Tattu Edinburgh

Built on cornerstones of maximalist design and sleek service, Tattu in Edinburgh is a world of dark wood and life-size cherry blossom trees illuminated by floating lanterns.

The whole shtick is undoubtedly built around encouraging the social media set to snap and share, which results in boundless energy for theatrics. It’s upbeat and fun, and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The well-polished team balances all the frivolity with service that feels very genuinely committed to positive guest experience. Enthusiastic recommendations help steer our meal, which both starts and ends with plumes of dry ice.

Full-scale storytelling brings a dragon-themed cocktail, trapped under a cloche of swirling smoke. Show over, and the drink is smooth and syrupy with red fruits and lychee. The closing act, meanwhile, brings a wave of fine mist that tumbles out across the table, revealing a chocolate tree topped with candyfloss, stuck into a light cherry mousse. Sharp cherry sorbet cuts through all the sweetness for a dessert that tastes surprisingly grown-up, despite all the pink fluff. In between there’s prawn and lobster toast, rolled into balls with a thick sesame coating; and crisp salt and chilli squid to start. The latter is adorned with edible flowers and pops of pomegranate to ensure it doesn’t let the surroundings down with anything near lacklustre presentation.

Mains bring caramel soy steak. It’s fillet, and it’s perfect cooked with a robust hit of shiitake and ginger. The wok fired Angry Bird feels like a twist on everyone’s favourite takeaway option: sweet and sour chicken. Here it’s enlivened with heat and the crunch of just-cooked peppers and red onion. Portions are generous and elsewhere the menu is peppered with luxurious ingredients which make dining here feel occasion worthy.

While we can't promise this will be the most sophisticated culinary experience of your life, there's not much to fault. If you're looking for please-all Chinese food and somewhere to put a smile on your face; this is it. 

If you're on the hunt for contemporary Chinese fine dining, look no further than Tattu, which has a handful of stunning restaurants in cities all over the UK. The first thing that strikes as you walk into Tattu Edinburgh is the interior, and more specifically the ceiling, which is carpeted with pink blooms and centred by an enormous backlit mural of a Chinese dragon. Moody lighting throughout the restaurant casts different shadows, textures and colours, adding to Tattu's opulent, dreamlike vibe. The black marble walls and reflective surfaces of the bar area are equally glamorous, making this a good spot to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.

The experience at Tattu is all about opulence, from the interiors to the ingredients. Luxury ingredients like lobster, truffle and wagyu beef all find their way onto the menu here, delivered via dishes that don't hold back on flavour. The menu kicks off elegant dim sum bites - crispy duck spring rolls with cherry hoisin, chicken truffle shumai, and lobster and prawn toast. Guests are encouraged to share a selection of small and large plates, which focus again on big, bold flavours and sweet, sour and umami contrast. Braised beef short rib comes coated in a sticky soy reduction, tuna is seared in Japanese seven-spice and served with truffle aioli and yuzu ponzu, and there are some recognisable favourites for those who enjoy the classics - aromatic duck pancakes, salt and pepper aubergines, and black cod with hoisin sauce.

Tattu also specialises in cocktails, offering a chunky menu of classic, signature and sharing cocktails. Try the Lucky Number 8 - Makers Mark, chilli rum and chocolate - or the Celestial Dragon - one of Tattu's most recognisable signatures, a mixture of Belvedere Smogóry Forest, Eminente Ambar Claro Rum, kiwi and citrus.

As well as the regular a la carte, Tattu also offers tasting and vegetarian tasting menus.