I usually spend the few days before visiting a restaurant studying the menu and deciding what to have. I love dining out and it’s all part of the anticipation and enjoyment for me. The few days prior to visiting Twenty Princes Street was no different.

We arrived at dusk and Craig who would look after us for the rest of the evening showed us to a large round table with spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle. I was completely distracted by the sun setting behind the castle and was rather glad that I already knew what I was ordering.

The menu at Twenty Princes Street has a great selection of dishes, with steak and seafood being at the forefront. On this occasion, with a night of drinking ahead of us, we decided to go for mainly seafood.

Craig selected a lovely white wine, Chateau Thénac 2010. It went really well with all our dishes, and while I’m not a big wine aficianado it was very drinkable, and one that I would order again.

Salt Baked Carrot & Spring Vegetable Salad, Smoked Tomato Vinaigrette, Confit Lemon, Goat’s Curd & Bread Crisp

Salt baking really brought out the flavour of the vegetables, they had a sweetness to them which was offset by the salty goat’s cheese. The vinaigrette offered a touch of sharpness to make a really well balanced dish.

Seared West Coast Scallops & Medallions of Lobster With Apple Consommé & Vanilla

The scallops and lobster were soft and not at all over cooked, for me they could have handled a touch more seasoning. The consommé was a lot more delicate in flavour than I was expecting, and the texture of soft seafood and liquid consommé was unusual but not unpleasant.

Halibut With Crab, Parmesan & Tomato Crust, Char-Grilled Asparagus, Sautéed Potatoes and Lobster Emulsion.

I love halibut, and always think it feels like a treat, especially when it’s served with lobster emulsion.

Chocolate, Honey Comb & Caramel Torte with Salt Caramel Ice Cream & Roasted Cocoa Nib Tuille

By the time we arrived at desserts we were so relaxed, both of us commented on how nice the atmosphere was.

The desserts were all made on site, one of my little niggles is going to a nice restaurant and then being served ‘bought in’ desserts.

The ‘Fire & Ice’ Baked Alaska (pictured above) was the star of the show. It was delivered billowing (dry ice) before being set alight by Craig, creating the ‘Fire & Ice’ effect. It was a real piece of theatre, and it tasted good too. A great way to end an excellent meal.

Your experience at Twenty doesn’t have to end when the dining does, adjoined is Juniper, an innovative cocktail bar with an intimate atmosphere. Sink back into one of their comfortable wing backs and enjoy the table service, just what you need after a big meal!

To start we tried La Vie En Rose from the classic cocktails section of the menu. Beefeater Gin, crème de fraise and rose liqeur muddled together to create this pink beauty, we loved the candy stripe straw too.

Across the bar we spotted someone else being served a steaming teapot that looked like something from Alice in Wonderland. Not one to want to miss out, my friend asked the waiter what it was and we decided we should have one ourselves. ‘Strawberries and Steam’ is a beautiful infusion of strawberry gin, red berry tea and créme de fraise. It arrives pouring dry ice from the spout and is served alongside a glass dish of strawberries and cream. Designed to serve three, this is certainly one of the most innovative cocktails I’ve had, a real treat for a girl’s night out.

A fantastic meal that won’t break the bank, followed by fun innovative cocktails served in a laid back atmosphere – we highly recommend a visit to Twenty Princes Street and Juniper.

Twenty Princes Street and Juniper
Location:  20 Princes Street
Price: Starters £4.50 -£9 Main courses £13-£30
Good for: Great food in a central location with views of Edinburgh Castle.