Dave
Another great find from the Michelin Guide, which describes Purslane as "cosy, atmospheric basement restaurant which comprises just 9 tables. The experienced chef-owner creates ambitious modern dishes which mix tried-and-tested flavours with contemporary techniques." Very good, accurate description.
We thoroughly enjoyed our 5-course tasting menu. Good menu, beautifully cooked and presented. Great wine list. Excellent, friendly service. Great lunch.
Jad H
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Purselane, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. This intimate restaurant, with just six tables accommodating a total of 16 guests, creates an ambiance that feels exclusive and personal right from the moment you walk in.
The highlight of our evening was the exquisite 5-course meal paired with wines that the restaurant offered. Each course was a culinary masterpiece, carefully crafted to perfection. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the meal, from the presentation to the flavors.
Throughout the evening, the knowledgeable staff at Purselane provided insightful explanations about the food and wine pairings, enhancing our appreciation for each combination. Their passion for food and wine was palpable and added to the overall enchanting experience.
Purselane is a gem of a restaurant that offers a rare and intimate dining experience, where the cuisine and wine pairings are nothing short of exceptional. If you're looking for a memorable culinary adventure, I highly recommend making a reservation at Purselane for an evening of gastronomic delight that you won't soon forget.
Ruth Davis
Amazing tasting menu with beautifully paired wines, relaxed and attentive service. Gorgeous little place, worth every penny.
Tricia Muir
Absolutely fantastic meal with my family today! Service is outstanding and attention to detail is wonderful with a cozy atmosphere. The food is exceptional… every course was better than the last… the guinea foul was melt in the mouth tender.. cant rate it enough ! we had such a great day well looked after and can’t wait to get back. A must if you’re in Edinburgh.
Anna Tovkun
Best meal we had in Edinburgh. Lovely small and cosy restaurant. We had the launch special + wine pairing (20£ for 2 dishes, 40£ including wine pairing). We got the carrot, pork, cod and gnocchi dishes. The carrot dish with the goat cheese ice cream was our favorite. The service was very professional and welcoming, the wine pairing was thoughtfully curated (I appreciated that the sommelier explained the reason for matching each wine to each dish, which showed deep understanding of the wines and the dishes served). We enjoyed the meal so much that we ordered both the cheeses and dessert (didn't disappoint). I think it is great value for money for the food quality we got.
Drea Warner
Without a doubt the best restaurant / fine dining experience I have ever had. Honestly, it was amazing. My hubby and I enjoyed the 7-course taster menu. Every mouthful was a taste sensation. Every course was my 'favourite'. The wine/spirits and own-label gin were the cherry on the top. The service was top-notch. In such an intimate venue, I felt relaxed and looked after all night. I can't wait to return as I daydream about the dishes constantly now. What can I say, I'm a foodie! It's no surprise the restaurant has special mentions in The Telegraph, Scotland on Sunday and The Michelin Guide. If you are a foodie like me, it's unmissable!
E Diethelm
Delicious, lovely arranged food and unusual composition of the ingredients- so tasty.
Absolut congenial staff.
Graeme Munro
Outstanding.
The food.
The service.
The atmosphere.
From start to finish this was an amazing dining experience.
We had the 5 course tasting menu with matching wines.
Each course was superb .
The wines a perfect match and expertly described.
Little extras.
Canopies
Bread
Post desert sweets.
I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough.
A treat place yes.
Totally worth the money.
Definitely.
Just go there.
You will not be disappointed.
Vera Zaitceva
Our best food experience in Edinburgh for sure, and one of the best at all.
We had two 7 meals dinners and it was excellent!
Service was also really good and pleasant.
And many thanks for the “compliment” to go :) it was really tasty and made our next day trip better
Antony Lee
Wow! The perfect dining experience. We had the 7 course tasting menu at lunchtime and every single course was sublime. An intimate venue but one in which we never felt crowded or rushed. The service was perfect - efficient, friendly and personal but never intrusive. It's clear that this is a team that love what they do and it shows in every mouthful. If I could rate this restaurant higher than 5 stars I would. Purslane shows that fine dining doesn't have to be pretentious and I can't wait to return.
