By Mary Cooper
One of the most prominent eateries in Edinburgh is the Michelin starred Martin Wishart Restaurant, Shore, Leith.
Leith, once a vibrant port and a stopping off point for royalty en route to Holyrood, was famous for glassmaking; exporting bottles to Bordeaux for their excellent wines, and shipbuilding.
In the 13th Century, the port of Leith welcomed ships from all over the world. They would deposit their wares to be distributed throughout Scotland and beyond.
Over the years these industries faded and Leith became a rundown area of Edinburgh.
In recent years, however, it has enjoyed a rebirth and has become ‘the’ place to be. Upmarket delicatessen stores and top class restaurants sit comfortably alongside local pubs and student accommodation to create a unique blend of vibrant shabby-chic.
Chef Martin Wishart, learnt from the best – Chef Marco Pierre White among them – and has developed his own voice in the unique world of super-chefs.
The Shore, where MW is situated, is a cobbled street with cafes and restaurants dotted along its length, all of them overlooking the sparkling Waters of Leith. On warm days, crowds of people sit at tables under gaily-coloured parasols, enjoying the sun in this windless, sheltered sun trap. The ambiance of this street sets the tone for the treat to come at MW.
From the moment you step through the door you know that MW is a special place; full length windows stretch along one wall, overlooking the sparkling Waters of Leith.
The service is discretely attentive and the food delicately delicious, from the pink frothy beetroot meringues, served alongside other tiny mouthfuls of Amuse Bouche, to the sharp sorbets and each perfectly proportioned dish to follow, then, just when you think can’t eat another bite, along comes the dessert menu.
The attentive, well informed sommelier will help you chose wines for each course, from champagne on arrival – refreshing with pink meringue – to digestif which you can sip and savour at your leisure.
The quiet but not subdued atmosphere of MW Michelin starred restaurant, offering a three course lunch at an amazing £28,50 Tuesday to Friday and wines from £26 a bottle, is an affordable luxury we all deserve once in a while.
MW is proof that there is more to fine dining than, simply, dining.
For more information, email: info@martin-wishart.co.uk or call on 0131 553 3557.
Lunch
Tuesday to Friday — 12:00–14:00
Saturday — 12:00–13:30
On Saturday only the a la carte and tasting menus are available.
Dinner
Tuesday to Saturday — 19:00–22:00
The restaurant is closed on Sundays & Mondays.