Ondine Review

Ondine is one of those restaurants that seems to get better every time you go. I can’t explain it, but I can say that I was thrilled when I was picked to write the Ondine review for The Little Black Book.

After a gentle saunter along the Royal Mile on a crisp autumn day I wondered up the unassuming staircase into the light modern space that houses this wonderful restaurant.

Once seated our waited was prompt with our drinks order and left us to browse the menu. As a starter I chose the razor clams. I was slightly concerned that the delicate sweetness of the clams would be overpowered by soy, black bean and ginger dressing, but it added a warmth and depth of flavour which gave my dining partner severe food envy.

I was glad that my dining companion for the evening is a food sharer, but very disappointed when she ordered oysters as I’m not a fan so can’t comment, although I was assured they were delicious.

For main courses we ordered sea bass and lobster with garlic butter. The sea bass is served with gnocchi (which was swapped for chips), girolles and cockles. The subtle woodiness of the girolles was a beautiful contrast to the flavours of the sea from the cockles and the delicate flavours of fish shone through. To me, lobster doesn’t need anything fancy. It needs to be properly cooked, it needs seasoning and it needs a simple garnish. This is exactly what I was served, although if you prefer something a little more elaborate thermidor was also on the menu.

The atmosphere at Ondine is welcoming, the staff are attentive and friendly and the food is very, very good.

Address:  2 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD
Telephone: 0131 226 1888
Website: Ondine Edinburgh 

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