Tucked away in the elegant New Town of Edinburgh—right across the road from an old flat of mine, no less—Celestia is a true hidden gem that won’t stay hidden for long. Having only opened its doors in April, this fine-dining Indian restaurant in Canonmills already feels like a firm favourite for those in the know. And if last night’s dinner was anything to go by, Celestia is set to soar—especially as the buzz of the August festival season approaches.
The creation of the charming and engaging Mohammed Abbas, Celestia is the sophisticated sibling to his award-winning Cilantro off Leith Walk. Where Cilantro brought a fresh, modern take on Bangladeshi-Indian cuisine to Edinburgh’s food scene—earning praise from The Times and a clutch of prestigious awards—Celestia builds on that success with polish, elegance, and a truly unique edge.
From the moment we walked in, we were enveloped in warmth—both in welcome and in design. The décor is sleek yet inviting, a perfectly judged blend of luxury and comfort. With its plush green upholstery and a rich purple ceiling that feels almost celestial (aptly!), Celestia manages to be both modern and timeless.
The food? Exceptional. This isn’t your average Indian restaurant—far from it. Here, simple dishes are reimagined into something truly memorable, each one presented like a work of art. We began with the Potato Khubani Tiki Chat—sweet cumin-tempered potato stuffed with apricot, paired with chickpeas and a trio of sauces. It was a delightful, flavour-packed opener. For mains, we shared a gloriously rich Butter Chicken, perfectly balanced between tangy and creamy, and the vibrant Paneer Kurchan, made with homemade cheese, peppers, and tomato. Add a Papad Basket & Chutney Set, Saffron Dum Pulao, and a wonderfully soft Peshwari Naan, and you’ve got a meal that satisfies the soul as much as the senses.
There’s something unmistakably special about Celestia. Perhaps it’s the attention to detail, the passion evident in every dish, or the sense that you’ve stumbled upon something fabulously different. It’s off the beaten track enough to feel like a discovery, yet central enough to make it a perfect New Town destination—my favourite part of Edinburgh.
With 38 seats on the main floor and a private dining area downstairs ideal for events, this fully licensed space has been designed with both intimacy and celebration in mind. You can already sense that word-of-mouth and repeat visits will do more for Celestia than any billboard could—especially with the Festival crowds set to descend on the capital this summer.
If you’re looking for an Indian dining experience that’s refined, original, and utterly unforgettable, Celestia is a must-visit. I’ll be back very soon—and I’d recommend you book your table now, before the secret’s out.
Explore more:
- Website: celestiarestaurant.co.uk
- Sister Restaurant: cilantrorestaurant.co.uk
- Follow Celestia: Instagram
- Follow Must Visit: Instagram X TikTok