What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Educated Flea
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Baby sister of Bruntsfield's Three BIrds and Newington's Apiary, now the New Town can enjoy our punchy flavours and unique menu's, specials and unsurpassed service. Lunch and brunch, dinner from 5pm. A great space for parties of 20-30 exclusive.
Features
CUISINES
International
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner
PRICE
££ - £££
Location
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4.7
591 reviews
Excellent
477
Very good
89
Average
14
Poor
9
Terrible
2
DecaffSkinny
77 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
Our second visit to this wonderful neighbourhood place not far from the Playhouse.
This time we were celebrating a graduation in the family.
After a warm welcome from the friendly and efficient staff, we chose from the well thought out menu, (which incidentally caters well for those who are vegan or gluten intolerant).
Our party thoroughly enjoyed a variety of starters and mains of mackerel, salmon, home made falafels and a wonderful Thai curry for two. All freshly prepared and delicious. Desserts were an indulgent chocolate torte and a fruity take on Eton mess.
Considering the high quality of food and service, this place is punching above it’s weight and represents great value for the lucky diner.
If we were locals we’d be regulars.
Don’t hesitate, book, you’ll be very glad you did.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mariongEdinburgh
77 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
Educated Flea with 3 friends. We had the lunch menu, 2 courses for £20, which is very good value for money considering the extremely high standard of the food.
It is just a small restaurant with a relaxed bistro style feel, but with very good food and service.
The staff were lovely and very helpful, answering our questions about the different wines and menu options.
Good choices on the menu to cater for meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians, and vegans.
I can recommend the hot smoked salmon starter and the sea bass main as both being delicious.
We enjoyed the meal so much we also ordered desserts and a second glass of wine each. But the total bill still worked out very reasonable.
Will definitely be back again (soon).
Written 24 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KSW2489
North Yorkshire12 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
My husband and I had a really lovely evening meal. The menu was creative, everything sounded very appetising, with plenty of imaginative flavour combinations and options. The very best bit being that because their kitchen is entirely Gluten Free, my husband (who has a Gluten intolerance) could choose absolutely anything from the menu - what a rarity and a delight! It made for such a refreshing change from the norm of having restricted and/or unimaginative “compromised” options offered in so many places. We had read the Educated Flea was recommended for those who can’t eat Gluten, but we hadn’t realised everything was Gluten Free! It even meant we could try each other’s dishes. The food was delicious, very nicely presented, we had great friendly service and there was really nice ambience. It was also full on a Thursday night in March.
We enjoyed our meal so much, we returned for Saturday brunch - also absolutely lovely! We’ve recommended Educated Flea to multiple friends and will definitely be back again.
Written 3 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graeme S
11 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
Fantastic meal. If you are visiting Edinburgh make sure Educated flea is on your itinerary!
We booked on a Thursday for the Saturday and was lucky to have got in fairly early in the evening. Make sure you book.
I had scallops as a special starter. This was somewhat out of my comfort zone but in was amazing! My wigs was equally impressed with her soup (pea and mint)
We shared the big cow (steak with vegetables and fries medium rare). In all honesty I couldn’t fault it I. The slightest. Cooked to perfection and the sauces were incredible.
The wine choices were absolutely spot on ( I had Malbec my wife had Sauvignon Blanc) .
Our waitresses were very friendly and professional. She couldn’t have been any better.
The only slight fault was in the layout of the restaurant with a bench seat arrangement. That is only because of personal preference. But it would absolutely not stop us going back. We would heartily recommend the Educated Flea. You won’t be disappointed with the food or the service. Give stars and would have given more if I could.
Written 23 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heart O
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • friends
An extraordinary dining adventure begins the moment you step into the Educated Flea in Edinburgh. The restaurant's ambience perfectly melds elegance and comfort, immediately setting a welcoming tone.
The meal was a parade of delightful flavours, with the Sangria Basil Mess standing out as an extraordinary dessert. This unique concoction was a true celebration of taste, perfectly concluding a culinary journey marked by an impeccably cooked venison and other exquisite dishes.
The wine selections were meticulously paired with our meals, enhancing every course. However, what truly set this dining experience apart was the impeccable service. The staff were not only professional but also charming and helpful, making our evening truly memorable with their warmth and attentiveness.
Summing it up, the Educated Flea is a jewel in Edinburgh's culinary crown, delivering an experience where food, service, and ambience intertwine to create something exceptionally special. It's a must-visit for those who treasure fine dining and wish to enjoy a meal that's not just eaten, but thoroughly relished.
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackwadham18
33 contributions
May 2022 • couples
We were lucky to find a table for two available at this busy little Restaurant Yesterday lunchtime.
The location if great for attending The Playhouse and for Shoppers too.
We were made welcome by the friendly staff and quickly ordered some reasonably priced Wine while We studied the fixed price lunch menu. There is a very good choice at £16.00/ any Two courses and also some options of Plates to share.
I won't go in to our choices but will say that My Wife and I loved the food.
Thanks to all at The Educated Flea and particularly to Sam , the Chef,who's talents made our drop in lunch a great experience.
We'll be back and will definitely book in advance, We were so lucky to arrive when We did and won't take the chance of missing out .