Madhavi
A small, personal restaurant hidden away in the back streets of Edinburgh. What a find! We had the 7 course taster menu with accompanying wines which was out of this world. Both the foods and wines were exquisite. The service and staff knowledge behind the food and drink was second to none. I cannot recommend enough.
Swati Bhatnagar
This restaurant is tiny, I mean really tiny, like smaller than some peoples lounge tiny! In the basement of one of Stockbridge many floored beautiful Victorian buildings sits this gem of a restaurant. Look down at your feet when you arrive or you may never find it! I didn’t even notice the place while standing next to it as it’s accessed via steps down from the street (which need to be taken with care if you’re partaking of the sumptuous wine menu)<br/><br/>We were looking for a memorable experience so went for the 7 course tasting menu with a cheese course and what an amazing selection of food we were served. I wish I’d taken pictures to remember them all but memorable in my addled mind was..<br/><br/>- melt in the mouth Scallops with popcorn.. who knew that worked but wow yes!<br/><br/>- Halibut with a fennel sauce that bought the entire dish into a unbelievable level of focus of pleasure and forced every mouthful to be savoured slowly and the plate uncouthly scraped to get every drop<br/><br/>- the cheese course was great and worth doing but unless you have a serious hunger on I’d suggest sharing between 2<br/><br/>Downsides? Did I mention it’s tiny? When we arrived the restaurant was at its full 20 covers bar 1 table (ours). We were sat next to the door, it’s worth noting neither of us are racing snakes, the tiny table felt like one of those old style children’s school desks shared between two and the poor waiters were having to clamber over us to serve us and other tables. As the restaurant emptied we asked to move to a larger table not in the middle of the thoroughfare and the experience was transformed as well as our ability to breathe<br/><br/>We were enjoying the evening so much they couldn’t get rid of us and we found ourselves the last people in the restaurant however the staff were never pushy or gave the feeling they were anxious to get home. The service remained relaxed and friendly throughout the meal and even Paul the chef popped his head out as we were leaving to say goodbye which was kind.<br/><br/>So great food, two lovely bottles of wine, relaxed service, what’s not to like. Definitely book early and I’d suggest requesting the table in the window if you can for more space
Craig Wright
Great restaurant. Very intimate atmosphere with good service and an excellent menu of locally sourced food. Chef Paul Gunning's enthusiasm for his craft is evident in the menu and feel of this hidden gem of a restaurant. The tasting menu with matched wine is not to be missed.
TartanSpoon
This is by far my favourite restaurant in Edinburgh and currently the only restaurant that my partner (a chef) will eat at! So for me, that says ALOT.<br/><br/>Just recent.y undergone a refurb, this place is small and intimate but not as such that the tables sit on top of each other or that you are overhearing other diners. The atmosphere and the ambience are just perfect; and the staff are super friendly, very welcoming and attend to your every need. <br/><br/>As for the food, well thats just outstanding. Paul is a wonderful chef and his passion for cooking and serving up delicious plates of food is evident.<br/><br/>For starters we had : Roast breast of Duck and the Curried Scallops with parsnip crisps. Beautiful. My scallops were cooked to perfection slightly caramelised on the outside and soft and melt-in-the-mouth on the inside. The curry puree and the parsnips elevated this dish to the next level. Great flavour combo.<br/>Mains : Beef with Foie Gras, sublime and I had the Bouillabaisse (Pan Fried Sea Bream, Prawns, Red Mullet and Monkfish with Steamed Potatoes, Curly Kale and Shellfish Sauce). The sauce was rich in flavour and all the seafood elements delicious.<br/>Desserts : Cheese board and I had the Baklava with yoghurt icecream. I do prefer my baklava slightly sweeter with more honey, but this was gorgeous too. Lots of nuts complimented with the sour icecream. <br/>Inbetween course we also had :<br/>Cauliflower veloute - such intense flavour, I could have eaten a bowl of this,<br/>Belly Pork - served two ways. Soft, succulent.<br/>Rosemary pannacotta and rhubard - by far the best flavoured pannacotta I have ever tasted.<br/><br/>The price is great for the food you receive - 3 course £29.95.<br/><br/>I love this place and we will be returning on a regular basis.
