The Oystercatcher

The thing about the Oystercatcher is that it's more of an experience than a meal. Don't get me wrong, the food is superb - while the menu is limited, everything on it that we tried was cooked perfectly, bursting with flavour and character. It's what comes with the meal that really makes this place for me - a small dining room with just a few tables gives a very cozy and pleasant atmosphere; however some may find it too quiet or awkward. A beautiful sea view compliments the seafood theme of the decor and menu. From the moment you sit down, you are treated to tiny morsels of traditional delicacies - quail's eggs, apricot sorbet and cullen skink, among others, all make an appearance throughout, meaning that you're never bored between courses - which is good because the courses can take a while to arrive. All these little extras are free. The starter, main and dessert portions are a generous size; I cannot imagine anyone going home hungry after a three or even two course meal here. The drinks menu is literally 100 pages long; whisky and wine lovers will be in Heaven, but the soft drink options are few. I would say it also a very grown-up environment - while casual and relaxed, the food here is for people who enjoy eating, who can appreciate good flavour combinations and the time and skill required to cook them; as such I would probably not bring children here, unless they were quite grown up and very into seafood. Overall, a wonderful experience with good food and drink, fantastic service and delightful little extras thrown in.