Cutting Chaii is a modern indian restaurant in Leith, Edinburgh. Rated 4.7 stars from 428 Google reviews. Known for flavour-forward, fresh cooking and cosy, welcoming atmosphere. Best for family dinners and solo dining. Price range: £20–30.
Rankings updated May 2026
Cutting Chaii
Across 428 Google reviews, 92% gave four or five stars.
Quick Verdict
Cutting Chai delivers intensely flavoured, inventive Indian food in a warm, welcoming space—and punches well above its price point.
You want bold, freshly cooked Indian food in a cosy neighbourhood setting with genuinely attentive service.
About Cutting Chaii
Cutting Chai is a modern Indian restaurant in Leith that has earned a devoted following for its intensely flavoured, freshly made dishes. The menu balances traditional spice with inventive small plates—from creamy butter paneer to bold garlic chilli chicken and thoughtfully developed vegan options like jackfruit in Punjabi masala. The cosy, casual-yet-trendy atmosphere draws regulars and first-timers alike, with staff consistently praised for attentiveness and warmth. At £20–30 per head, it punches above its price point; diners frequently compare it favourably to London's Dishoom. Free Wi-Fi, full bar with wine and cocktails, and accessibility features make it welcoming across the board. Reservations are recommended for dinner, though walk-ins find tables on quieter evenings.
What Stands Out
Flavour-forward, fresh cooking
Multiple reviews highlight dishes as 'full of flavour', 'freshly made', and 'delicious'—with the Lamb Biryani singled out as 'the best i have ever had and streets ahead of Dishoom'.
Cosy, welcoming atmosphere
Reviewers consistently describe the space as 'cosy', 'warm and welcoming', and 'lovely', with staff named individually for their friendly, attentive service.
Inventive vegan and vegetarian options
Vegan diners praise the 'clearly labelled vegan options' and 'inventive and rich in textures and flavours', with dishes like Kadai Kathal and Bombay Benjan highlighted as 'absolutely delicious'.
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Very much enjoyed the food and the friendly service from the staff.”
“Cooked in a creamy sauce so so tasty.”
“Cosy environment, friendly staffs and extremely delicious foods.”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Common Questions
How consistently good is Cutting Chaii?
Across 428 Google reviews, 92% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing Cutting Chaii among Leith's most reliably rated modern indian restaurants.
Is Cutting Chaii good for a date night?
Yes — Cutting Chaii is rated as a Romantic setting by its regulars on Google. Reservations are recommended, particularly for evenings.
Do you need to book Cutting Chaii in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for dinner — Cutting Chaii is a popular choice in Leith and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
Is Cutting Chaii family friendly?
Cutting Chaii accommodates families — Google visitors note facilities for children, and the casual atmosphere suits all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cutting Chaii
Yes. The menu features clearly labelled vegan options including Kadai Kathal (green jackfruit in Punjabi masala) and Bombay Benjan (aubergine curry), plus vegan naan. Reviewers praise the inventiveness and richness of flavour.
Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially weekends. Walk-ins can find tables on quieter evenings (e.g. early Wednesday). Lunch and takeout are more flexible.
£20–30 per head. Reviewers frequently note the food quality is excellent for the price, with generous portions and high-quality ingredients.
Yes. The restaurant is marked family-friendly with high chairs available. The casual, cosy atmosphere and range of dishes (including milder options) suit families and children.
The Lamb Biryani, Butter Paneer, Dal Makhani, and Garlic Chilli Chicken are frequently praised. Small plates and tapas-style dishes are also highlighted as 'the best'.
Yes. Free and paid street parking is usually available in the area. The restaurant is in Leith, which has good parking options nearby.
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Rankings are recalculated monthly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this month.
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