Siam Erawan

Ruan Siam has three sibling restaurants in Edinburgh but this is the original and, many say, the best. It occupies two basement rooms on Howe Street not far from the Royal Circle. Both have cream walls and matching table linen, creating a light, simple backdrop to the exotic cuisine.

The menu covers a broad range of dishes, the seafood specialties so popular in all the Erewan restaurants. Siam is known for its duck dishes, particularly an excellent stir-fried spiced duck. The mixed crowd of mainly locals and business folk are loyal so the place tends to fill quickly.

Ruan Siam's back room can comfortably take parties of 25 to 30, while the more intimate front room has 20 - 25 covers. Up to 20 can eat a la carte, any more and you're restricted to the set menus. There isn't a bar, but the staff often recommend Bailey's nearby to meet for pre or post meal drinks.