The Location
These days in the Capital, there doesn't seem a week goes by without the opening of a new cocktail bar, brasserie or restaurant. Some survive, a few don't. But 25 years on, Skippers Bistro hidden down a cobbled street over the bridge from the Shore in Leith at 1a Dock Place, simply goes from strength to strength - so popular you would be wise to reserve a table even on a Monday night (phone number is 0131 554 1018).
The Restaurant
This tiny restaurant, its walls covered in old posters and nautical ephemera, is a rabbit warren of nooks and crannies, crammed with plain wooden tables, and Bentwood chairs with little space for the waiters to move about. But that's the magic of the place - busy and bustling and the succulent smell of steamed mussels or Finnan Haddie lingering in the air.
On a Friday night, Skippers was packed to the rafters, with a few couples but many larger groups, sitting around long refectory tables, enjoying a free n` easy, party atmosphere. There's also a private room sitting 25 people for a special celebration.
The Food
This is fish-lover's paradise - with a daily changing list of Specials depending on the day's catch off the Scottish fishing fleets. Perennial favourites on the main menu are the Fish Soup, (a rich meal in itself), Skippers Fishcakes (what is so heavenly and perfect about simple home-made fishcakes?), home cured gravadlax, Loch Etive oysters, and King Prawns with garlic butter. And that's just for starters!
Then a wide choice such as Dover sole, Smoked Haddock, mussel and crab risotto, (an unusual combination but another heavenly dish), Spiced Monkfish Tail with Butternut Squash and aubergine pickle, Pan fried Salmon fillet on roast fennel, or Grilled halibut with mushrooms and asparagus, with side orders of Rocket and Parmesan salad and mash of the day.
The Bill
Lunch: 2 - 3 courses, £10.00 - £24.00. Dinner: 2-3 courses, £15.00 - £32.00. House wine: £9.75
Conclusion
Open for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week, this is the ideal place for a casual meal out with friends and the certainty that you will taste the freshest, top quality seafood in town.