Stacebuds
Run by head chef and owner Paul Gunning, Purslane in Stockbridge serves quality produce packed with intense flavours. This year has already proven to be successful with the restaurant winning Scotland’s Best Fine Dining Restaurant from the Scottish Entertainment and Hospitality awards. Purslane could somewhat be missed as it is tucked away at basement level on St Stephen Street. Seating just 20 people there is a very cosy and intimate atmosphere with welcoming staff who explained the menus.
Phil Cook
Consistency is key in the restaurant business and I’ve waxed lyrical about this St. Stephen Street eatery many times, but tonight, chef-in-residence Paul Gunning is away at an awards bash, giving his deputies the chance to show off and impress this hungry soul. Previous visits meant that expectations were incredibly high.
Edinburgh Feasts
Purslane is situated in a little basement abode on St Stephen Street in Stockbridge and seats less than 20, which gives an intimate vibe to the place. We had got a five course tasting menu for lunch for £39 for the two of us, which was incredibly good value. Whilst we were waiting for the tasting courses to commence, were brought some warm bread rolls. These were nice and tasty but the accompanying butter seemed to be unsalted, which was a bit of a shame. However, this was the only blip in what ended up being an exquisite meal.<br/><br/>The first course was an amuse bouche of butternut squash veloute and arrived in a cute little cup. I love veloutes and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. It was light, smooth and delicate, yet at the same time has a smoky robustness of flavour. <br/><br/>The next course was sea bream, parmesan polenta and sun-dried tomato arancini. The arancini were creamy in texture and packed with a great depth of tomato-y goodness. The sea bream itself was beautifully cooked, with a salty skin which was deliciously crispy. <br/><br/>Onto the main and we had roast rump of beef. The five course menu usually has pork but today it was beef and it was like a posh mini roast. The meat was quite pink, which was just to my liking but may not be to everyone’s taste. The flavour was excellent. We perhaps could have done with steak knives as it was a rump cut but we soldiered on. The celeriac and potato stack creamy and the kale was er, like kale. However, the star of the plate, apart from the meat, was the combination of mushrooms which has been softly cooked and the sweet onions. The juiciness of these onions was wonderful and was almost like an onion marmalade. The red wine jus brought the dish together well.<br/><br/>Now, this restaurant does a ‘pre-dessert’. This is my kind of place! It’s essentially another dessert which almost acts like a palate cleanser. It was a raspberry sorbet with a chocolate mousse. As expected, the raspberry worked well with the chocolate, with the zing of the raspberry making sure that the mousse wasn’t the overpowering flavour of the dish.<br/><br/>The actual dessert came in the form of ‘rhubarb and custard’. Obviously this wasn’t going to be quite as straight forward as described. It was absolutely delicious and we agreed that it was the best course. There was rhubarb ice cream, which was creamy and, amazingly, had not lost any of the true rhubarb flavour. There were also lots of small pieces of rhubarb which still had a bit of bite. Alongside that was a stack of vanilla panacotta and rhubarb jelly and a piece of crème brulee to add the custard element. The brulee was also packed with the sweetness of vanilla. This was a perfect finish to the meal.<br/><br/>Purslane is a lovely little restaurant, great for an intimate dinner but simply great to eat at…full stop.