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen J
Edinburgh65 contributions
Mar 2024 • friends
I have been to this restaurant numerous times and I can’t believe there’s a better, overall restaurant in all of Edinburgh, if not beyond.
The menu changes regularly but the inventiveness and quality never drops below exceptional.
Allied to the excellent, attentive staff, the general ambience and the very reasonable prices, makes this restaurant is unbeatable.
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Surrey Couple
Guildford32 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
We were staying in Edinburgh for 3 nights and were so pleased we came across & managed to book at the Educated Flea for dinner on one of our evenings. There are limited tables, so we’d recommend calling or emailing to book a table to avoid disappointment.
We both had the scallop starter followed by the Big Cow sharing main and ending with ice cream. Everything was delicious but the Big Cow was honestly amazing & one of the best steak meals we’ve ever had. The meat was the star but accompaniments were what made it with delicious sauces, garlic mushroom and a good size portion of chips.
The service was quick and friendly and the meal was reasonably priced for the quality and portion sizes.
We’d definitely recommend the Educated Flea!
Written 7 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MillNewcastle
Gateshead439 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
Stayed in a slightly different area of Edinburgh and thought that it was time we tried some new places to eat. I could not have chosen better. Small space with big character. We were sat in a lovely seat in the window with plenty of room. The waitress was brilliant and service was excellent. I already knew that we wanted to share the Big Cow so we shared a starter of pistachio and feta dip with home made nachos. Good choice of wines at really good prices. The starter was fresh and tasty and there was plenty for us to share. The steak was cooked medium rare as requested and was one of the tastiest pieces of meat that we have had. at £50 to share it was a lot cheaper than other places we have been to but there was no lacking in the quality.. The veg sauces and chips were also really good. No room for a pudding but just enough room to share a half carafe of rose to finish the night off. Definitely a place we will be returning to.
Written 24 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spitfire07
14 contributions
Apr 2022 • couples
What a fantastic little restaurant, serving and an eclectic mix of food on the menu plus there are specials on the day. The food is lovingly prepared and presented. The staff are friendly and polite without being over fussy. The food is well priced for the quality of food and the wine is also very reasonably priced. Overall this is a great little restaurant and one I couldn’t fault. Make sure you book as it is very popular.
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annette k
Edinburgh49 contributions
Jun 2021 • friends
Sadly, this former little gem of a restaurant should now be avoided at all cost. I used to go their frequently with friends, prior to lockdown, but today our lunch was really, really awful. Nothing appeared to have been freshly prepared, with the possible exception of the fish. The duck and the lamb had booth been reheated and all dishes were absurdly over salted and overcooked. The lamb was simply a plate of mush, even the vegetables were unappetising. The tempura prawns were also disappointing, obviously taken fom the freezer, but not served crisp.
All in all, a bad lunch and not one to be repeated. One wonders whether the drop in culinary standards has also impacted on their sister restaurant, the Three.Birds! I don’t think I’ll take the gamble. I know that two courses only cost £15, but it truly wasn’t worth a tenth of that. Good service but the bathroom was disgusting- always a good indicator. Of hygiene standards! Possibly, they are struggling to recruit an adequate chef.
Written 13 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Des T
Castle Douglas1302 contributions
Dec 2021 • couples
We visited mid December, I have to say the food was excellent, the name of the restaurant was explained by the lady who was there. Our starters of the cauliflower, and the pork /cheese croquettes was a great start to the day. Our mains of roast chicken,and smoked fishcakes again was great.see menus. Our male server was helpful,but he let himself down when we queried the amount of froth on a Bailey latte my wife had. The mug it was served in was more than half full of froth,stretching milk was the cause,so the cup itself of milk and a shot of Bailey was about 100cl,against the norm of 350-500cl. We did bring it to his attention but was told a latte was ordered. Will visit again next time in Edinburgh.
Written 21 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger P
Trowbridge30 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
We dined here twice during our long weekend stay. Special mention to the male waiter we had on Friday who was informative, engaging and funny in the perfect way. Our waitress on Sunday was equally charming. We are used to eating at quality restaurants and have to say this was some of the best food we have had. The rack of lamb standing out. The restaurant is intimate, informal and very friendly. Highly recommended
Written 2 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gigluvva
Edinburgh3 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
We were recommended this restaurant prior to lockdown & managed to get in for lunch on their first day back. There were so many things I wanted to eat on the (small but really varied) menu. Our starters were inventive & packed full of flavour & freshness, whilst still maintaining a lightness. Mains were generous & tasty & we forgot to sample each other's dishes as we were so wrapped up in our own (Malaysian veg curry & pulled duck salad). We finished up with a spectacular twist on an Eton Mess containing a good balance of fruit, rum, sorbet & cream. The menu was suitable for those with different dietary needs &didn't compromise on quality. Drinks were reasonably priced & our hosts interested in our views, friendly & warm without being overbearing. There is no way we won't return. We've the whole menu to work through!
Written 5 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jake20132016
London7 contributions
Sept 2023 • family
I had dinner here recently and loved it. The staff were charming and efficient. Even though it was busy and full, they were able to chat and joke with customers and it all felt very professional. The food was delicious with interesting twists on classics and was the perfect end to a great first day in Edinburgh.
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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