In the heart of Bruntsfield, Southside Scran is the first time that the Kitchin Group has brought its ‘from nature to plate’ philosophy to the south side of town, following the success of The Kitchin in Leith, Castle Terrace below Edinburgh Castle and The Scran & Scallie in Stockbridge.
The new arrival features an open rotisserie in the middle of the brass-accented dining room, with natural light flooding through large street-facing windows while rustic wood floors and classic floor tiles give the feel of a traditional Parisian bistro.
The menu incorporates the best of Scottish produce, with hints of chef Tom Kitchin's passion for French cuisine (the man himself was in the kitchen on our visit) and showcases a rotisserie grill with daily cuts of meat, fish and vegetables. Our starter of Ayrshire ham hock ravioli was perfectly seasoned with a fresh thick pea soup, while tender white Newhaven crabmeat was served on a chickpea pancake flecked with fragrant chilli, ginger and coriander.
Mains focus heavily on the rotisserie, and our half chicken was buttery tender and seasoned with sweet, squidgy confit garlic. Loomswood Farm confit duck leg was intensely rich with a classic artichoke barigoule, while rotisserie root vegetables – earthy beets, sweet carrots and parsnips – were seductively glossy, colourful and supremely Instagram-friendly.
Desserts might include creamy baked vanilla custard with fresh summer berries and aromatic elderflower ice cream and consommé, or a huge but unfeasibly light berry soufflé. The drinks list has a strong wine focus, with a bespoke selection of wines from a variety of small independent producers, both old and new world.
A set lunch (3/4 courses £21.50/29.50) offers classic bistro value, while weekend breakfast includes patisserie and vegetable millefeuille alongside eggs all ways. Relaxed yet refined, this welcoming bistro looks to become a neighbourhood favourite and another feather in Tom Kitchin’s cap.