I WAS SCROLLING through Instagram last week when a post from
Alby’s popped up stating that they
had a couple of tables free for lunch the following day. I promptly nipped
through to the living room to persuade Sarah to nip out during her lunch break
and snapped up the last table – it was meant to be.Opened just over a year ago on Portland Place and a short walk from Ocean Terminal, Alby’s is operated by Natasha Ferguson and Matt Belcher. Their offering features focaccia made nearby at Bakery Andante’s Leith outlet, which instantly suggests the sourcing of high-quality goods. As much as I like sourdough, it represents a welcome change. Other plusses are that it is BYOB and has takeaway available.
The menu is simple with a range of four interesting ‘Big Hot Sandwiches’, of which two are currently veggie, and a few side options such as fries and prawn toast. The ‘70s-style dining area is relaxed and well arranged for social distancing – essential for bringing the punters back in these unprecedented times. The large window space allows natural light to flood in and I always appreciate a table where you can gaze into the street and watch the world go by.
We both ordered the fried chicken Caesar Kiev – hard to resist with a title like that – priced at £8.50 with a side of fries (£3). It did take around 20 minutes to arrive, but when you unwrap the paper to unveil two big slabs of bread and are kissed with a healthy waft of garlic, you know the wait was worth it. The focaccia was so light it would probably fly if you tossed it into the wind. The generous chicken filling featured a crunchy, grease-free coating with moist thigh meat on the inside. The Caesar dressing was creamy and worked harmoniously with the garlic butter base, as well as providing seasoning. A monstrous portion of top-notch skinny fries were coated in paprika and herbs, and were salted appropriately. 
The sole waiter was bubbly and demonstrated a thorough product knowledge, as well as an awareness of my nut allergy from the off. She kindly packaged up the other half of our sandwich, which we scoffed for dinner later that night.
I thought Alby’s was an impressive 9/10. Good value for money given the quality and sizeable portion. The vibe was chilled, even in Covid-19 times, and service was of a high standard; one of the best sangers I've eaten.
Web: albysleith.co.uk
Instagram: @albys_leith
Phone: (0131) 285 3720
Address: 8 Portland Place, Edinburgh, EH6 6LA
Opening hours: noon - 3p.m., 5p.m. - 8p.m. Weds - Sun
Comments
Post a Comment