Edinburgh’s Dine is a restaurant which has been on my radar for a while now. Situated in the same building as the city’s Lyceum Theatre, it’s perfect spot for pre-show dining or post-show drinks, and it’s central location means that it’s easy to pop into if you’re looking for a lunch or dinner spot when you’re out shopping too.
It’s a stunning space – located on the first floor, you have to pass the most gorgeous living wall beautifully lit with the restaurant’s name. It’s a gorgeous spot, and sets the scene nicely for things to come. The dining room is equally beautiful – all twinkling lights, and a tree seemingly growing through the floor.
The restaurant is currently serving their Festive Market Menu – available for lunch, pre-theatre and evening dining, it has a curated selection of seasonal dishes, which are perfect for getting into the Holiday mood!
We started the evening off with glasses of Prosecco as we perused the menu. There was a great selection of seasonal dishes, which although they had traditional elements, didn’t feel too cliched. There is no turkey on the menu, instead duck, lamb and sea bass all have a starring role.
We kicked things off with the Smoked salmon, served with lemon and dill cream cheese, compressed cucumber, toasted brioche. It was a deliciously rich start to the evening – the toasted brioche was toasted and buttery, with a curl of smoked salmon, as well as a smoked salon mouse. The lemony cream cheese really cut through the fish, and I’m more than a little obsessed with the compressed cucumber!
We also had to try the Caramelised goat’s cheese which came served with soused winter vegetables and a bitter leaf salad. Another absolute delight – the mix of bitter salad leaves, root vegetables and goats cheese was heavenly.
I couldn’t resist the sound of the Crisp Confit Leg of Duck, which came served with mulled wine cabbage, fondant potato, cardamom and orange puree. I am beyond glad I did. With skin perfectly crisp, this felt like the ideal festive meal – the duck flesh was rich and delicious underneath, and it absolutely came alive with paired with the zesty orange puree. The cabbage was delicately scented with mulled wine spices. The potato fondant was absolutely perfection too – buttery soft with crisp edges, and it just melted in the mouth.
We also ordered the Roast Chump of Lamb, with thyme and garlic mash, honey-glazed baby vegetables and kale. This felt like winter on a plate – with perfectly medium cooked lamb which absolutely melted, along with perfectly roasted vegetables. A delicious alternative to the traditional turkey roast – this is perfect to enjoy if you’re looking for something a little different.
Even though we were absolutely stuffed, we could resist a little dessert, with both of us going for the traditional Christmas pudding with brandy butter. Perfectly spiced, and wonderfully dense, it was a picture perfect end to the meal.
The Dine Festive Market Menu is priced from £21.50 at lunch and £23.50 at dinner. Thank you so much to Dine for having us!
