Spitaki

Sometimes it's nice to let your mind wander; to forget about the gloomy Scottish weather outside and imagine yourself basking in warmer climes, the sun beating down on your shoulders and the smell of lemon trees trickling through the air. We can't do much about the weather unfortunately, but we can tell you where to go if you're ready to take your taste buds on a journey, so listen up.

For the last two years, Spitaki have been winning over Edinburgh's residents with their Greek taverna. Tucked away on a quiet New Town street, Spitaki offers the real deal: traditional mezze, oodles of charm and a family-run history which cuts to the very core. It's a nice enough distance from the city centre to feel as though you've escaped the hubbub of urban life, but close enough that you won't be grumbling if you decide to hoof it back.

The taverna layout works well whatever the size of your brood, with smaller tables downstairs and a large mezzanine above which makes a perfect gathering space for larger parties. Just as well too, as Greek food is perfect for sharing.  Want our advice? Load yourself up with a rammy of mezze dishes and don't even contemplate feeling bad if your meal comes in two or three rounds.

You won't be short on choices either, with classic Gods of Greek cuisine like kalamari, souvlaki and keftedes interspersed with flavoursome veggie options like dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), cripsy fried aubergine and Bougiourti (that's spicy baked feta, ken?). Serve these up with a dollop of tzatziki or houmous, wash 'em down with a nice cool Mythos and job's a good 'un.