Two must visit Edinburgh restaurants
Which one will you visit first?
Steeped in Scotland’s history, the city of Edinburgh has been a bucket list destination for overseas and domestic tourists for many, many years. Every year, millions flock to our capital to visit iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and, of course, the annual Fringe festival. While the city may be home to some of the world’s finest tourist attractions, it is also a top destination for some of the biggest foodies around.
It is no secret that the capital has a thriving food scene. Whether casual or fine dining, Edinburgh caters to everyone’s needs. The streets of the city centre and west end are adorned with incredible eateries as far as the eye can see. Is it any wonder this beautiful city has been a foodies dream for quite some time?
The man at the helm of all things Haar, Chef Dean Banks has recently opened two new ventures in the capital. Dulse Seafood and Wine, and Dean Banks at the Pompadour. Both venues are pretty different in how they do things. Dulse is a relaxed affair to enjoy delicious small plates, cocktails and wine. While Dean Banks at the Pompadour is a genuinely immersive fine-dining experience you will not forget in a hurry.
Let’s look at them both in a little more detail…
Dean Banks at the Pompadour
Located inside the iconic Waldorf Astoria at the Caledonian Hotel on Princes Street. Dean Banks at the Pompadour is the prime fine-dining spot in Edinburgh. Perfect for that celebratory meal or a special date night with your significant other. Sit in their grand dining area and take in stunning views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Or, enjoy a more intimate experience in their private dining area, with delicious dishes prepared by Chef Dean Banks and the team.
Dean Banks at the Pompadour offers an incredible pre-theatre tasting menu and a grand seven-course chef’s signature tasting menu experience. Both feature dishes that showcase the best of what Scotland has to offer, championing the best of land and sea. Dean and the team only use local, seasonal ingredients in all their dishes. So, the menus can change quite often depending on the seasonality of the produce.
Expect showstopping dishes such as grass-fed beef cheek with gochujang, ponzu and black sesame. Or, Loch Melfort trout ceviche with passionfruit, green strawberry and verdita espuma. No visit here would be complete without trying Dean’s signature dish either. Oak-smoked lobster with a mirin butter sauce. These are caught mere metres from Haar Restaurant, right in St. Andrews Bay.
Would you like to visit Dean Banks at the Pompadour? You can book your table right here.
Dulse Seafood and Wine
The newly opened Dulse Seafood and Wine is located in Edinburgh’s West End. Step into a world of uncomplicated, delicious culinary delights, and incredible drinks brought to you by Chef Dean Banks and the team.
Dulse is a truly relaxed dining experience where you can either share some small plates, wine and cocktails with your nearest and dearest downstairs or head upstairs to the restaurant for some unique and delicious dishes cooked by the kitchen team.
At Dulse, the aim is to keep the food simple, uncomplicated, and delicious. Each dish champions one hero ingredient and has a few seasonal accompaniments. All the ingredients balance each other perfectly. Just wait until you taste them!
You can expect to enjoy some incredible dishes such as octopus with burnt tomato and citrus barley. Or the famous trout pastrami with rye bread and Katy Rodgers crème fraiche. You will, of course, have the opportunity to try some St. Andrews Bay lobster. This time, as a delicious lobster thermidor.
If you would like more information on Dulse and to reserve a table at Dean’s newest Edinburgh eatery. You can book one right here.