The Pompadour’s sparkly chandeliers and hand-painted wall panels are the domain of acclaimed Michelin star chefs Chris & Jeff Galvin. So along with Victorian splendour and castle views, you can also expect a truly exceptional meal.
We arrived with a fellow foodie, desperately hung-over but impeccably dressed. Going merrily a la carte, we also paid no heed to the prices on the wine list. Needless to say the meal cost a small fortune, but was worth every penny.
We kicked off with a glass of champagne, but soon discovered it’s much, much cheaper to order by the bottle. Lesson learned, it was time for the entrée:
As a lifelong fan of asparagus (and possessor of much related trivia), our fellow foodie gives top marks to the Wye Valley green Asparagus with Kalamata & burrata Mozarella. Note: we had a not-so-teensy bite, and she is absolutely right!
Meanwhile we very much wowed by the Lasagne of North Berwick Crab – a signature dish renowned for its subtle flavours and textures. Happily, it also lives up to the hype.
Though our entrée of choice is the Old Spot pork cheek, crackling, choucroute & Shiitake Dashi. Utterly delicious, it reinvents the very notion of crackling – making its texture and taste a delicate, more sophisticated proposition. Boom!
Now while the main courses are just as inspired, suddenly the whole “let’s order different dishes” malarkey went out the Victorian window. “Lamb,” we chanted, “when do we want it? Now!!!”
And oh my … Herdwick lamb rack & braised Shoulder, fresh Morels, cumin & carrot puree – simply perfection itself! Barely a word was uttered as we savoured every mouth-watering bite.
With yet another display of impeccable timing, a waiter immediately appeared and complimented us on our choices so far. He then explained that in the spirit of enjoying the best of the best, he recommended the Tiramisu.
Before he’d even finished his sentence, we let forth a resounding “YES!!!” Much like the pork crackling, this is tiramisu deconstructed and reimagined. But even better, it’s also encased in a chocolate sphere. Gorgeous!
Though with greed in our hearts, we also indulged in two other desserts. Starting with the Cheesecake of Yorkshire rhubarb & hibiscus – a loving tribute to that most wonderful of vegetables: just delicious.
Though perhaps by the narrowest of margins, the best in show really must go to the Banana Souffle with salted caramel ice cream. Mind-blowing!
Top marks also to go the sommelier for the wine matches, and the champagne that followed. Our palettes thank you.
In a pre-theatre nutshell:
Nearby: Edinburgh Filmhouse, Usher Hall, Traverse Theatre & The Lyceum (5 minute walk)
Perfect for: Dinner / Saturday lunch
Price: Three dinner courses £65 / Three course Saturday lunch £29
Contact:
The Pompadour by Galvin
Waldorf Astoria
Princes Street, EH1 2AB
0131 222 8975