Zest - City of Edinburgh

A central location on the fringes of St Andrews Square help to ensure a lively mix of local tourists, students and curry freaks at this modish seven-year-old Indian. Forget flock wallpaper and please-all sauces, Zest is something a bit different.

Rows of gingham-topped spice jars fill the window, and the the interior is a stylish, contemporary blend of chrome and birch, with bright spotlights and white walls. The menu also throws in some fresh surprises alongside the familiar run of tandooris (try the special trout version), biryanis, lamb pasanda and methi gosht.

Among the specialities worth noting are khashi garam malasa, chingri roshun and murgh shahjani (with spinach, fennel, coriander and serious amounts of green chillies). Also try the salmon tikka or channa puri to start (crispy puffed bread with chickpeas). Cold Cobra beer suits the food, although the restaurant boasts a very decent wine list.