An exciting new restaurant and wine bar, The Black Grape has just opened up on the Canongate offering some of the best dishes and wines from around the world.
Intrigued, Edinburgh Live popped along and savoured the opportunity to see what had become of the old Pancho Villa site on the Royal Mile. Inside, we discovered some spectacular interiors with a terrazzo bar and individually styled tables.
With the elegant bar found on the ground floor, the first-floor restaurant looks out over the Royal Mile, and the design with its appealing green leather look gave the restaurant a homely and welcoming feel.
Promising a menu filled with small plates designed for sharing and an extensive drinks list, including sixteen original cocktails and wines, we were intrigued to find out what the night had in store.
READ MORE: First look as Edinburgh Black Grape opens on capital's famous Royal Mile
When it came to the food we were offered dishes like the wild mushroom spring roll, the salmon tartare, the chicken yakitori and even an off-the-menu arancini, with the spring roll and black garlic aioli really standing out and giving a glimpse of what the innovative kitchen here is capable of.
The salmon tartare looked impressive and had lovely refreshing flavours of lemon and brown butter, while the chicken yakitori with satay and spring onions was tender and rich in flavour.
The Black Grape also offers an exciting cocktail list, with our first choice the Black Grape’s signature mixture, The Sour Grape, made using vodka, black grape, lemon oil and sauternes.
It was refreshing and we could have happily had more than one but alas other delightful concoctions awaited us.
Next up was the cocktail that was inspired by the Scottish Parliament, appropriately named, the Parliamentarian. It contained Highland Park 12-year-old whisky, lemon zest, ginger and an intriguing Scotch Bonnet cordial and soda, and was a very different proposition to the Sour.
Though we perhaps didn't get to explore the wine list as thoroughly as we'd have liked, it was great to see the expert tasters on hand should you need help finding the ideal tipple to match the menu which is divided into sections for meat and game, fish and shells, raw, small plates, sides and snacks.
With inventive dishes, delightful cocktails, an extensive wine list and a beautiful interior, the Black Grape looks to deliver what it promises and has a bright future in the capital's restaurant scene and we'll definitely be back.
READ MORE:
We tried Gordon Ramsay's street burger in Edinburgh and had some thoughts
Edinburgh named 'must-visit' foodie destination by new '23 for 23' Guide
Edinburgh hotel switches off lights to save energy - asking diners to use candles
The much-loved Edinburgh bar hailed for its incredible real ale by CAMRA
Stunning village just an hour away from Edinburgh named one of 'UK's poshest'
