Growing up in Clermiston and Wester Hailes, a decent treat was a battered sausage supper out of Roberto’s or some chicken balls from Mister Lee’s. So getting to sample the menu at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar was an eye opening experience.
Walking through the door, it felt really relaxed yet refined. The dim lights, ambient background music and smartly dressed staff were balanced out by the curling final on the bar screens in the background.
The clientele was really mixed, from date nights to large party groups and kids sat tucking into a burger as parents enjoyed a well earned reprieve from the madness of city centre activities. We were looked after by Andrea, our waiter, who was warm, kind and extremely knowledgeable.
He guided us through the menu and let us know where the gems were hidden. A superb taste for pairing wines also came in handy as our evening progressed.
As we age, my wife, Cathy, and I have become more savoury than sweet, so we thought we would go front heavy with three starters. The St Andrew’s Square eatery has recently introduced more Scottish inspired dishes as a nod to chef Ramsay’s roots.
Crab & Isle of Mull Cheddar Dip, Cullen Skink Croquettes and Spicy Tuna Tartare.
With that in mind, we chose the Crab & Isle of Mull Cheddar Dip with bread (£18), Cullen Skink Croquettes (£11) and Spicy Tuna Tartare (£18.50) on Andrea’s recommendation. The dip was extremely tasty. Although I’d let it cool before tucking in, the roof of my mouth paid the price in a way only matched by biting into a Chicago Town pizza straight out of the microwave.
The Cullen Skink Croquettes were light, crispy and extremely delicate. But it was the Spicy Tuna Tartare that absolutely blew us away, I couldn’t stop eating it.
The Spicy Tuna Tartare
It sat atop a bed of avocado and was topped with crispy wonton pieces, it was up there with one of the best dishes I have ever eaten. We ordered a bottle of Xandu Australian Cabernet Sauvignon (£65) to go alongside the dinner.
But following advice once more, we also had a glass of Piatelli Vineyards Argentinian Malbec (£13.50) to compliment the fish starters – and boy I’m glad we listened. The main was tricky, knowing the Beef Wellington was chef Ramsay’s speciality it certainly caught our eye.
The wine on offer was exceptional.
As did the Lamb Shoulder which was said to melt in your mouth. But with the new Scottish additions on our mind, we went for the Venison Wellington for two (£120) which was described as even more tender than its beef counterpart.
And it was as promised. We added some gorgeous smooth mash and crunchy carrots to accompany the blackberry jus covered wellington.
The Vension Wellington.
Again we deferred to our host’s expertise, and paired the dish with a glass of Bondega Ondarre Rioja (£14.50) that was the perfect partner. It was divine.
Despite the desert menu offering up a myriad of devilish treats, we could only cope with a Sorbet each (£3 per scoop). It was an amazing experience from start to finish.
My take away from the menu is that it has a little bit of something for everyone. There are more cost friendly options from the burgers to the pastas but you can also really push the boat out and live life on the lavish side.
The wife (Cathy) and I were expertly guided through the menu.
It is definitely one we will keep on the list for when the next special occasion arises and we will definitely be back. You can view the restaurant website here.