Norah, Newhaven - Seasonal Brunch with Coastal Calm
Norah might be new, but it carries itself with such quiet understatement you could stroll right past without realising it’s a restaurant at all. With its solid pastel‑yellow door and just two small windows, it could easily be mistaken for a wee seaside flat tucked into Newhaven’s harbourfront. Down here, wrapped in salty air and that soft coastal hush, it feels just far enough from the city to finally exhale.
Step inside and the mood shifts to something charmingly old‑fashioned, almost like a country cottage that’s been gently modernised. Warm, cosy, familiar. Despite the wooden floors and sturdy furniture, the room still feels bright, helped along by soft light and thoughtful touches. The whole place settles into that sweet spot of neighbourhood bistro: relaxed, unfussy, but with a quiet polish that tells you you’re in good hands.
We arrived for breakfast‑brunch, which kicks off at 8.30am. The menu comes on a single sheet of paper listing just eight dishes, but that simplicity feels like a quiet wink, a hint that everything is built on exceptional ingredients and confident cooking. You read through it once and your mouth is already watering.
The ingredients absolutely sing on this menu, everything feels thoughtful and intentional using local suppliers and focussing on seasonal produce. Porridge with brown sugar, granola layered with Greek yoghurt and stewed apples, and that glorious sourdough toast piled high with pumpkin agrodolce, ricotta, chilli and mint… each dish made my tastebuds happy. It’s simple food on paper, but delivered with such clarity and flavour that it becomes something far more joyful.
The dishes themselves aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel, there’s nothing wildly new or mind‑bending here. But what they do offer is top‑notch ingredients brought together with real care. Everything is cooked wonderfully well that these familiar combinations land just shy of perfection. It’s comfort food elevated, not complicated.
I went for the Bacon Sandwich with tomato chutney (£6.50) : thick‑cut, flavour‑packed bacon layered over a generous smear of chutney that brought just the right balance of sweetness and gentle acidity to every bite. Simple, but so satisfying.
The Morning Plate (£14) followed the same philosophy: unfussy, but exactly what you want first thing. A slice of soda bread, a perfectly runny boiled egg, a wedge of Coolea (that gorgeous Irish cheese), and a few bright, crunchy pickles. Nothing flashy, just quietly delicious.
But the Pancakes (£10) were the undeniable star. Light, fluffy, almost cloud‑like, topped with tart yoghurt and those tangy‑sweet blood orange segments. The textures were spot on too - the soft whip of the yoghurt, the tender but structured pancakes, and the crunch of toasted hazelnuts tying it all together.
Teas and coffees accompanied our breakie and just set the tone for a lovely way to start a day. Norah feels like the kind of place that quietly restores you. Good food, gentle light, and that soft Newhaven calm all come together to remind you that simple things, done well, can still feel a little bit magical.
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT NORAH
Norah is owned by a couple, Claire Hanrahan, a young chef originally from Dublin, Ireland and Andrew Ainslie covering the FOH.
They are open from Breakfast and Lunch from 830am to 4pm, Thursday to Monday.
They host monthly pop-ups with other restaurants/eateries from across Scotland.
They are not wheelchair friendly with two large steps up into the restaurant.
They are dog friendly.
Some dishes are vegetarian.
Norah, 3 Pier Place, Newhaven, Edinburgh, EH6 4LP www.norahnewhaven.co.uk
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk
