Forage & Chatter: A Contemporary Scottish Culinary Experience in Edinburgh's West End
Discover innovative Scottish cuisine crafted from local ingredients in a cozy West End setting at Forage & Chatter, Edinburgh.
Forage & Chatter is a celebrated Scottish restaurant located at 1A Alva Street in Edinburgh’s vibrant West End. Known for its locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes, it offers a cozy yet modern dining atmosphere. The menu features refined Scottish cuisine with creative flavor pairings, including standout dishes like steak tartare and inventive vegetable preparations. Open primarily for dinner and weekend lunch, it blends rustic charm with contemporary culinary artistry.
A brief summary to Forage & Chatter
- 1A Alva St, Edinburgh, EH2 4PH, GB
- +441312254599
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 5 pm-9 pm
- Wednesday 5 pm-9 pm
- Thursday 5 pm-9 pm
- Friday 5 pm-9 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-2 pm
Local tips
- Reserve in advance, especially for weekend dinners, as seating is limited and popular.
- Try the chocolate fondant dessert paired with pear for a refined end to your meal.
- Visit during the evening service from Tuesday to Friday for the full a la carte experience.
- Consider the Saturday lunch service for a lighter, more casual dining option.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Forage & Chatter location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Forage & Chatter
A Culinary Gem Nestled in Edinburgh’s West End
Forage & Chatter occupies a discreet yet stylish spot on Alva Street, offering an intimate dining experience that showcases the best of Scottish produce. The restaurant’s ethos revolves around foraging and locally sourcing ingredients, which informs a menu that is both seasonal and inventive. Despite its modest interior, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it a perfect destination for food lovers seeking quality and authenticity in the heart of Edinburgh.Distinctive Scottish Flavors with a Modern Twist
The kitchen excels at pairing flavors with precision, creating dishes that highlight the natural qualities of each ingredient. Signature offerings include a unique take on steak tartare and imaginative vegetable dishes such as mushroom carpaccio and pearl barley risotto. The menu often features elements like pickled and puréed vegetables, delicate seafood preparations, and rich, comforting mains like lamb rump and monkfish. Desserts, notably the chocolate fondant paired with pear in various forms, provide a refined finish to the meal.Thoughtful Service and Ambience
Service at Forage & Chatter is attentive and professional, contributing to an overall experience that balances style with comfort. The staff are knowledgeable and discreet, allowing diners to focus on savoring their meals. The restaurant’s ambiance is understated rather than flashy, emphasizing the quality of the food and the pleasure of dining without distractions.Seasonal Availability and Dining Hours
Forage & Chatter operates mainly in the evenings from Tuesday to Friday, opening from 5 pm to 9 pm, with additional lunch service on Saturdays between noon and 2 pm. This schedule reflects its focus on carefully prepared dishes best enjoyed in a relaxed setting. The moderate price level aligns with the quality and creativity of the cuisine, making it accessible for those seeking a special dining occasion without extravagance.Local Recognition and Culinary Reputation
The restaurant has garnered acclaim for its outstanding food and innovative approach to Scottish cooking. It is praised for its flavor combinations, quality ingredients, and the skillful execution of dishes. While some recent changes in ownership have affected service dynamics, the kitchen’s commitment to excellence remains evident. Forage & Chatter continues to be a highlight in Edinburgh’s dining scene, appealing to both locals and visitors.Exploring the West End’s Vibrant Food Scene
Situated in a lively neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of shops, bars, and eateries, Forage & Chatter complements Edinburgh’s rich culinary tapestry. Its focus on sustainability and local sourcing reflects broader trends in Scottish gastronomy. Visitors can enjoy a meal here as part of a broader exploration of the city’s West End, which balances historic charm with contemporary culture and creativity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
15 Charlotte Square
0.1 km
Elegant Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh’s historic Charlotte Square, blending architectural grandeur with rich cultural heritage.
The Dean Bridge
0.4 km
A soaring 19th-century stone bridge by Thomas Telford, linking Edinburgh’s New Town with the scenic Water of Leith valley.
Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial
0.5 km
A modest stone tribute nestled in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens celebrating the enduring legacy of Robert Louis Stevenson.
Statue of King George Ⅳ
0.8 km
A regal bronze tribute to King George IV’s historic 1822 visit, standing proudly at Edinburgh’s vibrant Hanover and George Street intersection.
The Witches Well
0.8 km
A poignant cast iron memorial outside Edinburgh Castle honoring the thousands accused and executed as witches in Scotland’s dark past.
