We had no idea there was a restaurant hidden up/down Old Fishmarket close…it does seem an usual place to have a restaurant, especially one with such acclaim, but it’s always good to find new places hidden in Edinburgh’s old town. The address is 21 Old Fishmarket Close but don’t expect to find 20 other doorways down this short street, it’s very easy to find once you get there.

Unassuming from the exterior, the whisky bar is upstairs with a beer (or should that be whisky) garden complete with parasols and the restaurant is downstairs in the basement.

We were greeted upstairs and taken to the restaurant, which is clean, modern and minimal decor-wise; chilled music also played in the background.

We decided to eat from the lunch menu and were given warm olive bread rolls (which were quite strong on the olive taste) and soft butter while we waited. Off to a good start!

Kiwi and melon terrine

Tart “fizzy cola cube” sauce. Citric acid We were informed that it was actually it was pomegranate!

Pigeon and orange parfait date salad

Not really a parfait but a coarse pâté quite chewy in parts, sticky sweet dates a bit chewy as well
Some strong red pepper, pine nuts and chopped spring onion

Tender roast beef with perfectly cooked roasted carrots
Excellent smooth, creamy mash with chives accompanied with a Horseradish sauce which wasn’t overpowering.

Seabass in a Shrimp and Sweet corn chowder

Moist fish with a crispy skin to the outside.
Chowder wasn’t heavy going as I imagined.
Worked well together

Brownie and orange sauce garnished with a sprig of fresh mint
Crumbly on the outside, lovely and soft on the inside
Drizzle of orange sauce to add some zing.  Perfect brownie.

Vanilla panacotta with mixed berries

Firm, thick, creamy but also smooth.  Strong vanilla flavour. Buttery biscuit to accompany. Sweet berries which made a change from the usual sour ones that restaurants serve.

Prices for lunch are £7.95 for an express three course lunch (!!!) as well as £11.95 and £14.95 for 2/3 course Saturday fixed price lunch (which we tried).

Fine dining restaurant but without the over the top pretentiousness that can be found in some as well as great value for money.  Perfectly executed meals, friendly staff and a relaxed lunch.

P.S Toilets were clean 😉