Phil Cook
SOMETIMES IN LIFE you just have to accept that you’re never going to master certain things. After an hour (yes, I said hour) long attempt at ironing my shirt for dinner at Purslane, it’s fair to say that it was one of those moments where you miss living at home with your mum. Hopefully, dinner will be more successful.<br/><br/>Consistency is key in the restaurant business and I’ve waxed lyrical about this St. Stephen Street eatery many times, but tonight, chef-in-residence Paul Gunning is away at an awards bash, giving his deputies the chance to show off and impress this hungry soul. Previous visits meant that expectations were incredibly high.
Eatright
Happy to go for every meal. I love this place. I feel as though I'm going into someone's house for dinner, the dining room is small and intimate. The food quality is excellent and the choices are not huge, but excellently executed. It's reasonably priced, so I can go much more often. The front of house staff are super friendly and very well informed on wine and food. I would go every week if I could get a table!
Such Food.
Christmas is a time for over indulgence, when traditionally one lets oneself go a bit. With the amount of food on offer over this period it's refreshing to visit a place that doesn't overdo it. Purslane's Christmas lunch this year brought a delightful surprise in that the portion size was just right. <br/>My memory is waning, such is the brunt of Xmas excess, so I'll keep this short and to the point. The turkey main was spot on. The turkey who gave his life for my sustenance would have been proud, I'm sure, to have been served up in such a deliciously dignified way. Perhaps there could have been a bit more stuffing of pigs in blankets, but that may just be my vulgar greed taking over. <br/>The starter I cannot remember, as a result of simply too much merriment during the holidays, but I recall it being a delight too. <br/>This segment of Stockbridge is populated by excellent establishments; it takes a lot to stand out on food alone, which makes Purslane's achievement all the more impressive. It's easily missed with it's underground location, but what a shame it would be to mindlessly walk by. <br/>My only regret is that I didn't write this review closer to the actual meal. Sorry turkey, I guess I'll just have to come back again next year.
Breaking Fast
I had an absolutely amazing three-course Christmas meal at Purslane, it's a very intimate space and makes for an ideal destination for intimate meals. <br/><br/>I opted for the starter of Confit Pork with Black Pudding Cromesqui, with an apple, walnut and celery salad. It was utterly divine, the pork meshed wonderfully with the taste of the Black pudding, all tied together with a delicate swirl of apple from the salad. <br/><br/>For my main I had Cod, with a white bean and Chorizo Cassoulet. Again, a stunning achievement, I could have quite happily eaten the white bean and chorizo cassoulet on its own! The fish was cooked wonderfully, juicy and flaky on with lovely crispy skin.<br/><br/>This was topped off with some gorgeuos salted caramel ice cream - yummy!<br/><br/>I'll just say that this is easily one of the best places to eat in Edinburgh and you should give it a try :)
Ling Law
I've waited almost 4 weeks to write this..and purely the reason because, well..I simply still haven't found anywhere that is as exceptional as this place! <br/><br/>Hands down I did not expect this! <br/><br/>I can write on here a mountain of flavours, textures, freshness, portion size, food and wine pairing, all the meals we had. But I won't. I'd be spoiling it by thinking I could write something to justify the exceptional food here and the service.<br/><br/>Let me just say that coming here with my partner for our Christmas dinner felt like we stepped into a very well decorated basement hidden restaurant, an enchantment. I was so surprised and really had no clue what to expect. Secondly, every moment was spectacular. Every meal that came out the kitchen door was sensational. Every plate we had we cleaned right off with our spoons. Every wine paired we drank deliciously. <br/><br/>This is the place. My best hidden away gem. Where I simply can't stop shouting out about it. Worth every moment to tingle your tongue in with an outrageous spectacular meal. Tasting menu~ is a must try!
