The team were delighted to attend the annual launch of the 26th edition of the List Eating & Drinking Guide last night.The long-established guide covers around 1000 restaurants, bars, cafés, street food vendors, food shops and food-linked experiences across Edinburgh and Glasgow and we are proud to be included in this comprehensive dining guide.
Contini George Street is yet again Hitlisted in the Best Italian section
Review:
While George Street is not exactly shy of impressively designed restaurant spaces, the interior of Contini is still quite a sight to behold. Following a friendly welcome, the first thing that grabs you in this converted banking hall is the extraordinary Italian renaissance-style wall display, Corinthian columns and stuccoed ceiling. This opulence might well prompt a double-take of the menu for the prices really don’t match the surroundings – this is exceptional-value quality dining. Perhaps kick things off with an aperitivo from the exhaustive drinks menu, featuring plenty of non-alcoholic options. Starters include a wonderfully light carpaccio served with porcini cream and caper crust or, for something a little more substantial, fresh Scottish baby squid, deep fried with vegetables and seaweed and served with homemade mayonnaise. Main courses include plenty of pasta options, as well as meat and fish dishes like spiced pork and sultana meatballs with nduja oil or baked lemon sole fillet, cooked beautifully, with wilted spinach and samphire. Service from start to finish is magical, with knowledgable staff eager to suggest various dishes and matching drinks. Finally, don’t think you have to restrict your visits to lunch and dinner. Get things off on the right foot with their breakfast, which features the likes of eggs on sourdough, a full Scottish, or delicious focaccia with a variety of fillings – it’s a lovely calm way to start a day.
In addition Contini’s wasTiplisted for:
Pre theatre deals “Within easy reach of the Usher Hall and Traverse, Contini’s modern Italian cooking is a delight. There’s an aperitivi menu too if you just fancy a nibble”
Sourcing “Celebrating 100 years in the business, the Continis were one of the first to focus on sourcing – their menus are a veritable who’s who of Scottish producers”
Cannonball Restaurant & Bar
Review:
Historic Cannonball House enjoys a spectacular setting adjacent to Edinburgh Castle. Over the centuries, it has had various uses; indeed, classroom memorabilia nods to its days as a primary school. Moody black and white images adorn the walls in the dining room which has tartan-covered banquettes and tables positioned to enjoy views of the castle and Royal Mile. Friendly staff explain the reliance on local produce, some of it from the restaurant’s kitchen garden that adjoins the Contini family home in Midlothian. Alongside à la carte and vegan menus is a flavour-packed, five-course Taste of Scotland option. Home-grown mint adds a new dimension to creamy celeriac soup, the smoked salmon that follows is enhanced by pickled salsify and crispy capers, while pork belly and dauphinoise potatoes are nicely teamed with spiced pear and spinach. A tour of local cheeses brings a range of textures and flavours to the table before a dessert combining light ginger cake with vanilla custard and poached rhubarb, followed by a petits fours finale featuring that timeless sweet favourite, Scottish tablet.
Cannonball also made the following impressive Tiplists:
Groups & Parties “A fantastic location and historic building for a special celebration, Cannonball’s group menu won’t leave you feeling short changed”
Special views & rooms “You can’t get closer to the castle without paying an entry fee. An ex-school, Cannonball House is full of history and stunning views”
Whisky “The bar below this Contini restaurant is well stocked with some lovely whiskies, with innovations like their whisky afternoon tea aiming to demystify the national drink”