Dean Cemetery
0.8 km
Discover the tranquil beauty and historical richness of Dean Cemetery, a hidden gem in Edinburgh with stunning architecture and serene landscapes.
Circus Lane
0.9 km
Edinburgh's most photographed mews lane—a fairy-tale cobbled street where Georgian history meets Instagram dreams.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
0.9 km
Explore the rich heritage of Scotch whisky at The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh, where tradition meets taste in every sip.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
0.9 km
Experience the magic of perception at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh's premier museum of optical wonders and interactive displays.
Lochrin Basin
0.9 km
Experience the historical beauty and serene ambiance of Lochrin Basin, a hidden gem in Edinburgh's Fountainbridge area, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
0.9 km
Discover stunning views of Edinburgh Castle at The Vennel Viewpoint, a must-visit scenic spot that showcases the beauty of Scotland's capital.
John Knox Monument
0.9 km
Explore the historic John Knox Monument, a stunning tribute to the Scottish Reformer, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Scotland's rich religious history.
The Mound & Mound Place
0.9 km
Historic artificial slope linking Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, home to iconic galleries, grand architecture, and vibrant cultural life.
Flodden Wall
0.9 km
Explore Edinburgh’s medieval Flodden Wall, a historic sandstone fortification built after 1513 to protect the city and shape its iconic Old Town skyline.
Milne's Court
1.0 km
Discover Milne's Court, a captivating historical landmark in Edinburgh, where the past meets the present in a picturesque setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
St. John's Church Hall
0.2 km
Historic Gothic church hall on Princes Street, blending stunning stained glass artistry with vibrant community events in Edinburgh’s New Town.
Charlotte Square
0.2 km
Charlotte Square: Edinburgh’s elegant Georgian masterpiece, home to historic architecture, tranquil gardens, and Scotland’s First Minister.
The Parish Church of St Cuthbert
0.3 km
Explore the Parish Church of St Cuthbert, Edinburgh's historic spiritual haven filled with stunning architecture and rich heritage.
The Oxford Bar
0.4 km
Experience the heart of Edinburgh at The Oxford Bar, a historic pub known for its literary connections and welcoming atmosphere.
Lothian Rd
0.4 km
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
0.4 km
Discover Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural heart through the iconic Usher Hall and its rich musical heritage on an immersive guided tour.
Ross Fountain
0.4 km
A dazzling Victorian cast-iron fountain beneath Edinburgh Castle, blending French artistry with Scottish heritage in vibrant color.
The Usher Hall
0.5 km
Edinburgh’s iconic Edwardian concert hall renowned for world-class acoustics and diverse performances in a majestic historic setting.
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral
0.5 km
Edinburgh’s tallest Victorian Gothic cathedral, renowned for its soaring spires, stunning stained glass, and vibrant spiritual heritage.
Innis & Gunn Edinburgh City Centre Brewery Taproom
0.5 km
Discover the craft of brewing at Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom in Edinburgh, where great beer and live music create a unique atmosphere.
St. Bernard's Well
0.5 km
An exquisite 18th-century Greco-Roman temple over a healing spring, blending classical beauty with Edinburgh’s rich spa heritage.
Water of Leith Walkway
0.5 km
A serene 13-mile riverside trail weaving through Edinburgh’s history, nature, and culture from Balerno to Leith.
National War Museum
0.5 km
Explore Scotland’s rich military history through artifacts, personal stories, and art within the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Well Court
0.5 km
Discover Well Court, a beautifully restored Victorian Arts and Crafts social housing gem nestled in Edinburgh’s tranquil Dean Village.
Dean Village
0.6 km
Discover Dean Village, Edinburgh’s tranquil historic milling village with cobbled streets, scenic river views, and timeless Victorian charm.
Essential places to dine
Forage & Chatter
0.0 km
Discover innovative Scottish cuisine crafted from local ingredients in a cozy West End setting at Forage & Chatter, Edinburgh.
The Pompadour
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Experience refined modern Scottish cuisine with stunning Edinburgh Castle views in the elegant setting of 1925 at The Pompadour.
Aizle
0.2 km
Discover Edinburgh’s acclaimed modern European tasting menu with seasonal Scottish ingredients in a bright, relaxed Garden Room setting.
BABA
0.3 km
Levantine spices and charcoal-grilled excellence on Edinburgh's George Street.
Badger & Co
0.4 km
A charming Wind in the Willows–themed gastropub in Edinburgh serving elevated Scottish pub classics and creative cocktails in a lively, welcoming setting.
