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Best Local Restaurant
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Fin & Grape

Lothians, Edinburgh - Seafood - Restaurant - ££

Quite possibly Edinburgh's best seafood restaurant

Overall Rating: Very Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Exceptional

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Exceptional

In a small city such as Edinburgh, neighbourhoods have a habit of losing out to the bright lights and buzz of whatever happens in the centre. That said, Bruntsfield hot spot Fin & Grape has all the hallmarks of a fine neighbourhood bistro – think crossback chairs and a bright, unfussy dining room with a broody little wine bar tucked in the basement. Despite the postcode, the cooking from chef-patron Stuart Smith is anything but parochial. This may well be the best seafood restaurant in Edinburgh. Small plates form the bulk of the menu, with around half a dozen options in play and freshly landed fish always on the agenda. On a recent visit, langoustines were served cold, with an emerald-hued wild garlic mayonnaise, all herbal, metallic and fragrant – a deft match for the wonderfully taut, sweet shellfish. A simple idea, but flawlessly executed. Elsewhere, a combo of Isle of Wight tomato, goat's curd and finocchiona salame arrived lightly warmed, bringing ...

In a small city such as Edinburgh, neighbourhoods have a habit of losing out to the bright lights and buzz of whatever happens in the centre. That said, Bruntsfield hot spot Fin & Grape has all the hallmarks of a fine neighbourhood bistro – think crossback chairs and a bright, unfussy dining room with a broody little wine bar tucked in the basement. Despite the postcode, the cooking from chef-patron Stuart Smith is anything but parochial. This may well be the best seafood restaurant in Edinburgh.

Small plates form the bulk of the menu, with around half a dozen options in play and freshly landed fish always on the agenda. On a recent visit, langoustines were served cold, with an emerald-hued wild garlic mayonnaise, all herbal, metallic and fragrant – a deft match for the wonderfully taut, sweet shellfish. A simple idea, but flawlessly executed. Elsewhere, a combo of Isle of Wight tomato, goat's curd and finocchiona salame arrived lightly warmed, bringing delightful intensity to every element, while a bowl of crab and hake wontons flourished in a majestic, spicy bisque, with a lingering, briny funk piercing through the chilli heat. The bowl was emptied to a chorus of scraping spoons and contented muttering.

With market fish a regular sight on the specials board, expect the likes of a show-stopping tranche of monkfish, carved and served like a prime cut of beef, and lavished with an obscenely buttery parsley sauce – immaculately cooked, of course. A lovely little pot of tart rhurarb with mascarpone, Pedro Ximénez and crunchy toasted oats sealed the deal for us. The comprehensive but accessible wine list has a distinctly French accent and at least a dozen options by the glass, while a separate, more indulgent 'cellar list' is available for those seeking to mark an occasion – or to create one.

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D Sanders

18 May 2024

I feel lucky to live in a city with a long list of high-quality restaurants that feel affordable enough that a visit is not a once-a-year treat. Imagine how lucky I feel to have a gem like Fin & Grape a short walk away. I smile when I cross the threshold because I have happy memories of past visits and certain knowledge that I’m about to add to them.

K Swift

21 May 2024

The passion is felt throughout the building from the moment you enter, and the menu is always consistent with a riot of colour and flavour you would be hard pushed to find anywhere else.

VENUE DETAILS

19 Colinton Road, Bruntsfield
Edinburgh
Lothians
EH10 5DPGB

0131 452 8453

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OTHER INFORMATION

Private dining room, Separate bar, Family friendly, Credit card required

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