Gurkha Cafe & Restaurant, Authentic Nepalese & Indian Restaurant in Edinburgh, City of

A small restaurant with a great ambiance. The food was absolutely delicious (had the Tandoori Chicken) and not that expensive, the staff was kind and helpful. Came in at around 21h and unfortunately, they rushed us out around 22h (despite claiming to be open till 22:30h on Google). In short: great food, great place, too bad they were in a hurry to close.

Was there for lunch and it was absolutely delicious, there is a lot of vegetarian options and the service was perfect.

The new year just got off to a perfect start, with a warm welcome and delicious food here. The Poleko bhale kukhura is one of the tastiest meals out I've had in ages. Many thanks to Prasand and all at Gurkha cafe.

Very nice place to eat in the heart of Edinburgh. We ordered the korma and the karai which were both great! Also, when we ordered the naan we received heaps! Definitely worth the money!

Friendly staffs and food made our evening perfect.

Food was delicious and the staffs were much hospitable. Ambience was great. Much recommended place to give it a try either you are looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner with variety of foods including good vegeterian options :)

We had an amazing dining experience at Gurkha Cafe and Restaurant! The moment we stepped in, we were impressed by the beautiful interior that perfectly represents Nepalese culture. For food, we ordered a variety of dishes, including Chicken Momo's, Lamb Choila, Poleko Bhale Chicken, Chicken Biryani, and Naan. The total bill came out to be around £59. The standout dishes for us were the Chicken Momo's and Lamb Choila - they were absolutely delicious! The flavors were authentic and the presentation was impressive. The service was friendly and attentive, adding to the overall positive experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking to try authentic Nepalese cuisine in a cozy and culturally rich atmosphere!

I loved the woody mountain hut vibe of this restaurant. We only ordered vegetarian biryani. It was good. It costs us💷 14.5 They have lot of indian and Nepalese dishes to choose from. It is near Edinburgh waverley station Highly recommended

Nice, tasty food and fills you up but nothing special.

Good hospitality and timed delivery, and good food.

After a tiring day exploring Edinburgh, my friend and I stumbled upon Gurkha Cafe, and it turned out to be the perfect remedy. The food was so flavourful and comforting that it instantly erased all our fatigue, leaving us refreshed and satisfied. The service was exceptional, making us feel like part of the family. A truly heart-warming experience—highly recommended!

Best momos ever in Edinburgh!!!

Lovely restaurant, a little hidden gem with reasonably priced food, good service and most importantly great quality!

One of the best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh food was excellent service was phenomenal and Staffs were really amazing and friendly 😊❤️ If you really wanted to amazing Indian food you must have visit to Gurkha Restaurant😊 Thank you all staffs to take care of our three days meals ☺️ Shahi and Sujan thank you once again for your special care.

Food was really amazing and staff are very courteous.

This restaurant have the present and amicable environment with friendly staff and well deserving Nepal and continental food

Gurkha is the one of the favourite place for dine in or anything, which I highly recommend to everyone . Chikka tikka masala , madras, chicken korma, momo many more items are really delicious. About staff, manager of the gurkha cafe are really friendly , kindness and good hospitality which push me to go there again and again . Everyone, if you wanna taste different curry then gurkha is one of the best for you. Once again ,Thank you team gurkha for your warm hospitality and delicious food. ❤️❤️🙏

An amazing dining experience, tastes catered for all palettes, busy weekend before festive season and by chance we arrived outside Gurkha, stepping into the unknown we were utterly overwhelmed by the food served by friendly staff, scrumptious, still talking about it two days later, when visiting the city again will definitely be back.

Amazing food, Amazing Indian tea, Amazing service. For Indian people I must say you will enjoy. Sujan such an amazing person. I love it with my company. Thank you for everything

I’m so shocked that this is a Nepali restaurant When we entered there was no greetings… The waitress directly said “Our Kitchen is Closed” and the manager was on another level ‘will not say anything because I don’t judge people easily However, he should learn some hospitality some manners some respect lastly he should change his taunting style Not recommended Choose “Gurkha Bar and Restaurant” instead of this “Gurkha Cafe”…. Had a very bad experience in this beautiful city….

The restaurant is tidy and the food is good. We tried butter jikin, butter naan bread, and paneer karahi, which is a vegetable hamsa with paneer cheese, and the biryani bread was normal. They have fresh juices and mojitos. Reasonable prices, good staff and excellent treatment.

Very bad manager and service. Very unhappy with the food quality. Madras chicken didn’t taste anything like it. False rating on google. Over all experience- very poor.

The service was really bad as well as the food . Never go there

The food was really nice and portions were of decent size, would love to visit again!

Gurkha chicken special.It was not the best.Felt cheated that it was a called a special gurkha dish when its far far from what it is.very disappointed.

