You can tell when you’re at The Honours that every detail has been carefully curated to create the perfect brasserie experience. Martin Wishart has drawn inspiration from successful restaurants around the world, and what he’s created is as perfect a dining experience as you’ll find in Edinburgh.

The Honours is a contemporary brasserie in the New Town and is Martin’s interpretation of the Parisian classic, you’ll find flavours and inspiration from both France and Scotland.

The menu features artisan producers and suppliers and does not fail to deliver on either flavour or presentation. Dining at The Honours is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, with not a dish missing the very high benchmark they have set for themselves.

The service is equally outstanding. We were invited to enjoy a drink in the bar first, The Honours Martini, along with some bar nibbles: Haggis Bon Bons, Game Chips & Truffle Béarnaise

Our first starter was the signature dish at The Honours, Hand Rolled Tagliatelle with Roasted Orkney Scallop and Truffle Purée. There’s nothing simpler, or more tasty, than freshly made pasta. Add a deep, rich and velvety sauce, a large roasted orkney scallop, and some earthy truffle purée, and what you have is perfection on a plate. Food doesn’t get more satisfying than this.

My partner chose the other starter I quite fancied (and will go back for!), Swiss Cheese Soufflé with creamed spinach and Mornay sauce. Only the best chefs and restaurants can pull off dishes like this, simple, elegant, and leaves you feeling like it was worth every penny.

I fancied trying something different so opted for the Roast Breast of Guinea Fowl with leeks, gnocchi, and hazelnut pesto. It was a delicately flavoured dish, and felt very much like posh comfort food in that it gave you that, ‘everything is ok with the world’ feeling.

The Ox Cheeks À La Bordelaise, was soft and unctious and the mash was super smooth. Another brasserie dish really elevated as far as it can be.

Desserts were a classic affair: A Sicilian Lemon Tart served with knockraich crème fraiche ice cream and Soufflé Du Jour which was strawberry. They rounded off what was a faultless meal. I loved the more laid back brasserie vibe matched with the highest standard of food, it really worked for me.

A final word for the children’s menu, no words needed actually. Just take a look…

The Honours
Location: 58a North Castle Street
Price: Mains £15.50 – £28
Good for: High quality brasserie food, excellent service.