The Gardener’s Cottage
Edinburgh, Lothians
Modestly appointed, with white walls, scrubbed communal tables, clattery floorboards and little else in the way of decoration, this former gardener’s cottage, tucked neatly into the showpiece Gardens below Royal Terrace (and accessed from London Road), puts the focus firmly on food. The cooking is all about straightforward flavours, the kitchen proving its worth with canny seasonal creations such as ricotta with asparagus, peas and nasturtium, sea trout with celeriac and kohlrabi or venison loin accompanied by pumpkin, plum, honey, fennel, lavender and peach – just three examples from the no-choice, set-price six-course dinner menu. Lunch is a (cheaper) three-course affair, offering the likes of BBQ carrots with parsley root and sunflower seed, ahead of ox cheek with cauliflower, artichoke and hazelnut, plus rhubarb with white chocolate and ginger to finish. Cheese and coffee (with truffles) incure a supplement. The rye and spelt sourdough is considered excellent and, on the drinks front, there’s a slate of locally brewed ales as well as a choice of wines from £45 a bottle.
Dining Information:
Private dining room, Deposit required
1 Royal Terrace Gardens, London Road, Edinburgh, Lothians EH7 5DX
0131 558 1221
