Restaurant Martin Wishart

Went for the lunch, rather than tasting menu so was pleasantly surprised to find that the amuse bouche (and bread) actually came with 6 or 7 different simple, but tasty, flavours for an immediate sense of variety to start. Somewhat more of a traditional vibe with lots of marble, very formal waiters (it took a few attempts to confirm that one amuse bouche was basically just a hash brown, rather than whatever convoluted name it was introduced as), mirrors and an ever so slightly colder feeling atmosphere. But the decor is still fresh and, importantly, comfy. Great service from the waiters who never let our water run dry, and were always on hand. However somewhat disappointing that after specifically asking for the return of the drinks menu once, it went missing again. Compounded by the inability to make a White Russian which I asked for, partially hoping one could be made and partially having had my drinks menu whisked away, so I had to guess! Perhaps the lack of White Russian was not such a bad thing, as when we got hot drinks after dessert, they were served with milk that was close enough to it's use by date that it curdled into lumps floating in the coffee! Having said that, a swift apology and replacements followed quickly, and I suppose it's not necessarily reasonably to expect everywhere to have a well stocked bar that can cater to White Russian cocktails, milk that is fresh and the hazelnut flavour I requested for the hot chocolate (it was still good, without) Food was faultless, with terrifically simple flavours (gespatcho, tappenade, tomato salsa, crusty bread etc.) to start and more complicated flavours for main (pork jowl) and to finish (chocolate opera cake)

Had a great evening here with the tasting menu. Particularly enjoyed the knowledge and enthusiasm that the servers demonstrated for the food and wines they were serving. Atmosphere is elegant, but convivial, not stuffy. The attention to detail in the food and service was notable, from the initial greeting at the door to the heartfelt farewell. Thank you!

I have waited several weeks before writing this review because I wanted to be certain I was not being rushed along by the reputation. So the quick answer is that this restaurant is excellent. We chose from the set lunch menu and there was enough choice to keep the two of us happy. Fish choices very good and we paired them with an excellent Alsace white. The A' La Carte menu is pricey but looked wonderful as we watched courses being carried to other tables. Our food was well presented, perfectly timed and served with just the right amount of explanation. A word about the service. Attention to detail was incredible, I can't remember the last time I had this level of attention from staff. They managed to be helpful, efficient, understanding and knowledgeable without being condescending. Truly great service. Is there a down side. Yes, but it is minor. I am not a fan of modernist high design dining rooms. Perhaps this would have a better ambience had we dined in the evening. I am certainly going to give it a try to find out.

3.5. A good experience - alright for a special occasion, but I expected better (in certain areas) for a restaurant that’s supposed to be one of the topmost in Scotland. Food is classic French, done by a Scottish chef and the restaurant has been around for several decades. The restaurant is small-ish, with simple decor; some tables are awkwardly arranged so asked to be moved. Service was cordial but lacking. I’d expect the waitstaff to give more background on the restaurant, the provenance of the food, and details on what we were eating - such details were not supplied. This changes the dining experience. Frustratingly, cups, cutlery and plates lingered on the table long after serving their purposes. Nobody was bussing. Things were cluttered. The restaurant arranged desserts in a delightfully ornate arrangement for a birthday … but they initially forgot about said birthday, and had to confiscate what we were eating before re-presenting. All in all, great food and a fun experience, but not super deserving of £600 for 3.