BABA Edinburgh
Levantine spices and charcoal-grilled excellence on Edinburgh's George Street.
BABA is a vibrant Levantine restaurant located on Edinburgh's prestigious George Street, housed within the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel. The restaurant celebrates the bold, earthy flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean through its inventive mezze, charcoal-grilled meats, and creative vegetarian dishes. With its eclectic, colourful interior featuring turquoise, topaz, and burnt orange tones, warm hospitality, and expertly spiced cuisine, BABA offers a culinary journey through the Levant in Scotland's capital.
A brief summary to BABA
- 130 George St, Edinburgh, EH2 4JZ, GB
- +441312405500
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-12 am
- Tuesday 12 pm-12 am
- Wednesday 12 pm-12 am
- Thursday 12 pm-12 am
- Friday 12 pm-1 am
- Saturday 12 pm-1 am
- Sunday 12 pm-12 am
Local tips
- Book ahead for dinner, especially weekends. The restaurant fills quickly and walk-ins may face significant waits during peak service.
- Order the blackened sweet potato with saffron crème fraîche and harissa—it's a standout side dish that balances sweet, savoury, spicy, and creamy in perfect harmony.
- Embrace the mezze format by ordering multiple small plates to share rather than individual mains. This allows you to experience more of the menu's range and flavours.
- Approach the grilled Turkish chillies with caution—they are genuinely very hot. Only order if you have a high tolerance for spice; the restaurant will warn you when ordering.
- Come for the savoury dishes; desserts are pleasant but not the restaurant's strongest point. The rosewater baklava is crispy but less sweet than traditional versions.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
BABA location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about BABA
A Gateway to Levantine Flavours
Baba brings the vibrant culinary traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean directly to the heart of Edinburgh's George Street. The restaurant specialises in Levantine cuisine—a celebration of bold, well-balanced spices and fresh, wholesome ingredients that reflect the food cultures of Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and surrounding regions. Rather than obscuring ingredients with heavy sauces, the kitchen honours the natural character of each element, allowing flavours to speak for themselves. The menu is thoughtfully curated around mezze (small sharing plates), charcoal-grilled proteins, and inventive vegetable dishes that showcase both tradition and contemporary creativity.The Interior: Colour, Comfort, and Character
Stepping into Baba is an immediate sensory experience. The front dining area features a striking large communal table at its centre, flanked by intimate booths, while the rear opens into a more eclectic arrangement of seating and design elements. A vibrant colour palette of turquoise, topaz, greens, burnt oranges, and russets creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that evokes the Middle East without feeling theme-park artificial. The space is thoughtfully designed to encourage sharing and conversation—the layout naturally facilitates the mezze-style dining experience that defines Levantine food culture. An open kitchen with a charcoal grill sits at the heart of the restaurant, allowing diners to witness the precision and care that goes into each dish.Signature Dishes and Culinary Highlights
The menu balances familiar mezze staples with unexpected twists and Scottish ingredients. Standout dishes include baba ganoush and muhammara (roasted red pepper and walnut dip) served with warm pita, haggis and harissa kibbeh dumplings dusted with sesame and salt, and beetroot hummus topped with hazelnut dukkah spices and whipped feta. Among grilled mains, the Duke of Yorkshire pork neck with roast pineapple and mojo verde, marinated chicken leg with harissa hummus, and lamb shoulder with ptitim pasta, preserved lemon, and tahini yoghurt demonstrate the kitchen's skill in marrying Scottish produce with Levantine technique. Vegetable dishes such as blackened sweet potato with saffron crème fraîche and harissa, and cauliflower shawarma with ras-el-hanout, tahini, and rose showcase the restaurant's commitment to inventive plant-based cooking. The grilled Turkish chillies with whipped feta and urfa pepper offer an intense heat challenge for those who seek it. Cocktails feature infusions of rose, sesame, and pistachio, complementing the spiced food beautifully.Service and Hospitality
Baba's staff demonstrate genuine knowledge of the menu and attentiveness to dietary requirements and preferences. The restaurant takes particular care with guests who have multiple dietary restrictions, ensuring clear communication between front-of-house and kitchen. Service pacing is generally efficient, with the kitchen maintaining consistency even during busy service. Staff are trained to make thoughtful recommendations and to handle special occasions with warmth and professionalism. The management maintains visible oversight of operations, ensuring cleanliness, organisation, and a welcoming atmosphere throughout service.Atmosphere and Social Dining
Baba is fundamentally a restaurant built for sharing and connection. The mezze-style format naturally encourages diners to order multiple dishes and pass plates around the table, fostering conversation and a sense of communal dining. The eclectic interior design, vibrant colours, and open kitchen create an energetic yet comfortable environment suitable for celebrations, casual meals with friends, or intimate dinners. The restaurant's location on George Street—one of Edinburgh's most expensive and prominent thoroughfares—adds a sense of occasion, yet the food and service remain unpretentious and welcoming.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
15 Charlotte Square
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Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial
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The Dean Bridge
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Statue of King George Ⅳ
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Circus Lane
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The Scotch Whisky Experience
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John Knox Monument
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The Mound & Mound Place
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Well Court
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East Princes Street Gardens
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James Clerk Maxwell Statue
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Dean Village
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St Andrew Square & George St
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Milne's Court
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Oxford Bar
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Experience the heart of Edinburgh at The Oxford Bar, a historic pub known for its literary connections and welcoming atmosphere.