Dine Edinburgh
0.4 km
Elegant Scottish brasserie above the Traverse Theatre, blending seasonal local flavors with refined service and a chic cocktail lounge.
Chaophraya Thai Restaurant
0.5 km
Sophisticated Thai dining with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle, blending authentic flavors and stylish ambiance in the heart of New Town.
Contini George Street
0.5 km
Elegant Italian dining in a stunning Georgian banking hall, blending authentic flavors with Scottish freshness on Edinburgh’s George Street.
The Palmerston
0.5 km
A stylish West End restaurant serving modern Scottish cuisine in a refined, relaxed setting just steps from Edinburgh’s city centre.
TIMBERYARD
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Modern British dining in a historic Edinburgh warehouse with seasonal, locally sourced cuisine and a celebrated natural wine cellar.
Purslane Restaurant
0.8 km
Intimate basement fine dining where ambitious modern cuisine meets Scottish sourcing and genuine hospitality.
Beehive Inn
0.9 km
Historic pub and vibrant entertainment venue in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, blending traditional Scottish charm with lively dining and comedy events.
Six by Nico Edinburgh
0.9 km
Discover Edinburgh’s Six by Nico for innovative six-course tasting menus blending playful flavors and stylish ambiance in the city’s vibrant New Town.
Amber Restaurant
0.9 km
Experience Scotland’s finest seasonal cuisine expertly paired with over 550 whiskies in the warm, amber-lit heart of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
The Witchery by the Castle
0.9 km
A sumptuous gothic retreat on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, blending historic grandeur with romantic luxury and award-winning Scottish cuisine.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
ScotlandShop
0.0 km
Discover bespoke tartans, tailored kilts, and authentic Scottish gifts at Edinburgh’s ScotlandShop on Queensferry Street.
One World Shop
0.2 km
Edinburgh’s oldest fair trade shop offering ethical gifts and vegan treats beneath historic St John's Church on Princes Street.
Scottish Design Exchange
0.4 km
Discover Edinburgh’s vibrant hub where over 300 local artists showcase unique creations, supporting Scotland’s creative economy with every purchase.
The Treasure Trove
0.4 km
Discover Edinburgh’s charming charity shop with unique handmade gifts that support local artisans and meaningful causes.
Mangue - The Gift Shop
0.5 km
Discover unique gifts and local treasures in a friendly boutique on Edinburgh’s vibrant Rose Street.
Edinburgh Gifts
0.5 km
Discover authentic Scottish treasures and local craftsmanship in the heart of Edinburgh on iconic Princes Street.
Portcullis Gift Shop
0.7 km
Edinburgh Castle’s largest gift shop, offering exclusive Scottish crafts, clan gifts, and souvenirs in a historic setting.
Carnivàle Vintage
0.7 km
Discover unique vintage clothing and timeless treasures in Edinburgh’s charming Carnivàle Vintage boutique.
Poundland
0.7 km
Affordable shopping in Edinburgh’s city centre with a vast range of quality products all priced to save you money.
Herman Brown
0.7 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and sustainable style at Herman Brown, Edinburgh’s iconic vintage clothing shop since 1983.
Those Were The Days Vintage
0.8 km
Discover timeless elegance and authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s to the 1990s at Edinburgh’s curated boutique, Those Were The Days Vintage.
CIRCUS Vintage and Curios
0.8 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and curiosities in Edinburgh’s charming Stockbridge at CIRCUS Vintage and Curios.
Godiva
0.8 km
Discover Edinburgh’s premier independent boutique blending vintage treasures with ethical, locally designed fashion in the heart of Grassmarket.
Tartan Weaving Mill and Exhibition
0.9 km
Discover Scotland's rich textile heritage at the Tartan Weaving Mill, where history meets craftsmanship in a vibrant exhibition and unique shopping experience.
Edinburgh Art Shop
0.9 km
Edinburgh Art Shop offers a warm, expert-led art supply experience with quality materials and a creative community spirit in the heart of Edinburgh.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Rat Pack - Piano & Cocktail Bar
0.1 km
Edinburgh’s iconic American-style piano bar blending live music and classic cocktails in a lively West End setting.
Heads & Tales Gin Bar
0.1 km
Discover Edinburgh’s hidden gin haven where craft distilling meets cozy speakeasy charm in the heart of the West End.
The Caley Bar
0.2 km
Step into The Caley Bar for a refined blend of Victorian railway heritage, bespoke cocktails, and Scotland’s finest whiskies in the heart of Edinburgh.
