Restaurant Martin Wishart has been bringing Michelin-starred dining to Edinburgh's artistic port district, Leith, for over 20 years. Named after its owner and head chef Martin Wishart, the concept focuses on his experience working with traditional French techniques under the guidance of chefs such as Albert Roux, Michel Roux Jr and Marco Pierre White.
Dishes are inspired by European and British flavours but use predominantly Scottish produce. As a proud Scot himself, Wishart says that while working across the UK he was always pleased to see that Scottish seafood remained in demand and so in his own restaurant he sources locally as much as possible.
The setting reflects the quality of the food with sophisticated decor that with a neutral colour palette, clean, white table cloths and subtly stylish lighting, lets the food do the talking while creating an elegant, atmospheric space to enjoy it.
There are several menus available for private and group dining bookings, from the three-course mid-week lunch to the market specials. On the latter, you'll find a mix of seasonal produce such as starter of ceviche of Gigha halibut with Yorkshire rhubarb and crème fraiche, mains of Scrabster turbot with white asparagus, morels, salt baked celeriac and truffle cream, and dessert of pistachio panna cotta with yogurt mousse and amarena cherry.
But, if you want to feel the full force of Wishart's excellence, it has to be the tasting menu which showcases an array of his favourite dishes and is perfect for impressing family, friends or colleagues with if you're hosting. Expect plates such as roast saddle of Dornoch lamb with crispy belly, Wye valley asparagus and pomme sarladaise, alongside ravioli of snails with mussels, baby leek and new season garlic veloute, as well as Yorkshire rhubarb with Katy Rodgers' yogurt mousse, basil sponge and cardamom cremeux.
Restaurant Martin Wishart welcomes group bookings and the team is happy to create a bespoke menu for large groups or even cater for your special occasion outside of the restaurant, perhaps at home or another venue. Simply get in touch and the team will talk through your options.