Has this low ceiling which is a charm really. The menu however had very few Nepalese items despite selling themselves as one. Momos weren't good, have had better ones and ones more original to the actual flavour. A high street tourist spot restaurant really.

We waited 20 min to give our order and another 20 min to get the food to the table and the food was stale and has upset my tummy, and couldn’t find a staff member to ask for the bill, waited for 10 min and reminded them again and received the bill after 5 min with 2 chocolates and felt good for the chocolate, wouldn’t recommend for anyone.

Amazing food! Great service! Highly recommend this restaurant.

Ambience was great. The head chef came and talked to us about the food quality and if there was any improvement to make. Honestly, we found that the food quality and taste already exceeded our expectations. Me, my wife and my 3 years old son ordered varieties of food and we didn’t leave anything behind. The food was delicious and authentic. You should definitely try this restaurant and make sure to book a table online as you may not have a spot when you try to walk in.

Vegetarian Aloo Kauli very good. Service a bit reserved.

Very bland food overall. Naan was good though. Service was not great as well.

Great food good value plenty to eat lovely staff

Delicious food, well served, well presented

Went in for a quick dinner, we loved the vibe and the food was great! Staff was very friendly, we really enjoyed our evening and even briefly considered coming a second time during our 4 day trip to Edinburgh

Delicious food, friendly staff and fast service. We have discovered this place 5 years ago, and it only got better overtime. Haven’t clicked photos, but lamb kebab, veg korma and dal makhani were awesome!

Outstanding experience. Best butter chicken I've ever had and great service!

If there was an option of giving 0 star would have given 0. We had given an order of 4 parathas and a biryani for a take away order for a long journey. When we opened the bag there were no parathas. Keeping us hungry in the long trip. Staff gave the order in just 5-7 minutes making me suspect that they serve food already made or always keep cheating people who travel.

Went in for a quick lunch on the break in our walking tour. Got the chicken frankie and the dumplings. They were very good about my allergies and the food was great.

was a bit dubious when we first went in as it quite,bit it was in-between main meal times. But the food was absolutely lovely, definitely recommend this little place.

Wonderful food, relaxed music and super friendly staff. Any time worth a visit ❤️👍☺️ Vegan dishes are no problem.

Excellent food and very personalised service. Both Indian and Nepalese style food. The plating was surprisingly very good.

Not great food. No flavour whatsoever. Maybe it didn’t suit my taste buds.

Butter chicken goes crazy, pineapple coconut rice goes crazy, garlic naan goes crazy.

Everything about our meal at Gurkha was just right. The atmosphere in the restaurant was calm and cosy, the staff were great, the food was great value for money, tasted fantastic, and was served really quickly after we ordered. Would definitely recommend - also great for vegetarians, absolutely loads of options.

Interesting. 1. Ordered the veggie pakoras. Stay away from it. Soggy, oily and little taste. 2. The cocktail was good. Ordered the Himalayan Sunrise. 3. Main: Veggie Curry (spicy). Without a doubt (at least in my mind), sub par. Felt listless and without much flavor. The Naan was decent. Even the mango Lassi that I ordered was, how do I put it, like water. Of all the curry places that I've been to, and that's included Michelin Star restaurants in London and Manhattan as well as secretary hole in the wall places, this one, by far, rates as the worst ... Maybe it was the items that I ordered ... but I would avoid this place. The 1 Star rating is for the cocktail. The service was quite good, as well.

Service was good, food was excellent, very busy place, good choice from the menu, the only grip I would have is people coming off the street just to use the toilet, or not waiting at the service stance and causing a fuss around people trying to eat and enjoy themselves, needs to be managed better.

The food was ok, however the worrying bit was one of the potato vegetable tasted a bit stale. So I was not very happy with the food. The timing when we went was not super busy so wondering why this was served. The veggie Frankie was as ok but was far from a Frankie and more like roti Sabzi in roll. All in all the food was below expectations

I rarely leave reviews but the food here is so, SO good. The paneer makhani was one of the best meals I've ever had, and so were the chicken momos. Portions are generous, and the staff were happy to give us containers to take home our leftovers.

Food was fabulous but I think the service has a scope for improvement. Had lamb shank and chicken. We requested to take the lamb shank gravy with us. It was that good.

I very much enjoyed the authentic dishes.

Not recommended. The service was incredibly unfriendly and almost annoyed that we wanted to order something and tried very hard to force us to order as many “sides” as possible. The food was okay, but the "fresh seasonal vegetables" consisted of, among other things, frozen carrots and peas... all in all, really not good - sorry.

