from andy (100%) on November 8th, 2007 (6 months ago)

Bar Diesel, 19 Shore Place, EH6 6SW, Edinburgh

We decided to check out this new bar for an impromptu meal out last night. I knew that the Smoke Stack used to occupy this building and for some reason had assumed it was going to be a small, cosy establishment. It is, in fact, pretty big and was quiet when we were there, being a Wednesday night.

The bar is split in two sections. The front is more of a bar with the back more of a formal dining area. This seperation will clearly be good when they are busy, but on quieter nights I think they might be best to use only the front section (which also has plenty tables suitable for dining) to improve the atmosphere.

One good side to the bar being quiet when we were there meant that we got excellent service from a very friendly barman/waiter.

The food was good. I had mussels to start while my girlfriend had vegetarian haggis crepe, or something. The mussels were excellent - big, well cooked and in a nice rich creamy sauce. It was a huge serving - I had assumed that because they were only £3.95 there wouldn't be many - how wrong I was! For an extra pound they would have been served with chips which would have made an ideal excellent value meal in itself. The vege haggis was also good. It had almonds on it which gave it a satisfying crunch and texture that is often lacking in vege food.

For mains I had a buffalo burger and she had venison. We thoroughly enjoyed both. Buffalo meat features a couple of times on the menu and is clearly their gimmick. It certainly was tasty, but no nicer than a decent beef burger in my opinion and a bit more expensive.

I failed to finish my main as a result of my huge portion of mussels to start. A shame. When I go back (which I probably will), I'll make sure to either skip the starter or share the mussels with somebody.

Our meal came in at about £50 for 2 courses and 3 (alcoholic) drinks each. Seems fair for the quality of food and service that we received.

Highly recommended.

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from Gemma Nicoll (20%) on October 23rd, 2007 (6 months ago)

Bar Diesel, 19 Shore Place, EH6 6SW, Edinburgh

After 3 very unsucessful attempts to have a nice lunch on Saturday afternoon we went to our old faithful Smoke Stack, however it is no more and instead we found Bar Diesel. How pleasantly surprised we were. Service was great, the food amazing and the price very resonable. We had the haddock fishcakes and stuffed mushrooms - delish. Then the buffallo - Yes buffallo burger and sweet potato and chickpea curry. Both really nice. Highly recommend trying Bar Diesel. The menu is constantly changing but I'm sure whatever you try will be as fresh as our meals were.

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from Anna (20%) on December 23rd, 2007 (4 months ago)

Bar Diesel, 19 Shore Place, EH6 6SW, Edinburgh

Bar Diesel is wonderful! Great service, amazing food and such good prices! The food was of a very high standard and the portion sizes were very generous! Located just off the shore, it is easy to get to and is well worth a try! We will be back again soon.

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