The Location
Royal Terrace is a long, gracious sweeping Georgian Terrace, just off Leith Walk and therefore very central and a short walk from the east end of Princes Street. With the Playhouse Theatre only three minutes walk away, No 3 Royal Terrace is the perfect place for a pre-theatre supper. The Howgate Bistro, near Penicuik, Midlothian is a sister restaurant, serving a similar menu, in the heart of the countryside.The Restaurant
On entering the rather grand vestibule of this elegant townhouse you might have the impression that No 3 is a very formal and sophisticated dining room. While the cuisine could be described as sophisticated, the mood is relaxing, casual and informal. The design is a clever blend of modern furnishings with a long cocktail bar down one side, polished wood tables and chairs, tartan carpeting, all juxtaposed with original Georgian architectural features including elaborate ceiling cornicing, glittering chandeliers and fireplace.
On a Sunday evening in early spring, the restaurant is full and the atmosphere, jolly and jovial with happy diners.
The Food
The menu offers something for all tastes - fresh local fish, meat and game as well as a wide selection of vegetarian dishes, pasta and salads.Starters include large bowls of home-made soup, served with a basket of crusty bread, huge bowls of Steamed mussels (definitely recommended) and salmon and dill fishcakes with pesto dressing (scrumptious).
For main courses the choice is appetisingly extensive ranging from Pan fried venison, Confit leg of Barbary duck, Seared loin of Tuna with salad nicoise or a Filo pastry parcel of vegetarian Haggis with oriental vegetables and Teriyaki sauce - much enjoyed by my dining partner. The chef seems to enjoy inventive creations, selecting unusual accompaniments such as Spicy herb crusted Salmon fillet with saffron potatoes and a lime, coriander and plum tomato salsa. That got the taste buds working.
The house speciality of No 3 is the Charcoal Grill for the best cuts of Scotch beef, lamb cutlets, veal, and South African Boerwors sausage. Depending on your appetite, select from a 10oz Scotch beef sirloin or beef fillet or push the boat out and indulge in an 18 oz T Bone steak. All grills are served with mushrooms, tomato and handcut chips.
Desserts include a tempting Raspberry and Drambuie creme brulée, Luca's ice-cream (creamy and excellent) with chocolate sauce, or a platter of local Scottish cheese.
The Bill
Starters: £2.95 - £4.95. Mains: £8.95 - £ 19.95. Desserts: £4.95. House wine: £9.95.Conclusion
An elegant town house in a convenient location in the centre of Edinburgh, No 3 Royal Terrace offers an appetising range of inventive creations that get the taste buds going.Vivien Devlin
