Restaurant of the week: Eleanore, Leith Walk, Edinburgh

Inspired by her childhood on the Scottish coastline, Eleanore takes its name from the boat owned by Hall McCarron’s family.

Location

Just a short walk from Waverley Station, the small restaurant is located near the top of trendy Leith Walk.

First impressions

Bright and airy, the dining room is fitted out with high tables and stools for a chic, modern look.

Service

The staff could not have been more professional. Informative, friendly and always smiling, the service was first-rate.

Menu

The second restaurant from Great British Menu contestant Roberta Hall McCarron, we had high hopes for the sea-inspired menu – and it did not disappoint. As well as a selection of small plates, featuring everything from oysters and halibut to barbecued mushrooms and beef carpaccio, there is an extensive wine and drinks list. If you have any dietary requirements (of our party of three, one was gluten-free, one vegan) just let the restaurant know when booking. They are very accommodating.

On my plate: Couple behind Edinburgh’s Eleanore say restaurant is like coming round to theirs for dinner

Taste

Quite simply incredible. We opted for oysters, falafel with black garlic, golden hash browns, grilled potato flatbread, beef carpaccio, barbecued maitake mushrooms, and cod with haricot beans. Fresh and flavoursome, each of the perfectly-sized portions was better than the last. Although the highlight of the meal had to be the “tirami-choux” dessert – a cloud-like pastry puff filled with decadant cream.

Ambience

With only a few covers, the eatery has a very relaxed vibe. We felt like we had popped over for dinner with (admittedly very talented) friends.

Price

Our bill came to a little over £130, which included a bottle of wine (£28) and three cocktails. We would happily have paid more for such an excellent evening out.