Checkpoint

3 Bristo Pl EH1 1EY »Map«

Open every day Espresso Coffee: Roundsquare Roastery Also: Meals, alcohol

Coolness: Big, funky, welcoming space and decor

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Checkpoint (3♥) is located in the Old Town, on the left as you leave George IV bridge behind you and head toward Bristo Square. Open from 9.30am to midnight, they've set up their menu and space to have wide appeal as your day progresses.

Checkpoint is using Scotland's Roundsquare Roastery House Blend, and succeed in delivering a gutsy brew that we think tips its hat gently toward a traditional Italian style. As it's early days we'll continue to check in, as it were, to see how their coffee evolves.

The restaurant is large and airy and there's plenty of space between wooden tables. The traditional and massive windows front and back are great features and a nice counterpoint to the industrial decor, reinforced by the large orange shipping container in one corner.

Open from morning to midnight, the menu offers a wide and inventive choice, drawing on inspiration from around the world. You can start your day with Arbroath smokies or caponata with eggs and move on to salads and Po Boys (Louisiana sandwiches) or tuck into a main of steak, pigeon or the catch of the day.

The staff are welcoming and attentive, helping to set the relaxed atmosphere and we look forward to dropping into Checkpoint regularly.

More: checkpointedinburgh.com