It was really good place to eat and enjoy , you all can have wonderful food and time in GC&R

We booked a table, it was Over an hour before getting food. The main course arrived before the starters, which made them pointless. After informing the staff one meal was drowning in cream and was frankly rather horrible, I was informed it wasn't a mistake in the kitchen, it was the best curry in Scotland. But no one at the table believed it wasn't horrible. I believe the chefs made a simple mistake and dumped way to much cream, it just tasted like cream, not nice. But apparently it's the best in Scotland, so what do we know. The food was rather disappointing, the staff were delusional, and it was expensive. I'll not be returning.

Excellent restaurant. Chefs special is brilliant. Better than Dishoom. 😀

In a small area, you will find food that tastes like spices and salt. You will find this restaurant serving Indian food. The menu is diverse, and the quantities in the dishes are good. The employees speak and understand the Arabic language and serve with great compassion. Thank you to them and welcome to the opening of a branch in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦😁

I had a dinner with my friends here.. everything was delicious and my favorite is chicken momo..

We had the chicken Mo mos and chicken s Sekwa to start. Both were so good, a little spicy and flavorful. Jholili fish was good with rice and naan. The flavor was more tomato than coconut.

This is a cute little cafe conveniently located steps from the royal mile. Service is good, the food is delicious and the vibe is relaxing.

We have just enjoyed the most delicious Nepalese/Indian meal. The food was freshly cooked and full of flavour. It was quite different from usual Indian food. The portions were generous - it was all so good that we rather over-ate. Service was helpful without being intrusive. This was one of the loveliest meals I have had in a long time

Great Nepalese & Indian restaurant in heart of Edinburgh.

The food was wonderful. Little bit of a weight for food and drinks but the lovely food more than made up for it. Would definitely recommend.

It was amazing time with Gurkha cafe enjoy with proper food .highly recommend all nice thanks very much for your great hospitality.

We went here for dinner & the food was very delicious. The host as well as everyone else in the restaurant were very friendly & accommodating. Overall, it was a great dining experience. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

Amazing place every time for authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine right in the heart of Edinburgh city. Highly recommend!!

What for staff they have extremely light fingers other than that food was amazing

We went to the restaurant, ordered an item! The manager got the order boxed after we said we didn't asked to get it packed. The manager ( claimed he is the manager) that he will not unbox it , didn't let us dine in! Cussed us! Was very rude and said we are lying! Extremely disappointed with the service! DO NOT RECOMMEND! EXTREMELY RACIST STAFF, HAVE NO CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS! SPOILT THE ENTIRE TOURIST EXPERIENCE! EXTREMELY GUTTED BY THE MANAGER SERVICE! Spoiled the entire day!

Great Nepali restaurant close to the royal mile. We came to this place after doing a two hour tour of Edinburgh castle. They have plenty of tables inside. So, getting a table was not an issue. We ordered butter chicken, biryani, chicken momos, and mango lassi. Everything was delicious. At the end we topped a great lunch with masala chai. I would totally recommend this place.

Great food as always !Our go to Indian food to order ( Have also dine in before) Always exceptional quality and great value ! Would recommend to anyone and everyone

I got the butter chicken and the shrimp biryani. Both were 5/5. I definitely recommend it.

Visited after reading reviews. Food was not good, expensive, washrooms were dirty, however service was good, but Won't recommend.

I have eaten here - take away and in the restaurant many times now while visiting my daughter in Edinburgh. The food is excellent and beautifully presented. I usually have the samosas and vegetarian side dishes like the murrain dal. The service is polite. The restaurant is usually quiet which might mean lacking in atmosphere but I like it. At the end of the meal, I was brought a hot towel for my hands, fresh orange slice, a chocolate and tiny cup of chai. Perfect.

very good vegeterian curry & garlis naan(tbh the best i’v ever had) and the aperol sprizz

The food was delicious and there was plenty of seating available. The host was also very accommodating. Overall, a great dining experience. We had a variety of dishes including lamb biryani, chicken biryani, naan Gurkha chicken, tandoori sea bass etc.. A good portion of lamb and chicken biryani which is enough for 1 person. Only thing to note is that the sea bass is served without the head. It'd make a generous portion if it was served with the head. It was delicious though...

the food was spicy which was not written on the menu

I kindly asked a simple veggie curry with naan. I got some one side totally burned naan (the other side was fine) and a huge portion of vegetables, without sauce. I really asked from the waitress when I ordered, cos I wanted to dip my naan into it. No dipping this time with cold burned naan. Taste was kinda eatable, but weird with those plenty of veggies… this was the worst indian restaurant experience ever, and I tried a few. But I got a piece of chocolate and a smile next to my bill.

Very tasty cuisine in a peaceful restaurant....

Delicious cuisine! Very well seasoned authentic dishes. Were there twice in a row. Even if the atmosphere is rather sober, eating there is worth it.

Great food, a bit different from regular Indian restaurants. Very friendly.

I first visited this restaurant over 10 years ago, and the quality has remained consistent every time since. Excellent all around!