EdinburghFoody
Stockbridge hides a number of gems in cellars along St Stephen Street. Purslane is a recent addition to the area. The owner, Paul Gunning, and his head chef, Craig Smith, feel strongly about using seasonal ingedients and presenting them at their very best. The dining experience they offer is one they call ‘casual fine dining’. I went along, with a glamorous companion, on a Thursday night, to see what that means.<br/><br/>I discovered a comfortable restaurant that offers excellent cooking in a relaxed atmosphere. It was quiet when I was there – it was one of those evenings when it’s threatening rain and sunshine in equal measures – but I expect the restaurant will be busy in the Festival. It certainly deserves to be.<br/><br/>I like a restaurant that gives you extra and have been a huge fan of the amuse bouche since I first encountered one (a hot, salty, tomato soup slicked with basil oil) at the Atrium many years ago. Purslane kept me happy by offering not just a selection of small loaf-shaped rolls, but also a deliciously smooth and rich butternut squash velouté.<br/><br/>It’s great to eat with someone who likes food as much as I do and is willing to share so I vouch for the flavour of every dish we had. I enjoyed my rabbit terrine with textures of carrot (smooth purée, soft new carrot and crispy flowers of lightly picked carrot). The meat was rich and soothing, the textures of carrot making a vegetable we often take for granted interesting. It was maybe not as pretty as my companion’s cod check wrapped in parma ham and server with a lovely pea soup. The food really was beautiful. A pretty plate is a delight and it is always great when the food tastes as good as it looks. At Purslane it does.<br/><br/>For mains, I had rock turbot with mash and a warm tartar sauce. I have to admit that I’m not usually a fan of tartar sauce but warm, with chunks of caper and gherkin, it was really nice. It was rich yet tangy and balanced both potatoes and fish beautifully. My companion’s guinea fowl was cooked just right and had a deep and savoury flavour. It came with mushrooms and a sausage roll that was crunchy and tasty. <br/><br/>There was pre-dessert too! A deep red scoop of raspberry sorbet with a flavour so clean, you know there’s little but raspberries in it. Craig told us that he’d made the sorbet that afternoon by simply churning ripe berries and powdered sugar. It was tremendous.<br/><br/>And it whet our appetite for desert. My companion had the cheese which was very tasty indeed, and I had the strawberry soup with vanilla ice cream. Summer on a plate. We finished the meal with coffees and petite four. The latter were handmade by a local confectioner. My favourite was the rosemary jelly. It tasted of the Mediterranean and for a little while, the sun came out between the clouds. The chocolates were good too: the salted caramel was shiny on the outside, creamy on the inside, the Bailey’s truffle true to its name.<br/><br/>With our food we had a pinot grigio rosé which worked well with the wide variety of flavours that we were tasting. It was as cheerful a wine as the evening we had. The atmosphere at Purslane is relaxed and friendly. The food is well thought out, well presented and well balanced. If you want an evening of great food in a chilled but in no way slap-dash environment, visit Purslane. You won’t regret it.
Edinburgh Little Black Book
Hidden in a basement in St Stephen’s Street this little restaurant is a real treat, but make sure you’re good and hungry before you go because there are little extras along the way, including a delicious amuse bouche.<br/><br/>As a starter I chose the perfectly seared scallops with a watercress puree, roast celeriac and samphire - a delight to the eye as well as the mouth.<br/><br/>My dining partner, who's a vegetarian, had a chicory tart tatin with a red pepper and shallot dressing. Chicory can be quite a bitter leaf, but the red pepper and shallots balanced out the flavour beautifully.<br/><br/>I was obviously in the mood for seafood and chose the monkfish as a main course. This is a fish which can easily become very tough, but as you’d expect from such an experienced chef, the fish was firm but moist with not even a hint of rubberiness.<br/><br/>My vegetarian companion chose the butternut squash risotto. She spends hours in her own kitchen lovingly preparing one of the best risottos I’ve eaten so I was interested to hear her opinion. The dish was thick and creamy, beautifully seasoned and the pine nuts added the textural element that risotto so often cries out for. According to my friend, a masterpiece!<br/><br/>Pudding was a step too far for us, although it sounded (and having had a good old nosey at other people’s tables it also looked) amazing, so we settled for a cup of coffee and petits fours. The coffee was strong and cut perfectly through the silky smooth richness of the petits fours.<br/><br/>We’ve long raved about Purslane and everybody we’ve recommended it to has absolutely loved it!
