After seeing a movie matinee at Ocean Terminal Vue cinema, my partner Ken and I walked around the corner to Dock Place for supper: our (dining) Room in Leith for the evening.
We were given a cosy corner table beside the bookshelf and whisky, and studied the menu. The detailed information of produce is superb: provenance, pescatarian and vegetarian dishes, and whisky/ wine suggestions to match food/drink.
Under the section, Leith Favourites, I could not resist the Loch Creran Oysters from Argyll. I just had three but these plump salty morsels were sufficient, perfectly married with a slice of thick white bread and salted butter.
Ken selected the Herb potato scone with a tomato, butterbean and roasted aubergine stew dotted with crispy brioche crouton and a slab of Inverloch goats cheese. A hearty starter but quickly consumed. So good to see an inventively composed vegetarian dish.
Meanwhile, we sipped a glass or two of the House Red Wine, Baron D’Arignac Rouge, Vin de Pays, France. (Tasting note: Fresh nose, mellow and rounded, soft and lightly fruity). Our waiter added her description, “Very Quaffable!” Yes it sure is.
Next I had a grilled Coley fillet with several Shetland king scallops on top, all sitting on a bed of tiny new crushed potatoes, tender artichokes and a lightly drizzled pool of creamy leek sauce.
Across the table, Ken was enjoying a Baked wild mushroom, pea and spinach Bridie, with vegetarian black pudding, roasted courgettes and butternut squash puree.
This was a generous portion and described as a tasty feast. Vegetarian black pudding? – not like a savoury sausage, but with a sweet, flowery flavour. But like Veggie haggis, superb to find veggie black pudding.
To accompany these main courses, a bowl of potatoes, broccoli, carrots and green beans was placed on the table to share. This does seem very old fashioned and I already had potatoes on my plate. The chef could perhaps instead add a few selective vegetables to vary and distinguish each dish.
To finish we shared a single platter of Scottish cheese – Crowdie, Morangie Brie, Applewood smoked and a Cheddar. Excellent choice, served with rye and wheat crackers.
With an eclectic music mix on the soundtrack (Scottish folk, vintage pop, blues), there was a warm and happy ambience. Next door in the Conservatory was a large party of Australians, and near us an American family. City visitors had clearly found their way here.
As Teuchters Landing is just over the road, diners may bring over a pint or pitcher of Draught beer, as it’s not available at the Bistro. Verdict: Friendly, welcoming staff, seriously fine Scottish cuisine. Take a trip down to Leith very soon!