Dirty Dick's Pub
0.3 km
Experience Edinburgh’s quirky and cozy Dirty Dick's Pub, famed for whisky, lively charm, and hearty Scottish classics on vibrant Rose Street.
Panda & Sons
0.3 km
Edinburgh's hidden speakeasy where barbershop secrets unlock theatrical cocktails, smoky spectacles, and a fictional family's boozy tales in cosy, low-lit elegance.
NQ64 Edinburgh
0.3 km
A neon-lit arcade bar in Edinburgh blending retro gaming classics with creative cocktails and a lively, nostalgic atmosphere.
All Bar One Exchange Plaza
0.4 km
Stylish and contemporary wine bar in Edinburgh’s heart, perfect for relaxed socializing and after-work drinks with attentive service.
BrewDog Edinburgh Lothian Road
0.4 km
Experience Edinburgh’s craft beer culture in a vibrant, historic setting with legendary wings, 28 taps, and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Copper Blossom
0.5 km
A glamorous cocktail bar and restaurant on George Street, blending stylish decor with inventive drinks and shareable plates in vibrant Edinburgh.
Never Really Here
0.5 km
Edinburgh's ultimate speakeasy: knock the graffiti door for bespoke cocktails in an intimate, menu-free den of mixology magic.
The Jolly Botanist
0.6 km
A Victorian-style gin bar in Edinburgh’s West End, famed for its botanical cocktails, hearty Scottish fare, and warm, quirky atmosphere.
Lucky Liquor Co
0.6 km
Intimate and creative cocktail bar in Edinburgh’s New Town, blending expert mixology with a vinyl soundtrack and a welcoming vibe.
SKYbar Edinburgh
0.7 km
Experience Edinburgh’s skyline with exquisite cocktails and stunning castle views at SKYbar, the city’s premier rooftop destination.
The Raging Bull
0.7 km
Edinburgh’s vibrant cocktail bar famed for its Espresso Martinis, lively ambiance, and engaging cocktail masterclasses.
The Bon Vivant
0.7 km
Candlelit bistro haven on Thistle Street, pouring award-winning cocktails and serving local Scottish fare with French finesse since 2008.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
PDT Please Don’t Tell
0.1 km
Edinburgh’s intimate speakeasy-style nightclub offering expertly crafted cocktails and a cozy, conversation-friendly atmosphere.
Club Tropicana
0.3 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant retro nightlife with classic disco hits and lively dance floors at Club Tropicana on Lothian Road.
Lulu Bar and Nightclub
0.3 km
Edinburgh's George Street gem: chic cocktails, thumping beats, and dance floors that ignite the night in upscale style.
The Shack Retro Bar & Club
0.5 km
Edinburgh's retro dance den blasting 60s-90s hits amid quirky decor and sweaty dance floors—pure nostalgic escapism on Rose Street.
Opal Lounge
0.7 km
A stylish live music bar and nightclub in Edinburgh’s New Town, perfect for celebrations and vibrant nightlife.
El Barrio Latino
0.8 km
Edinburgh's sizzling Latin nightclub where salsa beats pulse through New Town nights, drawing dancers to its vibrant Hanover Street heart until the early hours.
Garibaldi's
0.9 km
Edinburgh's tiniest nightclub packs the biggest late-night punch on Hanover Street, with killer margaritas and a dance floor that never quits till 3am.
Shanghai Nightclub
0.9 km
Edinburgh's Oriental nightlife den: Asian decor, themed beats, VIP vibes, and non-stop energy on George Street.
Why Not Nightclub
0.9 km
Edinburgh's multi-award-winning late-night haven with LED immersion, garden vibes, and non-stop beats on George Street.
The Liquid Room
1.0 km
Edinburgh's multi-level nightlife gem: techno thumps, live gigs, and warehouse vibes on historic Victoria Street.
The Bongo Club
1.1 km
Edinburgh’s underground hotspot blending eclectic music, live art, and a vibrant late-night scene in the historic Old Town.
Legends
1.2 km
Edinburgh’s only 24/7 rock nightclub, Legends pulses with raw energy and live alternative music in the heart of Cowgate.
Sneaky Pete's
1.2 km
Intimate live music and club nights in Edinburgh’s Old Town, where emerging talent meets vibrant nightlife.
The Mash House
1.4 km
A vibrant Edinburgh nightclub and live music venue blending folk, electronic, and techno in a lively, casual setting.
La Belle Angele
1.4 km
Edinburgh’s intimate nightclub and live music venue blending historic charm with vibrant themed nights and diverse performances.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
