Edinburgh’s Scottish Cafe and Restaurant: It’s All Scottish

I had the chance last week of checking out the new menu and new ownership at the Scottish Cafe and Restaurant, located inside the National Gallery of Scotland.  The previous restaurant wasn’t anything to shout about, but the facilities have changed hands and are now in the loving care of the same team behind Edinburgh favourites Zanzero (read our review) and Centotre.

Their motto is fresh.  simple.  Scottish. and I have to say:  they have nailed it.

The Principle

While on the surface it sounds like a Scottish cafe/restaurant, at the heart of this concept is something far more important:  a restaurant that is all-things-Scottish.  For example:

• several pieces of furniture in the venue are hand-built by Scottish craftsman (such as the display racks for takeaway goods)
• dishes are traditional and modern Scottish recipes
• everything is made with Scotland-sourced ingredients – their website lists a portion of the extensive list of suppliers (all top quality too I might add)
• Scottish drinks (including an incredible whisky selection for a restaurant) also features high on visitor’s tempts
• there are also plans underfoot to further support Scottish businesses

I spoke with one of the restaurant managers on my visit, and I have to say, I was impressed.  There’s something special about the Scottish Cafe & Restaurant; it’s not just the stereotypical cafe that every museum has to have.  It is trying to be a destination in itself.  And I think it stands a very good chance; it is certainly making good friends with Edinburgh’s children, who have flocked in droves to the hot chocolate stand outside.

The Food

There’s a pretty big menu, but that’s because this is indeed a cafe and restaurant; it’s one venue, but they actually run different menus between the lunch/cafe stuff and dinner.  They tend to service the menus in separate sections of the restaurant, so be sure to have a quick look at the menu before you’re seated so you know which one you fancy.  (Breakfast and High Tea options are the cafe menu, the lunch/dinner options are the restaurant menu).

Breakfast

You can get a traditional, gut-busting full Scottish breakfast for £9.95.  Given that it’s the real deal and fresh ingredients, I’d say that’s great value for money.  If you’re popping in before breakfast, there’s a coffee stand outside for an easy grab-and-dash manoeuvre (or perhaps to enjoy sitting in Princes Street Gardens during warm weather?)

High Tea

It wouldn’t be a Scottish cafe without high tea!  Aside form light snacks and nibbles, hey have three options for your afternoon tea desires, perfect for some energy after a bout of Edinburgh shopping:

• cream tea (the traditional choice; scones and tea) – £5
• gardens afternoon tea (above, with sandwiches – your grandmother would approve) – £9.95
• Princes Street high tea (fish or ham, with chips and coleslaw) – £13.95

I’ve had the scones and they are, of course, dreamy.

Lunch / Dinner Menu

There are tons of filling goodies on the restaurant menu, such as the soup of the day or various salads.  Careful to leave room though for an entree; make room for one of their risottos – the one I had was filled with pumpkin, parsnip, and topped with a dash of a brie.  It sounds kind of unusual but I assure you it was dreamy.

The restaurant dessert menu leaves little to be desired; from the freshly baked pastries to the sweets and savouries, there’s plenty of choice.  I can, without question, recommend the cooked cream with plum and cinnamon (£4.95); it actually doesn’t sound appealing, but it is heavenly.  Yum.

Cupcakes!

The cupcakes take special mention; I didn’t realise but there is a company that makes these cupcakes for the family of restaurants.  They’re prepared with loving care and worth lusting after, just like those famous cakes in New York City.  Serious – check ‘em out, and get one to go (because you got the cooked cream, right?)

Note:  Menus are seasonal and change frequently based on availability of ingredients.

The Drink

There are about 60 (yes, sixty – not at typo) whiskies available.   There’s a long wine list – though there isn’t wine in Scotland I’m afraid, there is a dessert wine from Scotland made from fermented whey.  I wasn’t brave enough to try it.

You can also enjoy a Scottish cocktail, such as a Whisky Mac, whisky and ginger wine served over crushed ice (£6.95).

Hot chocolate, Scottish tea, coffee, juice, and soda are all also available.

The Venue

The venue is gorgeous, with the bright food offset by tartan.  It’s open, bright, and airy.  The best part, though is the view: the cafe has massive picture windows that overlook the Scott monument, Waverley Station, and the iconic Balmoral Hotel.  Especially at dusk, this place is a real charmer.

There’s free Wifi so you’re welcome to take a seat and work – although the place gets quite crowded and busy, so perhaps it isn’t the ideal place to linger all that long.

Ok, so What’s Not Scottish about it?

Well – that’s a tough question!  I suppose some of the staff aren’t.  And of course, we don’t have Scottish wine. Otherwise – I can’t say!

So come and check it out while you’re in Edinburgh, and support the many Scots and Scottish businesses behind this real gem.

Essential Information

Website:  www.thescottishcafeandrestaurant.com

Address:  The National Gallery of Scotland, The Mound (access directly via the stairs to the east in Princes Street Gardens)

Hours:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 8 am to 6pm, Thursday 8am to 7pm, and Sundays 10am to 6pm Note these are the current hours though they are expected to change – be sure to check the website for up to date information.

Photos courtesy of the venue