Leftfield

Located right on Bruntsfield Links, Leftfield is ‘the type of restaurant that makes the neighbourhood and the city a better place, both from a community and cultural point of view,’ commented one reporter after a visit to Phil White and Rachel Chisholm’s passion project. Pin-sharp fish cookery and fine hospitality go hand in hand here, while the kitchen works to a perfectly formed, regularly changing menu built around excellent Scottish produce. Top of the bill is an extravagant seafood platter that’s never off the menu; otherwise, dishes depend on the market – perhaps octopus with romesco, courgette and fennel or sea trout with peas, broad beans and chorizo. If you want to take a different tack, the line-up also promises the likes of venison haunch with Puy lentils or a roast cauliflower tart involving spinach, feta and pumpkin purée. To conclude, there could be a Basque cheesecake with fruit compôte. The sourdough and olive oil come in for praise, too, while drinks include cocktails, local Port of Leith oloroso sherry and an interesting clutch of fairly priced wines.