The Georgian House
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St. John's Church Hall
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The Parish Church of St Cuthbert
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Explore the Parish Church of St Cuthbert, Edinburgh's historic spiritual haven filled with stunning architecture and rich heritage.
Ross Fountain
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A dazzling Victorian cast-iron fountain beneath Edinburgh Castle, blending French artistry with Scottish heritage in vibrant color.
Panoramic view Castle
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Discover breathtaking, near eye-level views of Edinburgh Castle framed by historic gardens and vibrant city life at Princes Street.
Rose St
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A lively, historic pedestrian street in Edinburgh’s New Town, famed for its pubs, boutique shops, and rich literary heritage.
One O’Clock Gun
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Experience Edinburgh’s iconic One O’Clock Gun, a historic maritime time signal fired daily from Edinburgh Castle since 1861.
National War Museum
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Explore Scotland’s rich military history through artifacts, personal stories, and art within the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Heriot Row
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Discover the timeless elegance and historic charm of Heriot Row, a prestigious Georgian street overlooking tranquil gardens in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.
Assembly Rooms
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Princes Street Gardens
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Historic urban oasis in Edinburgh’s heart, featuring iconic monuments, seasonal events, and stunning views beneath the castle.
Lothian Rd
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Lothian Road pulses with Edinburgh’s cultural heartbeat, blending historic theatres, cinemas, and vibrant urban life beneath the shadow of the castle.
Edinburgh Guided Tour
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Discover Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural heart through the iconic Usher Hall and its rich musical heritage on an immersive guided tour.
Edinburgh Castle - Mill's Mount Battery
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Essential places to dine
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Levantine spices and charcoal-grilled excellence on Edinburgh's George Street.
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Treasure Trove
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Mangue - The Gift Shop
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Discover unique gifts and local treasures in a friendly boutique on Edinburgh’s vibrant Rose Street.
One World Shop
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Edinburgh’s oldest fair trade shop offering ethical gifts and vegan treats beneath historic St John's Church on Princes Street.
ScotlandShop
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Discover bespoke tartans, tailored kilts, and authentic Scottish gifts at Edinburgh’s ScotlandShop on Queensferry Street.
Edinburgh Gifts
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Discover authentic Scottish treasures and local craftsmanship in the heart of Edinburgh on iconic Princes Street.
Portcullis Gift Shop
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Edinburgh Castle’s largest gift shop, offering exclusive Scottish crafts, clan gifts, and souvenirs in a historic setting.
Great Scot
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Discover authentic Scottish heritage and craftsmanship at Great Scot, a vibrant gift shop on Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street.
Those Were The Days Vintage
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Discover timeless elegance and authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s to the 1990s at Edinburgh’s curated boutique, Those Were The Days Vintage.
Greyfriars Art
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Carnivàle Vintage
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Discover unique vintage clothing and timeless treasures in Edinburgh’s charming Carnivàle Vintage boutique.
Herman Brown
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Godiva
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Poundland
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Colorful Backdrops
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