AllZomorrow'sParties
Meeting a local foodie, we went on his recommendation for a lunchtime destination. Purslane was his suggestion and as soon as I get the chance to pass on the favour, it'll be mine too.<br/><br/>Great Scottish ingredients are one thing. Simple but imaginative cooking another. Excellent personable service helps yet further. But you fork out £12.95 for the two-course lunchtime privilege and you've got yourself a very fine package indeed.<br/><br/>Eschewing the wine, sadly, I ordered mullet and chick peas as my starter. The mullet was a lovely piece of fish that could not have been cooked any better, the skin crispy and tasty while the meat was delicate but substantial. The chick peas had been dressed beautifully, with a hint of chilli and a vinaigry zing. <br/><br/>The main was pave of beef (embarrassed to admit I can't recall what cut but it was superb). With curly kale, parsnips, and a gorgeous purée, it was a really fine piece of work, delivering big flavour by the forkload.<br/><br/>Having first encountered Edinburgh as a Fringe flirter a decade ago, my major recollections are of Piemaker and pecuniary constraints (the two go hand in hand, of course). Back now with the intention to see what square meals the capital has on offer for someone a little more discerning if scarcely better off, Purslane has left me wondering: just how good might this city BE?
Dana P.
Butternut squash velouté amuse bouche. Smoky and good
Duck slices rare-ish but not too w slaw. And caramel onions
Smoked salmon and smoked trout pate
Main
Mushroom risotto--firm and good mushroom flavor
Bouillabaisse --but very good quality fish --not tons of quantity--all cooked just right
Dessert
Cheese plate --interesting local cheeses
Chocolate --pudding, cake and ice cream--loved it.
Very small place maybe 20 people max--down into a basement in Stockbridge.
Nice being at a family run non corporate place. We were the only non locals or at least non Scots. Worth seeking out.
Gina B.
But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks, it is the east and Purslane is my sun!
It was a beautiful sunny lunchtime when we came in here for lunch, and the sun carried on shining on my tastebuds as we had the two course lunch for 12 pounds. What great value for such great food!
We were made to feel very welcome, and the casual fine dining experience to me is all about relaxed good service with excellent quality food. The service was brilliant and it was clear everyone here is passionate about good food and making every trip here special.
I started with the smoked salmon blinis which was fresh, rich and beautifully presented. The pan fried hake was delicious and has to be up there as one of the best fish dishes I've had. I really did spend the whole afternoon afterwards finding myself just going 'hmmmmm' at the memory of it.
Unfortunately we were under a bit of time pressure, so I'm already planning a return visit with some more time to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner at what is now my top picks Edinburgh restaurant.
And the best thing? You get a QR code on a card with your bill that allows you to go and buy Paul and other excellent Edinburgh chefs recipes, so you can recreate the fine dining experience at home with friends and family. What a fantastic idea! I've already cooked the roast rump of lamb with a herb crust for some friends.
But it won't be stopping me coming back for the real experience of being so wrapped in the sunshine of service and taste that is Purslane.
Nishitaa R.
Went there for their 7 course tasting menu on Friday. One look at the menu and I almost wanted to do a Bridget Jones dance around the restaurant. Knowing full well that my dinner partner would be more than slightly embarrassed with that uncouth and outwardly show of excitement, I sat back and enjoyed the glass of Prosecco and 'acted' sophisticated. The only tell tale sign was probably the gleam in my eyes and my lack of focus on the topic of conversation that my dinner companion had embarked upon. Wine.
I know I am in trouble when I can't focus on a topic such as wine.
He picked the Pinot Grigio Rose, Bella Modella, Italy, 2011 for our meal.
Our servers hit the exact note of polite, friendly and chatty which was perfect for the small, rustic but cosy restaurant decked in charming earthy tones.
The amuse bouché was a Butternut Squash veloute which was sweet and creamy and the perfect accompaniment for the slice of freshly bakes cumin bread I had picked.
