
Cheddar, bacon, house pickles, burger sauce, fries
Steak frites
flat iron, skinny fries, red chilli cowboy butter (ngc)
Lemon and poppy seed crème brulee
(v ngc)
House Tiramisu
(v)
Blood orange sorbet
Aperol, prosecco (vegan ngc)
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