The Dining Room at 28 Queen Street is the newly refurbished restaurant upstairs from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Greeted by a wall of whisky bottles before heading up a curved staircase, this is a stunning Georgian building and sets expectations of great food. Thankfully, it delivers on the early promise.

There are several menus to choose from. We went for the Menu Du Jour, a lighter pre-theatre style menu. After we had ordered, we were served an amuse bouche of a deep fried Cheese and Chive Pastry Parcel and a Chorizo Bon-Bon. A nice way to start the meal, we could have polished off a bag of these.

For starters, we both, unusually, chose the same dish of Lobster Ravioli with fennel puree and foraged sea vegetables (pictured above). The pasta was thin and light and the lobster filling was a light mousse with an intense lobster flavour. The fennel puree was smooth with a mild aniseed flavour. The sea vegetables were nicely cooked and added a nice salty kick to the dish.

For main course we chose Ballotine of Rabbit with Caramelised Cauliflower and Crispy Pancetta. The rabbit was flavourful and perfectly seasoned and the cauliflower and assortment of vegetables added sweetness and texture. The mustard seeds that topped the rabbit also added a boost of flavour and were a nice addition.

We also had Glazed Shoulder of Lamb with Gnocchi. The lamb was beautifully tender and the accompanying parsley and garlic salsa added a burst of flavour and sharpness to balance the richness of the lamb.

For dessert we had Cherry Bavarois with Cherry Sorbet. One of the best desserts we’ve had anywhere. It was a perfect balance of flavours and textures.

We also had Raspberry Financier with Raspberry Sorbet and White Chocolate Cremeux. This had a real sweet and sharp contrast, with the white chocolate providing the sweet kick and the raspberry providing a palate cleansing sharpness.

Coffee and petit fours were also served and the small treats were the perfect accompaniment to aromatic coffee. Macaroons and blackberry jellies were excellent but the Rum Baba was the standout.

If you choose the taster or A la carte menus, there is also an option to pair each course with wine or uniquely, whisky. The sommelier that was taking care of the table next to us was very knowledgeable and passionate about the experience he was delivering to the guests.

The Dining Room
Location:  28 Queen Street Edinburgh.
Price: Menu De Jour £21.50
Good for: Fine dining with a distinct but subtle Scottish style. Ideal for a special occasion.