We then had the Sole and Salmon Roulade with Sauce Vierge which was a thing of beauty. Delicate with every little element complimenting the fresh fish. I could happily have eaten 10 of those and still want more.
We were then presented with an Crispy chicken and Asian noodle salad. Chicken that is moist and tender on the inside with a crisp and moreish crumbed exterior served with a refreshing salad with crisp bean-sprouts and broccoli and an Asian dressing.
We then had the pan fried Hake with the Vegetable Fricasse. Crispy skin, flaky fish sitting on a bed of vegetables expertly prepared and a light creamy sauce. I was almost temped to ask for a bit of bread to mop the sauce up with. I didn't since we had 4 more courses to go.
For our main we were presented with a Roast Loin of Pork with Confit Potatoes, Stornaway Black Pudding, Pork Belly and an Apple Sauce. The Pork was deliciously tender, the plate so skilfully put together that I almost didn't want to dive in. My dinner companion pretty much inhaled his in 2 mouthfuls.
We then had a refreshing Raspberry sorbet pre-dessert and I can safely say that I would've happily had my tasting menu end there. I was comfortably full and didn't think I could manage another bite.
Well that was before our Dark Chocolate Marquis with Ice Cream was placed on the table. The decadent chocolate dessert sat there and stared me in the eye. The dark gleaming square beckoned me to try it, just one spoonful it seemed to be saying. Try I did. And finished it too and what a perfect finish it was to the meal.
You know those moments when you taste something and you can almost hear an emotional celebratory tune in your head... imagine confetti falling from the ceiling with loud explosions of glitter filling the room....???
Yeah.... My dining experience at Purslane was one of those.
Phil C.
I OFTEN WALK passed restaurants just to have a gander at the menu; call it a food geeky hobby of mine. As it happens, Purslane is just around the corner from my work and has caught my eye all too often without action. Time to pay a visit!
Located on St. Stephen Street, Purslane proudly sources around 80% of its produce from the surrounding Stockbridge area. Not only does this bring a community feel to the restaurant but also allows the excellent produce from the likes of George Bower the butcher, George Armstrong the fishmonger and I.J Mellis to feature on its menu.
The restaurant is small, there's no beating around the bush about that, but it's small with a certain charm and romance to it and is tastefully decorated too.
Our server was very relaxed and chatty and as we placed our order, it was obvious he really enjoyed his job.
We were presented with an amuse bouché of crispy chicken and Asian noodle salad. The aroma of roast chicken invited you to dive straight in, where you were greeted by this excellent nugget of chicken and accompanying salad that was fresh and crunchy and had a pleasant hint of aniseed to it.
For starter, I went for sole and salmon roulade with sauce vierge. The smell suggested the fish was as fresh as a daisy. Expertly seasoned, the roulade was moist and tasted of the sea. The sauce vierge was well-made and added to what was overall a great modern version of classic flavour combinations.
Sarah chose pigeon pithivier with wild mushrooms and Madeira jus. The pastry was properly cooked and satisfied my Paul Hollywood-esque inspection - no soggy bottoms here.
She found some of the pigeon a little chewy, although the piece I tasted was fine and the flavour was there. The mushrooms were wonderful and woody and the jus, ahh that jus was simply sublime.
The intermediate course consisted of pan fried hake with a fricassee of vegetables, which being honest I wouldn't have expected to be included in a meal priced at £25.95. Not that I was complaining, as this was a sheer joy to eat.
The fish skin was crisp and the meaty flesh was perfectly cooked. The attention to detail evident in the shelled peas and podded broad beans and a wonderfully light and creamy sauce made it as if the dish saying 'you didn't order me in the first instance and this is what you're missing'.
For main, I had roast breast of guinea fowl with confit potato, watercress and jus gras. There's several different skills demonstrated in this dish; not just the cooking of the breast but a nifty ballotine and a neatly butchered leg were all top notch. The tasty jus gras sees the whole bird being used to its full potential; I only wish there was more of it on the plate.
