Sala

Housing a large dining room at the back, and with Edinburgh's LGBT centre situated in the basement, the outwardly small Sala café/bar has developed into a focal point of the local scene. The fantastic Spanish-influenced food selection, ranging from very munch-worthy tapas and nachos to full meals (including bocadillos, tortilla española and pasta), shows that Sala is a café first and a bar second. This is emphasised by a barely adequate drinks selection – my only complaint about this otherwise excellent venue. The hospitable staff serve what seem to be a majority female clientele; however everyone feels welcome upon entering. Sala hosts an orderly display of flyers for all the LGBT goings-on in the area and in three short years has carved a niche for itself by being an alternative to the often samey Blue Moon. It's worth the extra walk down Broughton Street for a deviation from the norm. [Mat Kladney]