![\"Pintxos\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/images.edinburgh-reviews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/07232253\/pintxos-sobrasasda-picante-con-mahon-scaled.jpg?ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhen I visit, I typically order about three tapas courses for myself, followed very often by a dessert. However, these are on the generous side of tapas, so if you aren\u2019t as big an eater as me, you might comfortably settle for two. I say \u201ctapas,\u201d but the menu offers distinct categories: there is Aperitivo, there are Tablas, there are Tapas, and then there are the Pintxos \u2013 the delightful open sandwiches typical of the Basque Country. (Not that I knew that before rocking up the first time at CATA.)<\/p>\n
The menu includes excellent Ibericos (chorizo options) and a rotating vegetable soup (Crema del d\u00eda). I am particularly fond of the Chorizo en su crema (spicy chorizo served in its own rich sauce) and the Fabada de la casa. However, the Pintxos are where CATA truly shines. I highly recommend the Pollo al Ajillo (garlic chicken and red pepper confit on bread) as well as the Sobrasada Picante con Mah\u00f3n. The latter is a \u201cchorizo paste\u201d spread with cheese, honey, and walnuts on bread, hitting every savoury and sweet note you could want.<\/p>\n
I have yet to try the Spanish breakfast, which is available only before 12:30 pm, either to sit in or take away, but the Caf\u00e9 & Pan con Tomate with Jam\u00f3n Ib\u00e9rico is right at the top of my to-do list.<\/p>\n
A Solo Diner\u2019s Sanctuary<\/p>\n
You can book in advance (via TheFork), and I really recommend doing so. I have felt a pang of guilt each time I\u2019ve been to CATA because I haven\u2019t been able to have those quiet conversations with friends; I have always turned up by myself. Despite taking up an entire table by itself (once sharing with some walk-ins!), it has never been a problem for the staff. I have always felt welcome and looked after. Perhaps that is why I always opt for that extra tapas dish to add to my bill. It is a space where you feel appropriately cared for.<\/p>\n The opening hours are worth a mention as they are open 7 days a week, quite unusual for the area, from noon to 11:00 pm. Please note that the kitchen closes at a sensible 9:30 pm, giving you plenty of time to finish eating and chatting in that relaxed atmosphere.<\/p>\n The wines are excellent, though if you appreciate fine wine, the bill can creep up. The pacing of the tapas arriving as they are ready often finds me reaching for a second glass before I know it. <\/p>\n Things to do in Stockbridge<\/p>\n Stockbridge is widely considered a \u201cfoodie paradise\u201d where substandard venues struggle to survive, so CATA\u2019s continued success is proof of its quality. If you are visiting the area, it is worth spending the afternoon exploring before your dinner reservation. The neighbourhood is famous for its high-quality charity shops and independent boutiques along Raeburn Place. For those looking to extend their stay in the city, Native Places<\/a> offers upscale lifestyle aparthotels that provide a \u201chome away from home\u201d experience, perfect for recovering after a heavy meal.<\/p>\n If you are travelling from further afield, you can book your rail travel into Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket via The Trainline<\/a>, both of which are a short taxi or bus ride from Stockbridge. For visitors who want to explore the history of the New Town and Stockbridge in more depth, GetYourGuide<\/a> offers a variety of walking tours that delve into the local architecture and stories. Alternatively, if you want to explore the wider Lothians, you can arrange car hire through Sixt<\/a> to get you out of the city centre.<\/p>\n Overall<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n