Restoration Yard’s Head Chef Jose Reveals New Summer Menu

In Partnership with Restoration Yard

Jose Dalto, head chef at Restoration Yard, is excited to launch the new summer menu in The Kitchen

Jose Dalto is a man who knows his food and his passion certainly shines through in the new summer menu at The Kitchen, the beautiful restaurant with a view at Restoration Yard in Dalkeith Country Park. Hood stole five minutes of the busy head chef’s time to find out a little more about his background, his foodie passions, his inspirations and what to expect from The Kitchen’s delicious new summer menu.

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you came to be head chef at Restoration Yard? I studied law in Brazil before I came to Scotland but when I arrived here in Scotland my English was limited so I found work in a restaurant washing dishes. I really enjoyed the vibe and atmosphere of working in a kitchen. I started at The Tower [the acclaimed James Thomson restaurant that sat atop the National Museum of Scotland] and gradually rose through the ranks starting first by preparing salads and I ended up as head chef there for 14 years until it closed in 2020.

Do you bring a little bit of Brazil to your menus and creations or are you more influenced and inspired by local Scottish produce? Well, because I trained here I definitely bring more of a Scottish feel to my menus and locally sourced produce is very important to me so a Brazilian influence doesn’t really come through. I would say there is more of a Spanish and Italian slant to the food as my father is Italian and I grew up in a very Italian environment. 

Chef Jose was keen to create a menu that appeals to kids as well as adults and, if it’s a lovely day, then it’s all the better when enjoyed on The Kitchen Terrace.

Restoration Yard is all about surprising and delighting visitors to The Park, how did you bring that to your new Summer menu? I really thought through the type of people that come here to enjoy the park and visit Restoration Yard. There are so many families so I do want to have a menu that will excite kids as well as adults. It’s always about creating good food that is cooked well. Food that is vibrant, good colours and lots of textures and that is made from local produce. 

You’re an advocate of using locally sourced produce, can you tell us about some of your favourite local suppliers? Belhaven Smokehouse in East Lothian are the suppliers of our beautiful smoked salmon. Our delicious sourdough breads are from Company Bakery in Musselburgh. We also source most of our vegetables locally. 

The new Summer menu is light with lots of salads and homemade burgers. Perfect for a sunny day at Restoration Yard.

The new summer menu launches this week, can you tell us a little bit about it? The menu is designed for one of our busiest periods in the year. We’ve tried to incorporate lots of light, summery, seasonal dishes that will be perfect for enjoying outside on The Kitchen Terrace - homemade burgers and lovely salads. 

Which dishes would you love people to come and enjoy in The Kitchen this summer? People will adore the Lamb Koftas, which come with a minted hummus and a lovely summery slaw. Also delicious at this time of year is the Steamed Tiger Prawn Salad which is teamed with watermelon, spinach, cashew nuts and sesame seeds and a dressing of chilli and mint. The chilli in there gives it a great punch. For those with sweet tooths, there’s our classic Eton Mess that comes with succulent fresh strawberries, which is a personal favourite. A great dessert for the summer is the Passionfruit Pavlova. 

Which restaurants do you find inspiration from or just enjoying dining in? I love seafood so Ondine is a very special experience. If I am in London I do like to eat in Scotts.

When you travel, where do you love to go for good food? Well, because I love seafood, I love eating in Portugal. Speaking the language is a good advantage. I can find all the best spots, usually on the coast, that the locals love to eat at, away from all the tourists. Also, as my wife’s family is in Australia, we visit there and enjoy some great seafood around Sydney.

Dine outside with four-legged friends who are also welcome on The Terrace at The Kitchen.

Tell us why, people should come to enjoy a dining experience in The Kitchen this summer?What’s not to love about visiting Restoration Yard? It’s a beautiful place to come to, rain or shine. Eating in The Kitchen, in summer, is gorgeous, especially on a sunny day where you can enjoy great tasting food outside on The Terrace with your friends, family and even your dog. 

The Kitchen at Restoration Yard is open daily from 9.30am serving an all day menu. Afternoon Teas are also available Monday to Friday from 2.30pm to 4pm (pre-booking only by telephone on 0131 322 2572).

More Surprising & Delightful Dining at Restoration Yard…

Restoration Yard’s beautiful restaurant, The Kitchen, is of course a lovely experience for breakfast, lunch or Afternoon Tea but perhaps you’re looking for something a little more ad hoc or on-the-go during your visit to Dalkeith Country Park? Well, there are lots of other delicious pick-me-ups to be enjoyed along the way.

Enjoy Mimi’s Bakehouse Cakes & Bakes at The Coffee Bar

If you’re visiting Restoration Yard with family or friends (four-legged ones included), The Coffee Bar is perfect for something a little quicker and more casual. It has a delicious selection of carefully-chosen teas and the best coffee roasts, scones, cakes, gourmet sandwiches and seasonal soups to choose from, which means it easily caters for all those relaxed catch ups.

 But what to choose? Take your pick from the tantalising display of freshly-baked scones, cakes and traybakes. The talented bakers at Mimi’s Bakehouse provide a delicious array of cakes and bakes, including the very cute Restoration Yard Pink Elephant Cupcake.

The Coffee Bar at Restoration Yard is open daily from 9am to 5pm with indoor and outdoor seating options.

COMING SOON!

The Pink Elephant Food Truck is opening in time for summer. Enjoy a selection of on-the-go treats for all the family, especially those that have burnt all their energy at The Park’s adventure playground Fort Douglas. Choose from an array of fine burgers, including the Green Thai Spiced Burger, Hot Dogs, Nachos and deliciously naughty but nice loaded chips.

Restoration Yard is the perfect place for a summer’s day spent with family, friends and even dogs. Find it nestled in beautifully renovated 18th century stables within the historic Dalkeith Country Park.