Porto & Fi Deli Bistro, Edinburgh

Yet another place that I've meant to go to for a while and have only now managed. Wandered in on Friday afternoon last week with a couple of friends and we were I suppose lucky to get a table straight away as the place was heaving. Once seated the number of other customers revealed the first downside to the cafe - its acoustics. Either this was an unusually loud collection of customers or anything over half full always results in such a cacophony but it was noticeable for the entire time we were in there and as such offputting.

Waiting time, service, quality of food (eggs florentine, beef olive and lamb shank) and prices (the pot of tea was particularly good value for money) were all fine but I'll think twice about going back in if the number of punters is that high next time.

I've been before and have put up with the stuck up staff and inflated prices for the pleasant surroundings, but on my latest visit the staff were just dreadful.

The food is nice if you get in - although avoid the eggs benedict as the hollandaise is vile - on balance it's not really worth the effort.

It benefits from being the only place of it's type in the vicinity.

So Ive heard a lot about Porto & Fi - a deli style cafe for the residents of newhaven, home to the many yummy mummies surrounding the area all congregate for a coffee and the latest news on dear sophie, oscar or felix's new feeding pattern etc... I have to say I was a little surprised..
We were told to book for a Sunday morning and as it was quite a small place considering the size of the building I'm glad we did.. there's still quite ample seating but it was pretty much full...

The breakfast menu isnt bad with all the usual options: scones, full breakfast, breakfast rolls, eggs benedict and french toast as well as teas and coffees.. I ordered a green tea which dissapointingly - even thought they advertised and sold a range of tea pigs proper teas mine came with a twinnings bag.... My husband ordered a chocolate milkshake.. always a winner for him.. Foodwise, I got eggs benedict with salmon which was pretty much right on the money although it couldve been just a little bit hotter but thats just being really picky, it was perfect in every other way. My husband got a breakfast roll with bacon and sausage which when it came out was rather suprisingly huge and good value for just over £4.00.

The service was good but not brilliant and not what I would usually expect from this type of place... we didnt look like their normal customers..most of the customers had full faces of make up prepared to go on stage and boots with knitted dresses matched with boden bags.. Keeping in mind this was 10am on a Sunday morning ! I get the impression they have lots of regulars.. To be fair there were workmen outside digging up their pavement and laying new and quite stinky ashphalt which probably didnt help with the staff feeling particularly on top of the world that morning..

Its hard to score Porto and Fi - they have plenty of space, are baby and family friendly, the food is pretty good, they even have a little cellar downstairs laden with their products you can buy - olive oils, handmade biscuits that sort of thing.. The service is pretty quick and they do leave you alone to eat your food in peace.... Theres just something about it I cant quite put my finger on and I do feel as though I'm being unfair, but there's almost the certain air of snobbery in here... Not by the staff so much even maybe by the customers, I dont know.. So Im giving them 3 stars for the food but less for the atmosphere .... Somehow, for me it just didnt quite gel...

Great coffee and eggs benedict. If you've got a sweet tooth you HAVE to try the honeymoon slice! It's to die for, yummy. If you plan on going anywhere near lunchtime on a Saturday phone first to book as it's very popular.

Popped into Port and Fi with my parents for a quick bite to eat on a Wednesday evening. We were enroute to an event that had a buffet, but wanted to make sure we weren't left hungry in case it was a bit sparse.

As such, we eat from the light bites and starters section of the menu. Dad had the fishcakes with homemade tartar sauce. No idea what they tasted like as he they were apparently so good they vanished in record time!!! Mother had the ciabatta with chicken breast and chilli jam. This was excellent and came with a huge salad and gorgeous home made coleslaw. I went for the veggie option of this with halloumi and dill and lemon mayo (some of the nicest mayo I've tasted!).

It was fairly busy when we were in with several tables of people eating and a couple just in for coffees. No wonder, the coffee is lovely! Just beware the Danesi cups though, as they are quite heavy.

All 3 of us will be back. We just couldn't believe it had taken us so long to get there in the first place!!

Porto & Fi have a great selection of cakes, breakfasts and some lovely main courses with quality, local produce.

It can be hit and miss. I've never known an experience to vary so much in the same establishment! The quality of service varies randomly (strangely not according to how busy it is) and so does the ambience/music and food.

It's not a place for leisurely dining - it's all about turnover of customers here. But it's a good place if you're passing through or live in the area.

It is child friendly - taking in the local customer demographic - but sometimes it can feel like you're eating in a creche and it's not relaxing at all!

Porto & Fi is quite the cute bistro. It overlooks the bay, so you have some wonderful views while you are relaxing. Inside, it is decorated more modern with the “less is more” approach, that I quite liked. It has a large inside with plenty of seating and plenty of room. They serve quite an eclectic mix of food and drinks, so it is sure to have something for everyone. The staff are all friendly and more than willing to serve. I will definitely be going back for another visit!

Food looked good but after waiting half an hour for crostini and quiche at lunchtime, we had to leave without finding out what it tasted like. We won’t be back.

Dining at Porto and Fi is one of those rare café/bistro experiences where you are met at the door by a charming host, served with attention and care, fed beautifully presented and delicious food and great wine, and not overcharged at the end! Sounds good? Its better… the dining area has polished wooden floors, comfy chairs and fantastic view over the firth. There is no better place to spend an idle afternoon, observing Edinburgh’s fickle weather change over the water. Attached is a small shop with some interesting nic-nacs for sale. Highly recommended.

Really delicious menu - everything freshly cooked. Coffee was also great - can highly recommend a visit to this place