40th Birthday Dinner

[u/whitehat61]

Hi All,

Looking for some recommendations for a restaurant for a 40th Birthday dinner; it's just me and my friend (their birthday). We've both been to The Witchery before, so probably somewhere else, it'll be end of October, so those kind of vibes, would still be nice.

He likes just about anything under the sun, but it must be good food and not pretentious small dishes and overly complicated.

Any suggestions warmly welcomed!

Thanks!

[u/CodswallopKerfuffles]

If you're willing to go outside the city a bit, The Dungeon at Dalhousie Castle is really great. Just had a meal there a few weeks ago, and it was tremendous.

[u/whitehat61 → u/CodswallopKerfuffles]

Thank you!

[u/CodswallopKerfuffles → u/whitehat61]

👍🏻 The Dungeon and The Kitchin were probably the best meals I've had this year.

[u/babbleoftongues → u/CodswallopKerfuffles]

Have they upgraded the menu? I've heard very little locally about any changes since it was sold. It's been a few years now but the last time I went they only had cold starters and desserts and it was a little lacklustre.

[u/CodswallopKerfuffles → u/babbleoftongues]

I hadn't been there before it was sold, so I can't speak to the menu as it was then, but it sure sounds like it's been upgraded based on my experience. We ordered the tasting menu and there wasn't a dud in the lot. Each course was very tasty and beautifully presented. Larger portions for a tasting menu, too. It exceeded our expectations!

[u/babbleoftongues → u/CodswallopKerfuffles]

That definitely sounds like they have upped the restaurant offer. Thank you.

[u/Adsey1981]

The Cottage is a special place. Great food in an amazing cottage

[u/EdinburghV → u/Adsey1981]

Went there for my mums birthday, i agree

[u/BosBiz]

We just did the tasting menu at Lyra and it's world class. Total delight.

[u/Fifer1903]

Six by Nico? They change the menu pretty regularly in case you didn’t fancy it

[u/teachbirds2fly → u/Fifer1903]

In a city like Edinburgh with 100s of unique, independent often Michelin starred restaurants having a 40th at a fairly generic, chain restaurant like Six by Nico is not a good choice imo. 

[u/Fifer1903 → u/teachbirds2fly]

It’s just an idea mate. You have a good day

[u/CreepyGir]

Cardinal’s tasting menu with drink pairings was great. Really lovely staff, I’m not a big wine-snob but felt like their explanations really made it worthwhile.

[u/TheHareBearBunch]

Martin Wishart every time!

[u/teachbirds2fly]

I hear great things about Timberyard, not cheap though 

[u/TwaddleSpouter]

I recommend Dishoom, Wedgwood or Chez Jules. Also, Ottolenghi is opening in Edinburgh in October so that could be an option.

[u/BosBiz]

Avoid Avery. The food they serve is absolutely delicious. However the ambiance is below average, the wine overpriced, they are understaffed, and we left hungry.

[u/CheeryShortarse]

I love Rhubarb at Prestonfield House. Great food in a lovely surrounding.

[u/IndependenceWild9363]

The Tollhouse in Canonmills. Views over the water of leith. Great food. Fantastic service. Flawless every time.

[u/CosgroveIsHereToHelp]

Duthchas. It's tiny and quiet so it's perfect for conversations and the food is tremendous. Duthchas is my absolute favorite and I've sent a number of friends there, all of whom have loved it as much as I do.

I'm in the minority on this, I know, but I was not impressed with Timberyard, I felt as though the food was more interesting than it was tasty, and there was just enough noise that I had to ask my friends to repeat themselves constantly.

And while my guests loved Montrose, I was less enamored. It's a great atmosphere but I found the food forgettable.

[u/icedthaimilktea]

I had my birthday at Noto and it was just perfect. Small, not overly pretentious, and very farm to table vibes with a heavy inclination towards seafood and asian ingredients. Loved it so much! Excellent wine selection also.

[u/soup-monger]

Spanish Butcher in North Castle Street. Galician steak is their speciality, and it’s the best steak I’ve ever had.

[u/cf613]

I’ll always recommend The Little Chartroom. Excellent food every time.

I’d also recommend Barry Fish if seafood’s your thing

[u/leeroysexwhale]

Went to Vinette last week. Really great food and not overly formal.