We heard good things about Cool Jade, known for its fusion of authentic Chinese cuisine and beloved British classics. 

The restaurant seamlessly combines traditional Chinese dishes with Western influences, offering a diverse menu. It’s no wonder they’ve consistently earned TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence since 2012. 

We thought their modern open-plan dining area was a plus. It’s quite spacious – perfect for accommodating large gatherings. 

Moreover, they serve wine and alcoholic beverages, unlike other Chinese restaurants. This certainly enhances the dining experience for those looking to unwind.

For those concerned about parking, Cool Jade provides ample free on-street parking nearby, eliminating the hassle of searching for a spot. 

As for their food, we tried their Singapore noodles. They truly hit the mark with their seasoning, and it was simply spot on. 

The sweet and sour chicken also deserves mention for its delectable taste. The balance of sweetness and tanginess was addicting.

However, it’s worth noting that we felt quite rushed. The staff kept asking if we were finished, seemingly eager to turn over tables quickly. 

Additionally, the restaurant’s late opening at 5 PM means it’s not an option for those looking to enjoy Chinese cuisine for breakfast or lunch. 

They’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, limiting the days you can savour their dishes.

We decided to sample Chinese food at the quaintly-named Karen’s Unicorn, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s bustling city centre.

Upon entering, we were struck by the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere. The beautiful decor, featuring simple chandeliers, dark walls, and wooden floors, created an ambiance that was both cosy and elegant.

We appreciate that they accommodate various dietary needs. They offer a separate gluten-free menu, a thoughtful touch for those with dietary restrictions.

Now, onto the culinary highlights. We really enjoyed their duck spring rolls; they were a delectable way to kick off the meal, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavours. 

Pairing them with the duck plum and egg fried rice was an absolute treat. The dish was both sweet and savoury, leaving our taste buds thoroughly satisfied.

The staff at Karen’s Unicorn also contributed to the positive experience. They struck a remarkable balance of being friendly and attentive without hovering. 

The restaurant’s wheelchair accessibility and kid-friendly nature were additional pluses, making it suitable for a wide range of diners. And for those worried about parking, there’s ample space available.

However, Karen’s Unicorn is closed on Mondays, which can be a disappointment for those seeking a meal at the start of the week. 

Additionally, the restaurant is comparatively pricier, which may not suit all budgets. 

Moreover, the service charge is automatically added to the bill, something to keep in mind when settling up.

The Chinese Manor House is an establishment with a proud history dating back to 2002. Thus, we decided to go there next to satisfy our Chinese food cravings.

They claim that their dishes were prepared daily, ensuring freshness. This seems to be true, seeing that they won “Best Chinese Restaurant in Edinburgh” in 2020 by The Edinburgh Evening News and received Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor.

Located conveniently near the airport, it attracts a diverse clientele, making it a bustling hub for locals and travellers alike. The availability of a small car park at the back of the restaurant also eases parking concerns, which is a practical touch.

For those with dietary preferences, The Chinese Manor House had an admirable selection of gluten-free and vegan dishes. 

As for the culinary experience, we thought the chicken spring rolls – which they’re famous for – were absolutely delicious. They offered a crispy exterior and savoury interior, which kept us coming back for more. 

The banana fritter with ice cream was a sweet ending that left a lasting impression. The combination of warm banana fritter and cold, creamy ice cream provided a heavenly contrast.

On the downside, the rice was a disappointment, with a hard texture that hinted at being pre-packaged. 

Furthermore, The Chinese Manor House observed a Tuesday closure, which could disrupt dining plans for some. 

Additionally, they required a 5% deposit for bookings with 5 people or more, a policy that may not sit well with all customers.

For the next leg of our Chinese food hunt, we popped into China Red, a buffet restaurant located just 0.2 miles from the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Its doors are open all week, ensuring accessibility for diners looking for a taste of Chinese cuisine. 

The restaurant itself was clean, modern, and well-lit, with a spacious interior adorned in pleasing shades of brown.

We appreciate their expansive buffet, offering over 100+ dishes. Vegetarians also have plenty of options to choose from.

It was no surprise that China Red earned the title of “Best Chinese Restaurant 2019,” awarded by both the Restaurant Guru and Edinburgh News.

To put them to the test, we tried some of their buffet fare. Their salt and pepper mushroom dish was a great appetiser; it’s a tasty vegetarian meal we couldn’t get enough of.

Their Chinese spare ribs were also a savoury treat. Paired with rice, the ribs were very juicy and filling, with just a hint of spice.

China Red also scored points for its kid-friendliness. The staff was accommodating, providing a high chair for a toddler and ensuring that even the youngest guest had a suitable meal.

On the downside, the food temperature was a significant issue. Many dishes were absolutely freezing, likely due to limited rotation on the buffet line.

Furthermore, the absence of free parking could be a problem for those with vehicles.

Plus, their lack of dim sum during lunchtime is a notable downside, especially for dim sum fanatics.

Rendezvous Chinese Restaurant has been a staple in Edinburgh’s Chinese food scene since its establishment in 1956, serving up delectable Peking and Cantonese cuisine. Meaning, this restaurant has been perfecting its craft for generations.

We loved its simple and charming decor – touches of red and blue with festive hanging lanterns from the ceiling. The place can also comfortably accommodate 140 diners, making it an ideal choice for both intimate meals and larger gatherings.

Additionally, we appreciate their extensive wine list, offering a variety of choices to complement their flavorful dishes. And for those with time constraints, their business-set lunch menu provides a quick and satisfying meal option.

Rendezvous went the extra mile to cater to diverse dietary needs, offering vegetarian, gluten-free, and even halal options. This inclusive approach allows all diners to savour their dishes with ease.

Speaking of options, we tried their tofu with chili pork, and it was scrumptious. Its combination of spice and tenderness was definitely something we’d like to try again in the future.

The lemon chicken and Peking prawns were equally impressive, showcasing the restaurant’s mastery of classic Chinese dishes.

However, not every dish hit the mark. The vegetable rolls, unfortunately, were a letdown – they were bland, lacking the bold flavours that the rest of the menu offered.

Another drawback was the restaurant’s closure on Mondays. 

Additionally, Rendezvous is not wheelchair accessible. This would limit access for some potential diners.