The Howff Secret Supper

If you are reading this and you've not booked - GO! If you've been, you already know this is one of the best restaurants in Dundee, in fact, one of the best in Scotland. Been a couple of times to this amazing eatery which has been fully booked since it was opened a couple of years back. Situated in Dundee centre, hidden beneath a cooking academy, we duly uttered the pre-arrange password and were sent downstairs to the most lovely intimate dining area. As you arrive you pass by the gleaming kitchen and are welcomed with a glass of fizz. Shown to our table once our jackets had been hung up, we perused the menu - a tasting menu of some 8 courses using all locally sourced produce and a fair bit of local foraging. Without going into the minutia of each dish, just to say that each one was fabulous. The creativity and flavour sensations from each dish are sublime, that they discovered birch branches when smoked gives a pink grapefruit flavour tells you that these guys know their onions from their shallots! Chef / Owner Lewis comes out before each dish to describe what it is you are eating, accompanied by anecdotes some of which are personal and some of which are restaurant / food related, but they all add something to the night and it is far more interactive than any other restaurant I've been to, but not in a tacky / forced way, just engaging with fellow diners all enjoying a wonderful shared experience. A mention too for their wine supplier who pairs each dish to a particular wine, some rosé, some orange, some white, some red - from regions far and wide and with great thought put into how each wine will compliment the food. The creativity is not purely on the food. Lastly, without thinking I am Scotland's top food critic, I've gone to the trouble of eating in each of the Michelin starred restaurants in our fine nation, all of which offer wonderful food and wine pairings. I would rate The Howff, on their food, on their wine and on the entire experience as easily on a par with most of the other award winning restaurants, and in many cases far ahead. No dress code, no overly fussy service, no white linen table cloths needed for this establishment, just creative, beautiful and delicious food served in a very Scottish convivial (and secret) setting. Can't wait to go back, although will have to as they are sold out for the next 2 months !

I don't know where to start. This was an experience that went beyond eating and drinking. The ambiance and atmosphere were perfect, as was the welcome. The three chefs were fully engaged in facing the diners and participated in the table service. Each course was introduced and described clearly and interestingly. The banter was entertaining too. The wine was obviously carefully chosen and paired with each of the many courses. Inviting all the diners into the kitchen to look around and meet all the staff was brilliant and added to an already enjoyable evening. This gave us an opportunity to talk to the chefs and the support staff in a natural and relaxed environment. Whilst this is not cheap dining, it is definitely good value for money.