I have to say I thought the watercress made this dish. The pepperiness just gave it a hint of spice and a bit of texture. The use of an ingredient bang in season tells you a lot about the ethos of the restaurant.
Sarah had grilled red mullet with herb crusted boulangère potatoes and roasted red pepper salsa. Faultless execution and seasoning of the fish, which was complimented by the zingy salsa. However, Sarah felt the potatoes could have been crispier and more golden.
The raspberry sorbet was a welcome palette cleanser as I chose to finish with apple and butterscotch crème brûlée while Sarah ordered the assiette of pear.
This was no standard brûlée let me tell you. Lifting the apple crisp to find the centre had been cut out to house the butterscotch sauce was rather quirky, while the outside offered the crisp exterior you would expect from a classic version of the dish.
The popcorn was a fun addition but it was sadly a little on the limp side.
The presentation of the pear dish was clean and modern and the tastes from the sorbet, cannelloni and poached pear were refreshing, light, and a thoroughly pleasant way to end any meal.
Paul Gunning has honed his trade under chefs like Marco Pierre White, Jeff Bland and Jean Michel Gauffre and that shows. His presentation of food is outstanding and no detail goes unmissed. This is a chef who has learned his craft and is now intent on putting his own stamp on the Edinburgh food landscape.
At £25.95, I can't think of anywhere that offers better value for the standard of food on offer and it really is fine dining without any hint of pretention. It's made me question how good places where I've paid considerably more actually are and I can't give a much bigger compliment than that.
This gem of a restaurant and one really needs to be experienced first- hand.
Rayan D.
Anita A. and I went to Purslane for their 7 course tasting menu @£50 pp - as we had a voucher it was half price and a good reason enough to indulge for a date night.
I'll have to mention that the place is small and the tables are just a little too close to each other. However the music is not too loud, so when speaking it doesn't travel to another table - too much.
Anita booked the table a couple of days before and advised the restaurant that I had a fish allergy, which she was assured would be no problem on the night. On arrival we were warmly greeted and seated. Directly we were explained what the fish alternatives were for those 2 dishes that contained it. I was supplied lamb and (I think) a ham alternative.
The courses supplied where on queue and though looked tiny (for you multi tasting diner virgins : it is supposed to be that way) as these were plentiful it did filled you up. We decided on a light red wine to accompany the dishes and settled on a sangiovese.
The courses have been described in full, but I will post a picture of this as I cannot really remember what in which order. In other reviews they have described most of what we had in detail (thanks Nishitaa R.) and I can assure you that they were indeed very good - only one we didn't particular enjoyed was the pork dish. A little too dry, chewy and the green peas a little too crunchy. And Everything else was well attended and presented.
It was a pleasure to have good service, efficient, genuinely interested in how you liked it and how your are feeling. They left enough time between courses and provided and placed clean cutlery for every course presented. (is that important? - Yes! As after other restaurant experiences - this doesn't happen that often these days!)
There is a cosy sofa outside to cool down and tho have some fresh air. I would not smoke there as it will go in to the restaurant. In fact for smoking I advise you go up the stairs - away from the entrance & window.
We really enjoyed this visit and were actually well fed
Blythe R.
A recent addition to the Stockbridge restaurant directory, the Purslane promises "casual fine dining" in relaxed surroundings. One of those places you might not spot until you're really looking for it, it served us really good dishes, and is just the kind of place we could see ourselves revisiting on many occasions.
Overall, we said: "this is a charming place. I now understand the phrase 'casual fine dining' and for the money, I'd say you'd be hard pressed to mix quality and quantity as well."
Miguel A.
I have been to Purslane at least three times. On two occasions I was entertaining business partners. Choosing from the three course menu was always a challenge, as all of the dishes sound very appealing. The food is excellent: delicious, generous portions and superb presentation. The wine list is good and prices are VERY reasonable for Stockbridge. The place is nice and service is very friendly. In summary, two thumbs up and five stars for this place.
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