Bittersweet Leith Cocktail Bar

24 Henderson St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BS

About This Pub

Ah, Bittersweet Leith – what a lovely find in the heart of Edinburgh! From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, this spot really nails the Italian aperitivo scene with its tasty small plates and cocktails that are as creative as they are delicious. Imagine tucking into a burrata with walnut and honey topping or savouring a Negroni flight in a cool, lively atmosphere that just draws you in. The service sounds top-notch too, with folks raving about how friendly and attentive the team is, making it feel like you're catching up with old friends. On the flip side, it's a shame it's shut on Sundays and Mondays, so you'll need to time your visit right, and while most dishes get glowing reviews, there might be the odd one that's just alright rather than amazing. Overall, it's a brilliant choice for a night out, especially if you're after something a bit special without breaking the bank – I'd say give it a go if you're in the area, but keep those opening hours in mind!

Pros and Cons

Pros

The food is an absolute delight, with delicious Italian-inspired small plates and true Neapolitan cuisine that feels like a taste of Italy right in Edinburgh.
Their cocktails are mind-blowing – think innovative creations like creamy Espresso Martinis and a Negroni flight, all made with in-house fermented goodies from their own distillery.
The atmosphere is spot on, with a buzzy, cool vibe and decor that makes you feel like you're in a trendy Italian spot, perfect for a relaxed evening out.
Service is warm and friendly, making every visit feel personal and welcoming, just like chatting with mates over drinks.

Cons

It's closed on Sundays and Mondays, which might cramp your plans if you're looking for a mid-week unwind or a weekend treat.
While the sharing plates are generally good, they might not blow your socks off every time, as one chap mentioned they were just 'pretty good' rather than extraordinary.
The place has had a bit of a history with changing hands over the years, so you might wonder if it'll stick around long-term, though it's claimed and managed now.

Contact Information

24 Henderson St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BS

+441315311410

Cocktail bar

Opens at 17:00

Opening Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	17:00 - 23:00
Wednesday (Today)	17:00 - 23:00
Thursday	17:00 - 23:00
Friday	17:00 - 00:00
Saturday	14:00 - 00:00
Sunday	Closed

Location

Recent Reviews

Perfect small plates restaurant, delicious food and cocktails with friendly service. Couldn’t fault it!

Jess Murray

Cannot flaw the food. True Neapolitan cuisine and some truly mind-blowing cocktails. Great atmosphere and decor too. Their lasagna is possibly the best I've ever tasted outside of Italy. Incredible. Their creamy/frothy Espresso Martini is nothing short of a masterpiece. Worth visiting alone just for that. A must visit 👏🤩

Marco Solferini

Perfect spot for drinks, small plates and tiramisu! Really interesting cocktails in a buzzy, cool environment with really friendly service. The walnut and honey topping on the burrata was incredible! Must return for their Negroni flight!

Sarah Rushall

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING! We were staying in Leith and we were just a 15 minute walk away from Bittersweet. What a gem! The atomsphere and vibe of this place is so cohesive from the decor, to the menu, to the cocktails, and especially to there service. We were taken care of so well. Fabrizio, who is the head of the distillery and bar, was so warm and welcoming. The cocktails we got drew inspiration from their favorite rap lyrics and the vibe they got from the song. Mine was the Snoop Dogg Peaches and Cream. Well balanced taste and great presentation. Super refreshing and packed a huge punch of peach. The MF Doom cocktail called Guinnesses was a masterpiece. For our food we order every single dish under the ‘Street’ side of the menu. Every dish was flavorful and you can tell was made with such care. My favorite that I will think about forever was the Pistachio Arancini. Perfectly crispy outside with a rich, creamy, and nutty inside. We had a wonderful chat with Fabrizio and the bartender. The bartender gave us many recommendations for the rest of our trip in Scotland which was so sweet of him. We did go on an unusually slow night for them they said. I could write a 1000 more words about my thoughts on this place. We had a lovely dinner and if they were open on Sundays we would come back before our flight!

Jillian Mauro

This place has chopped and changed hands over the years but really hope Bittersweet is here long-term. There's a good range of cocktails from a £5 range to more premium drinks (it's owners are involved with Old Poison distillery) which are well made. We had a few sharing plates, which were all pretty tasty. Wines were good and are roasted regularly. Interior is tasteful and the staff hard working and very attentive. Worth checking out for a cocktail (or two) and some small plates

Phil Cook