Leith has a bright new star. Dogstar, the new Scottish restaurant from Michelin-starred chef James Murray and the team behind Leith’s own Nauticus bar, has opened its doors on Lindsay Road. Stepping inside, it’s clear any memory of its predecessor, the Portland Bar, has been banished. The space is completely transformed into a quaint, cosy, and bijou restaurant with a lovely bar.
I visited on its first full Friday, and the place was already buzzing. I had a table booked, and though they were running a bit behind (a common snag for a week-old venue), I was happily seated at the counter. The vibe is fantastic: friendly, intimate, and immediately welcoming.
The Food
The Dogstar philosophy seems to be “quality over quantity”. The menu is structured with small, medium, and larger plates, encouraging you to mix and match. Given its proximity to Newhaven, there is a strong and delicious leaning towards seafood.
A quick note: if you are not a fan of fish, you might find the menu a little restrictive. For seafood lovers, however, it is a treat.
I started with a simple baguette and butter. At £3, it felt a little steep, but the smoked mushroom soup that followed was a £6 bargain. It arrived in a handleless mug (or a tall, narrow bowl, you decide) and was a bijou, velvety portion. I ended up alternating between the spoon I had asked for and simply drinking the rich, earthy soup straight from the vessel. There was no wrong way to enjoy it.
The main event was a smoked haddock omelette. Who knew a fish omelette could be so tasty? It was perfectly cooked, delicate, and utterly gorgeous. I wolfed it down.
To be honest, after the main, I was still a little hungry. This is where the dessert menu made all the difference. A well-chosen cheese plate, served with chutney and two very large crackers, turned what was a good meal into a great one.
The Ambience & Staff
You cannot have a great restaurant without great staff, and Dogstar has clearly hired well. With a Michelin-starred chef at the helm, it’s no surprise the team is incredibly attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about both the food and the drinks menu.
This professionalism is not surprising given its lineage from the team at Nauticus. The bar itself is a highlight, stocked with Pilot beer, Guinness, and a truly spectacular array of spirits. I finished the meal with a 10-year-old whisky, a perfect end to the night.
The bijou venue itself is small and intimate, making it what I think will be a fantastic date spot. It is a proper foodie destination that feels both special and relaxed.
Things to do in Leith
Dogstar is a destination in itself, but it is also the perfect starting or ending point for a day exploring Leith. The area around Lindsay Road and New Haven has become a proper foodie hotspot, with Alby’s sandwiches just around the corner.
Why not make a day of it? You are a short walk from the new Leith Distillery at Ocean Terminal, where you can see how whisky is made. If you are visiting, the Royal Yacht Britannia is also docked right there.
Leith is incredibly well-connected. The tram runs straight down Leith Walk to the city centre and on to the airport. If you are arriving by train at Waverley or Haymarket, you can hop on a bus or tram and be here in minutes. (Check TheTrainLine for schedules).
If you are planning a weekend, there are numerous guesthouses in Leith. For a wider selection of hotels, sites like Booking.com offer options for every budget, from city-centre luxury to cosy local stays.
Overall
Dogstar is a stellar addition to Leith’s dining scene. It might just be the final domino that solidifies this corner of the city as a true foodie paradise. With its “quality over quantity” approach, fantastic staff, and the prestige of a Michelin-starred chef, it is a must-visit.
It is a perfect spot for a date, a special meal, or just a 10-year-old whisky at the bar. I will gladly be going back. Highly recommended.
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Review: Dogstar
Dogstar is a new bijou Scottish restaurant in Leith from Michelin-starred chef James Murray and the team behind Nauticus, specialising in high-quality, seafood-forward plates.
Summary
Dogstar, Leith’s new Scottish restaurant from Michelin-starred chef James Murray, is a hit. This ‘quality over quantity’ bijou spot shines with a seafood-forward menu and a cosy vibe. The smoked haddock omelette is a must-try.
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