Reviews for HAAR - February 2020
WHERE CULINARY EXCELLENCE TAKES CENTER STAGE.
We are thrilled to present a compilation of the best reviews from our valued guests, capturing the essence of what makes HAAR a truly remarkable restaurant. TripAdvisor, we've gathered a selection of reviews that highlight the unique aspects that have earned HAAR its esteemed reputation. Each testimonial serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, ensuring that every visit to HAAR is an experience to be cherished.
“Contemporary Scottish cooking at its best
This a just a fantastic wee restaurant in the town of St Andrews. Modern Scottish cooking at its very best. You can opt for a 5/7course tasting menu or al a carte. The tasting menu changes frequently so I would check with the restaurant if you have any dietary issues. I had tandoori cauliflower which was absolutely delicious and followed this with half a lobster drenched in mirin butter. There was only a couple of side options ( the only weak point of the al a carte menu) and we had a portion of pak choi topped with popcorn. Hubby had ox cheek to start and then a pork dish that must have been good because there was not a chance of sharing! We did however share a tarte tatin which was fab. Wine list is relatively short but some really interesting options. We had a really lovely St Emillion , priced well. The young chef is charming and we spoke to him briefly on leaving. He plans to open in our home city, Edinburgh, sometime in May. We cannot wait!” - lynnemoo
An olive summed Haar up for us. Served alongside a beautifully seared piece of gurnard with a light green gazpacho, the olive had been filled with a purée of olive brine and under-ripe olives that would normally be consigned by many kitchens to the waste. Something very simple turned into something utterly delicious by a clever hand that obviously cares about squeezing every morsel of flavour from great ingredients. Stand out dishes from the Spanish themes menu included perfectly crisped pork belly with squid ink and chimichurri, topped with crackling ‘popcorn’ and a desert simply titles as Creme caramel and orange which was so much more. We opted for the wine pairings which were excellent, in particular the ‘Ikigall’ muscat which we are now trying to find out how to buy. Service was excellent throughout - welcoming and attentive without being OTT. Wish we lived closer as we’d love to try some of the upcoming tasting series menus. Many thanks to the team for a wonderful night (and ‘that’ olive!).” - Willowcat74
Fantastic tasting series idea. Been to every week so far. The new additions to your wine list are perfect and i love the vouvray sparkling. Looking forward to our valentines night there.” - roamcrew2018
“A must if you are visiting St Andrews
Visited The Haar restaurant and had their taster menu. It was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. We opted for the lobster which was extra but again should not be missed.
The staff were all very helpful but a special thanks to Sean .” - Jules_17R
“Dean Banks - A Past Master of Fusion Fine Dining
Since first seeing Dean Banks appear on Masterchef the Professionals, we knew we had to make the trip north of the border to try his distinctive and exciting style of fusion cooking in his smart, recently opened restaurant in St Andrews.
I’ve mentioned previously in my reviews that sometimes (but rarely) you go into a restaurant and everything just feels right from the off, and this was certainly one of those occasions. We were warmly welcomed by Sean, whose cool, confident, professional enthusiasm further reinforced our rapidly rising expectations. We opted for the five-course tasting menu, but added-in the scallop dish and Dean’s signature dish of lobster, which had been lightly smoked and poached in mirin. The menu was an absolute triumph, and a perfect showcase for the Chef’s flair and penchant for using exciting ingredients from all over the world to compliment the freshest of local produce. To say my wife and I were ‘blown away’ is an understatement! We’ve eaten at dozens of Michelin starred restaurants near and far and Haar was right up there with the best of them. Every dish we had was a masterpiece in its own right, but the lobster was simply sublime! It was quite possibly the best dish I’ve ever eaten, and believe me, I’ve eaten quite a few. My only regret was that the Michelin Inspector wasn’t sitting right next to me, because had he been, he’d be shouting about Haar from the rooftops, and no doubt bestowing Mr Banks with his first and much deserved Michelin star. Well done all - we had a fantastic lunch and can’t wait to return. Lastly, a special thanks to Dean for taking the time to speak to us after our meal, and answering our many question!” - Hood40
We stayed in St Andrews on Thursday and Friday of last week, and had received a voucher to use at Haar.
