Restaurant of the Week: Surf and Turf at Macdonald Rusacks Hotel, Pilmour Links, St Andrews

Location

Overlooking the stunning 18th hole of the prestigious Old Course and the beach in the distance.

First Impressions

The restaurant has recently undergone a makeover and inside its contemporary and glam. Bright, bold colours and huge chandelier lightshades bring the old building right up to date.

Service

We’re greeted by a friendly young waitress with infectious enthusiasm. She talks us through the menu, followed by the head chef who comes out on to the floor to answer any questions we have. He explains the surf and turf are locally sourced.

The menu is all meat and fish – so unless you’re a seafood lover or carnivore, this isn’t the place for you. The seafood selection is quite something. Choose from scallops, langoustines, lobster, oysters, tuna, halibut or, for a real treat, the £130 oscietra caviar. If steak is your preference, choose from a range of cuts and weights. The chef’s salt rubs will give your meat even more added flavour.

Taste

Sensational. The steaks, served with vine tomatoes and roasted bone marrow, melt in the mouth and the creamy mash on the side is delicious. We shared a broccoli hollandaise which was al dente – and bursting with flavour.

Ambience

It’s a Friday night and the restaurant is bustling. The soft lighting creates a welcoming and calming vibe.

Price

We came in at around £140 for two with wine which was a nice treat – but you could easily spend hundreds of pounds if you choose the luxurious items on the menu.

Toilets

You do have to trek through the hotel to find them, but they’re spotless with pretty floral displays.

P.S. The dessert menu is sparse, but each comes with a “chef’s surprise”. Our trio of ice cream was served with a huge cookie on the side. Definitely a surprise – but a very welcome one!