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Several weeks before our trip to Edinburgh, I spent many hours online researching restaurants to visit over the long weekend break. The Grain Store was at the top of my list as I’m a big fan of restaurants that use fresh, seasonal local produce.
Situated on the first floor in the original store rooms used by the shops below - think stone walls and wooden floors - the setting is cosy and intimate, with various nooks and alcoves in which to hide away. As we went on a Sunday evening, there were few other diners, but Thursday to Saturday is always busy, so booking is recommended. The service was friendly, efficient and inobtrusive, just the way I like it.
There is a set lunch menu, a very reasonable £10 for 2 courses, or £13.50 for 3 courses, which you can’t really beat in Edinburgh. I should know, as I’ve thoroughly researched the cost of set meals in this city. For example, you could have a starter of Carpaccio of Pigeon, Celeriac & Horseradish Remoulade, followed by Braised Pork Belly, Buttered Cabbage, Juniper Jus, with a dessert of Grilled Pear, Mascarpone & Biscotti. The set dinner menu is £19.00 for 2 courses, and a la carte prices range from £18.00 to £26.00.
Shown above is my medium-rare Aberdeen Angus fillet of beef, so tender that I could have cut it with a butter knife. I savoured every moment, trying to make it last as long as I could. To round up the experience, we were served a selection of magnificent Scottish cheeses from renowned cheese shop Ian Mellis just next door, the names of which I sadly forgot in all the excitement!
The verdict?
The food is simply presented and unpretentious, and I thoroughly recommend this to visitors to Edinburgh. Vegetarians unfortunately have fewer options, but my husband still managed to eat very well here.
In Edinburgh, try my other favourites as well - Martin Wishart and Creelers
10 - Perfection, 9.5 - Sensational, 9 - Outstanding, 8.5 - Superb,
8 - Excellent, 7.5 - Very good, 7 - Good, 6.5 - Above Average, 6 - Average
Contact Details:
The Grain Store
30 Victoria St (1st Floor)
Edinburgh EH1 2JW
Tel: 0131 225 7635
Fax: 0131 622 7313
www.grainstore-restaurant.co.uk
