Walking along George IV Bridge, it's easy to see the alluring chocolatier and patisserie that is The Cellar Door, but not so easy to notice the wee surprise of its restaurant that hides downstairs.
The patisserie serves as a small and inviting cafe, serving delicious-looking cakes, sweets and chocolates. How does hot chocolate made with real chocolate or Really Chocolaty Chocolate cake sound? And how about a Chocolate Workshop for groups?
They can also provide gluten free alternatives and provide a sit-in or take away service in the café.
Climb down the narrow staircase inside, and you’ll come to the smart ambience of the Cellar Door restaurant. With plain wooden floorboards and dark wood tables and chairs in the 50-seat room, one mirrored and one windowed wall give a bright and stylish look. There is a small low ceilinged balcony with some tables, the seats for two of which are an old cushioned pew, giving an added element to the simple decor.
Their starter prices range from £3.80 to £5.95, with mains from £8.95 to £18.95. They do an intriguing ‘surprise’ menu with 2 courses for £15.95 and 3 for £19.95. This means if there’s anything you can’t eat, their head chef Eden will provide ‘’...a special surprise menu.’’
Wine prices range from £13.95 to £65 per bottle with some being served by the glass.
My visit was tempted by the special lunch deal of £6.95. For this excellent price, you are offered a good choice of starters from which my lunching companion A. and I both chose the melt in the mouth and beautifully light spinach and Dunsyre blue cheese tart with garlic and mustard dressing. It was full of flavour, and just the right amount.
I chose to drink water with my lunch and it was lovely to have it served in an iced jug with mint and lemon, particularly with my choice of the fish of the day, which was coley. This arrived perfectly cooked with my two choices from the sides menu, steamed spinach and creamy mashed potatoes. A. chose Cellar Door’s own burger with chips and salad which looked great and was relished. We chose not to have pudding as we felt quite replete after the savouries. Personally, I prefer a single espresso and ours were on the generous side, but they were served with a gorgeous chocolate truffle which is often just enough sweetness after lunch.
This welcome addition to Edinburgh’s eating scene has only been opened a year and attracts a mixed clientele although the complimentary sweets given with the bill are definitely juvenile!