Edinburgh Fringe: A Feast for the Eyes and Taste Buds
As the Edinburgh Fringe Festival paints the city with vibrant colours and unforgettable happenings, locals and visitors alike find themselves drawn to the bustling heart of the capital. St Andrew Square becomes a prime spot for people-watching, offering a summer highlight as the weird, wacky and wonderful flood the streets. But amidst the cultural feast, one's appetite is bound to be piqued. Fear not, for the city centre's restaurants have prepared a smorgasbord of culinary delights to complement the festival's artistic offerings. Here are five of the best. Dig in…
Tattu: A Taste of the East
Joining the festivities with flair, Tattu presents its 'Taste of Tattu' menu, a culinary journey through their most acclaimed dishes. For £28.50 (two courses) or £33.50 (three courses), diners can savour delights such as Wild Mushroom & Black Truffle Spring Rolls or Pan Seared Pork Dumplings to start. Mains feature the fiery Wok Fired Angry Bird or the vegetarian-friendly Kung Po Tofu. The experience concludes with show-stopping desserts like the Cherry Blossom or Asian Pear Sticky Toffee Pudding. To sweeten the deal, pre-booking grants a complimentary glass of Prosecco, Asahi beer, or a soft drink.
Bread Street Kitchen: Wellington Done Right
For those seeking a quintessentially British culinary experience, Bread Street Kitchen offers its Beef Wellington Experience. Overlooking St Andrew Square Gardens, guests can indulge in a classic cocktail, followed by a selection of starters, the signature BSK Beef Wellington, and a sharing dessert. This Gordon Ramsay homage to a timeless dish is priced at £180 for two, promising an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Edinburgh.
Gaucho: Argentina in Edinburgh
Gaucho brings the vibrant flavours of Argentina to the festival with its exclusive Summer Menu. Starting at £27 for two courses or £30 for three, diners can begin with classic Empanadas or Beef Tartare Tacos. The main event showcases Gaucho's signature, perfectly cooked steak, while the Pan-Fried Salmon offers a lighter option. Desserts like Dulce De Leche Pancakes or Raspberry and Pistachio Semifreddo provide a sweet finale to this South American-inspired feast.
Lady Libertine: Chic Dining and Drinks
This two-floor venue offers a unique blend of dining and nightlife. The ground floor Wine Café and aperitivo bar provide a perfect vantage point for people-watching, while the basement transforms into a stylish nightspot. Throughout August, Lady Libertine's 'TAKE FIVE' menu (Sunday to Thursday) offers five dishes at £5 each, including favourites like Panko Feta & Olive Balls and Salt & Pepper Calamari. It's an ideal spot for a casual bite and a cocktail amidst the festival buzz.
The Ivy on the Square: Scotland on a Plate
The Ivy embraces the spirit of the Fringe with its 'Taste of Scotland' menu. Priced at £22.95 for two courses or £28.95 for three, it showcases the best of Scottish produce. Starters include a twice-baked gratinated cheese soufflé with Strathdon blue cheese, while mains feature delights like steamed Shetland mussels marinière. Vegetarians can savour the roasted butternut squash with buckwheat and pomegranate, topped with a harissa sauce. It's a celebration of Scottish cuisine in one of Edinburgh's most iconic dining spots.