Indian Restaurant He speaks Arabic and is respectful, and there are no words for Indian food, especially in this cold climate. I got mantu, biryani, and masala.

It's okay level, I ate chicken biryani

The chicken and lamb biryani were excellent.

excellent options for nepalese food! The service staff are also polite. Definitely try the lamb items & kathmandu temple mocktail

Great food but staff made me feel unwelcome

The worst Indian cousin i have ever had smelly atmosphere microwaved momes and very poor service drinks were horible as well definitely not recommended 🔪

Excellent food, super tasty, nice service. Gladly again next time!

We enjoyed our evening at the Gurkha. The recommendations on the food were good and after one choice (Lamb Khutta) was out, the staff immediately suggested an alternative. The food (Momos with chicken and Chicken sekwa as starters, Bhot Ko Chelu with Pilau rice as shared main dish - perfect amount for two people) and mango lassi were delicious and the prices fair.

This was both my husband and I’s favorite food stop this week while we’re in Edinburgh. We ordered a couple starters to share and were filled by the time we finished, for only £19. Each dish was flavorful, delicious, well-plated. We may even go back again before we leave town. Service was a little slow but the back of the restaurant was full and everyone was nice enough, so I really can’t complain.

A couple's dinner on a Friday evening. We chose papadams and 3 dips, a cocktail each, two Nepalese main meals, pilaf. Everything was so well done. Food was delicious, service friendly and prompt. Prices were very reasonable for the quality. Book ahead, otherwise you'll wait or be disappointed.

During a delightful three-day stay in Edinburgh, I had the pleasure of dining at the Gurkha Cafe and Restaurant. From the very first visit, the culinary experience was so captivating that it became my chosen dining spot for the entirety of my trip. The standout dish that captured my heart was the chicken wings marinated with Nepali spices. Each bite was a journey through a rich tapestry of flavors, masterfully blended to deliver a taste sensation that was both unique and comforting. It’s a dish that I would recommend to anyone with a passion for exploring diverse culinary landscapes. The ambiance of the restaurant complemented the food perfectly, creating an inviting atmosphere that made each visit memorable. The staff’s hospitality added to the overall experience, making me feel welcomed and valued as a guest. For those who appreciate the art of food and the joy of discovering new tastes, Gurkha Cafe and Restaurant is an essential stop in Edinburgh. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that resonates with the soul of Nepali cuisine. A must-visit for food enthusiasts and a true gem in the heart of the city.

Poleko Bhaley was delicious. Highly recommended!

Cozy restaurant with authentic staff and good cuisine. The service was very nice and the portions were big! The naan bread was delicious! :) There is also a good selection for vegetarians.

Amazing and very authentic Indian/ Nepalese food. My wife and I enjoy this type of food and to stumble across this place was a real treat. Everything we ordered was a new best for us.

Nice Nepalese place in the heart of Edinburgh. They have momos (dumplings) native to Nepal and they are quite nice. Range of food options from vegetarian, non vegetarian and seafood. They also provide biryani. Service is a bit slow but the food will keep you happy. They have loads of indoor seating and you can find a space for large groups of people too.

I wanted to like this place but I felt very disrepected by the man who served me. He was very short and unfriendly to me yet I could hear him being much nicer to others. The king prawn tandoori was ok but a bit chewy and the lentil daal was very bland. When presented with the bill it would be nice if you'd actually show it to me properly? Won't be coming back.

Great little find! The food was absolutely delicious. Spice wise, compared with some of the places we like to eat the food wasn't hugely hot, but the madras still packs a punch, and it was very full of delicious flavours and perfectly balanced. Also had the tandoori fish tikka and the fish was complimented by the spice rather than overpowered. The starters were generous and I thought it might be too much, but all plates were cleared! We will definitely come again and would highly recommend it.

Not terrible but not terrific either. The staff are not rude however, they are very brief with customers, or at least they were with me. There was no greeting when I entered the restaurant, no farewell when I left and no real human interaction, just robotic actions of taking orders and bringing food to the table with no real passion or care. It wasn’t the best either; The vegetable curry was very dry; More like a stir-fry than a curry and with WAAAY too many green beans. But the vegetarian momo dumplings I had were pretty nice and so was the chicken biryani. Although I over ordered and ended up with two takeaway containers in the end, the portion sizes are decent, so at least you will not starve and may even have leftovers for tomorrow’s dinner/lunch. I also liked the traditional Indian/Nepalese music in the background

The worst experience in my life. Food was below average,Price is too high as well. Food doesn’t meet the price and plates, bowls look like they haven’t changed it from ages. A lots of scratches in it which is ridiculous. This is not Nepalese and Indian taste.

Delicious food and such kind staff

Delicious meal, attentive service, calm atmosphere. Perfect after a long day exploring Edinburgh.