Booking was easy and done via email contact with the restaurant well in advance.
On arrival at the restaurant we were welcomed and seated immediately, and staff ran through the menu. We had already decided to go for the tasting menu, which for that week was Spanish themed, relating to where Chef Dean Banks had been on his culinary travels. The tasting menu was 5 courses and I opted to take the two optional courses and my other half one of the optional courses.
All of the meal was excellent, brought to the table by knowledgeable and engaging staff at a good tempo. Whilst all courses were exceptional the undoubted star was the lobster (one of the optional courses) which the Chef cooked on a recent appearance on Masterchef.
We had selected the matching wine package and all wines paired exceedingly well with each course, with an added nice touch of staff always asking for feedback and thoughts on pairings.
The restaurant also has a small bar attached, which stocked a wide range of drinks again with knowledgeable and attentive staff serving.
Whilst Haar does not have a Michelin star yet, in time it will undoubtedly receive one as this is on a par with others we have eaten at.
We asked to keep the menu and the Chef kindly signed them for us - a nice memento.” - JillMcL
Outstanding food, great service and a fantastic atmosphere.
We had a 5 course tasting menu and there were optional separate course supplements for scallops or lobster on the day, we all opted for the lobster, it was amazing.
All food of the highest quality, well presented and rated highly by all of us.
Also a superb selection of wine, as well as other drinks.
Quick summary, fantastic food, it is expensive, for an occasion we will return.” - Southside1Glasgow
“We'd followed Dean Banks progress
We'd followed Dean Banks progress on Master Chef and then Marcus Waring's visit to his new Haar restaurant last year so we had to give it a visit, and we weren't disappointed. We had the 5 course Korean taster menu and added the lobster and complementary wines. A fantastic experience all round with excellent and knowledgeable waiting staff. A Michelin award can't be far away for one of Scotland's most talented chefs. Highly recommended.” - dnmac1955
Foods epic, dean made effort to come out and say hi! Amazing lunch! Def be back! And hopefully he opens one in Glasgow “ - chendo1
Travelled from Hamilton and worth the drive.Taster menu sensational and the relaxed, chilled atmosphere set by the incredible staff is a delight. Best in town and must visit if in the area or worth the travel just to experience. Huge congratulations to Dean and the team, we can’t wait to return!” - fiduciacraig
Korean influenced Taster menu was sensational and complimented with the wine pairing it could not be faulted. Even with the restaurant full, Dean, Ruairi and the Haar team were attentive and very enthusiastic about the dishes produced. Had cocktails to start and finish which were well presented and prepared by the bar staff. Stand out dish was the Ox cheek in black burnt garlic, just amazing. Will definitely return.” - fraser m
Thank goodness we watched "the rematch" and learned Dean had this place in St Andrews. absolutely a dream meal. Staff were friendly and attentive and explained every course. I understand the lobster is Deans signature dish, but to be honest every dish was just delish...the only disapointment was when it came to an end...defo return and also hapy to hear there may be a place in Edinburgh in the future” - shezlyn
Visited the Haar and dined on the tasting menu with the optional lobster dish. Excellent! Staff are very attentive with being overly so. Fantastic experience!” - KERRY R
“5 star hands down! Best lobster
5 star hands down! Best lobster ever had and have travelled globally all of our lives and eaten in some of the best restaurants in the world. First class food, first class staff! Will definitely be back. Thank you very much. Well done Dean!” - golfergofersurfette
LOVED the entire experience at Haar. The food was sensational, the service was second to none and the ambiance & setting were spot on. It’s so refreshing to go somewhere of such quality without the pretentious vibe. We’ll definitely be back and really excited to hear you are opening in Edinburgh!” - mharir2016
“Visited as a couple on Valentines
Visited as a couple on Valentines night. Staff were very friendly and efficient. Opted for the tasting menu with matching wine flight and added on the speciality lobster dish. Fantastic taste and balance about the menu. Could not fault any aspect of our visit to Haar and would wholeheartedly recommend a visit” - 607steveny
“Gorgeous food, lovely surroundings
Was here for dinner with 3 other lively couples. Lovely restaurant, wonderful food and attentive staff. We had the tasting menu which was superb, however there are a'la carte options which are less pricey. Great wine list too. Couldn't fault it, will be back!” - Louise H
Lunchtime menu was only 2-3 choices per course but absolutely enough range for all tastes and food was exceptional. Presented beautifully. Relaxed friendly service that was attentive but not intrusive. Decor is comfortable and modern. Quite pricey but you do indeed get what you pay for. Don't just pop in, make it an occasion.” - Peter F
Visited using an Itison voucher and was hugely impressed.
