from Owen (37%) on August 16th, 2007 (9 months ago)

Abstract, 33-35 Castle Terrace, EH1 2EL, Edinburgh

This relatively new restuarant is a lovely addition to the Edinburgh restuarant scene. Fairly pricey in the evenings, but £12.95 for 2 courses at lunch is exceptional value. I had the Scottish Salmon Gravadlax to start, followed by the exquisite Roasted Guinea Fowl Breast with Foie Gras.

The service was perfectly competent and attentive. The ambience is lovely. It is only my stingyness that prevented me from giving it an unprecedented 5 stars.

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from samantha barnes (20%) on January 21st, 2008 (3 months ago)

Abstract, 33-35 Castle Terrace, EH1 2EL, Edinburgh

My husband and I had a fantastic night here, the whole experience was one of attentive luxury from start to finish. The interior is quite decadent as is the food - whether you choose the a la carte or the taster menu you will not be disappointed. The portions are not huge but instead they aim to satisfy with their imaginative combinatons and moreishly rich flavours. The taster menu took me to places I have never been - from the addictive salt cod samosa's to the confit of chicken and the snail bob-bons (weird but delicious). Everything looked like a work of art and was a pleasure to eat. The service is much less pretentious than one might expect - though some of the staff are more formal than others they do aim to please and are simply taking their jobs seriously. The wine menu runs well from end to end - with a good spread of middle to low end prices. The evening here was one of the highlights of our trip and I would encourage anyone to give it a go. Our bill came to £140 - for a taster menu, an a la carte, wine apperitifs and digestifs - the El Buli of the north.

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