Deal was a 5 course tasting but we added the signature Lobster dish each and were delighted that we did! I also chose the matched wines which were excellent. The complimentary bread and Mirin Butter was also superb!
Service was friendly and attentive.” - John2France
“Great food and excellent service
Visited last night to have the 5 course Thai tasting menu which my partner had booked as part of my christmas present. Restuarant was very busy, however staff were all at the top of their game. Food was amazing and cant wait for our next visit, the Tamarind Pork Belly just melted in the mouth. Really nice and relaxed atmosphere and never felt hurried at any point. Only regret is that we didnt add the lobster as an extra course. 5 Stars to Dean and his staff.” - Soundgarden707
Visited here from Stirling as had saw Dean on Masterchef. Amazing use of local produce and his oriental cooking knowledge. Had the 5 course Thai tasting menu but added the optional extra Lobster course. Had the pairing wines with each course and had everything brilliantly explained by the very friendly, engaging and knowledgeable staff. Couldn't fault anything and hard to pick a favourite dish or drink. Highly recommend the tasting menu as it shows off the chef's skills . Also nice to be treated to an extra course by Dean himself . The open servery also lets you see Dean finishing the dishes and lets you thank the man himself. Great food , service and atmosphere. We will definitely be back” - James w
We ate the 5 course tasting menu last night and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Staffing was faultless, menu was superb (coconut & mango desert was possibly the highlight). We opted for an extra cheese course which I'm glad we did.
Nothing negative at all - look forward to a return visit.” - W3342YAjohnd
Excellent food a really great experience and great value for the money. The atmosphere was warm and lively the staff were helpful and friendly a brilliant evening we can definitely recommend” - janinea821
“Fantastic evening, fantastic food, fantastic service
For my birthday, my wife decided to get one of the itison vouchers for a meal at The Haar after hearing phenomenal things about it.
We were some of the first customers in this evening so the atmosphere was slightly quieter, however when others came in and speed picked up, it was great watching the place jump to life.
Warmly greeted by our fantastic host, Sean and told about the menus, o favourite was the ox cheek, and my wife, she enjoyed the incredible fish course. The wines though...that really made it something as special.
Near the end of the meal, we looked towards getting coffees, but were lead to the bar to sit and enjoy some great desert cocktails.
For both of us however, we do feel that the thing that set The Haar apart from any other place of this quality, was the way it could make us relax, and not have to meet expectation. My wife and i spoke at length and were told incredible stories with our hillarious host Doogal, who with a real natural talent, took the time to show us a real passion and genuineness to our experience, something we can say we havent ever experienced before.
When we got home, we spoke about the experience for a long time reminicing on the warm welcome from Sean, the welcome drinks, the oyster, the ox, the wine, the service from Doogal, the cocktails, the ambience, EVERYTHING.
It was an experience we will remember for a long time, and huge congratulations to Dean for opening such a restaurant and building a fantastic team who are a credit to your buissiness.
Thank you Sean, Doogal and Dean. “ - fraserj1234
As you conclude this journey through the remarkable reviews of HAAR, we hope you've gained a glimpse into the extraordinary dining experiences that await you at our restaurant. From the words of our satisfied guests, it is evident that HAAR is more than just a place to dine.
We invite you to join us at HAAR and experience the magic firsthand. Let our dedicated team guide you through our diverse menu. Whether it's a special occasion, an intimate gathering, or simply a desire to indulge in tasty cuisine, we are here to make every moment unforgettable.
Thank you for embarking on this journey with us. We look forward to welcoming you to HAAR.