As our name suggests Hidden Edinburgh thrives on finding some of the city’s best kept secrets and following an invitation to try dinner at Merienda, a small and elegant restaurant located in Edinburgh’s beautiful Stockbridge, we are delighted to say we have another absolute gem of a restaurant to add to our hidden hot-list.
Background
In southern Europe (and other parts of the world too!) Merienda means light meal and so this is exactly what the menu at this small but perfectly formed restaurant comprises of. The restaurant is owned by Campbell who was born into the Hospitality industry and left school early to start his training in kitchens. Having spent a career of 20 years working in some of Scotland’s very best restaurants he decided to go solo. Setting up the high-end events company Exec Chef Cuisine, now established 14 years ago.
The team is small but entirely dedicated and passionate. Robbie Probert runs the Kitchen with Campbell. Robbie is a fantastic young chef who grew up and was trained in France. Leanne Munro runs the front of house and does a superb job. Campbell’s wife Giselle supports the day to day activity with her background in business and finance (and the real inspiration behind the Merienda moniker!)
The Menu
The menu comprises of a great selection of small dishes which are inspired by tastes of the Mediterranean and use some of the finest Scottish ingredients, right down to working with local micro-herb growers.
The menu is easy to follow and helpfully categorised by i) Staples (i.e. breads and dips) ii) Farms and Pastures (meats and poultry) iii) Field and Garden (vegetarian) iv) Rivers and Seas (fish) v) Sweetness (desserts) with between 4 and seven choices per category.
For a light meal guests should choose approx. four plates per person and for a full tasting experience seven or eight. We had eight including dessert and I must say I was that was more than sufficient. I couldn’t believe it when we were informed the record to date is 22 plates for one person!
We opted for ‘Dealer’s Choice’ which meant that we informed the Chef of anything we didn’t like / really liked and then he selected the plates for us. I am so glad we did this as there were a couple of dishes that I would not have chosen myself and thoroughly enjoyed.
Our tasting experience comprised of:
House Hummus Infused with Coriander and Served with Garlic Pitta. I absolutely loved this dish and it was only the first plate! The pitta seemed to have been rubbed in garlic as opposed to immersed in a garlic butter.
Crab Rillettes, Octopus, Coriander and Pomegranate Gel. The creaminess of the crab combined with the tenderness of the octopus was a winning combo.
Isle of Mull Panna Cotta, Leek Oil and Crispy Leek Shards. I’m not a cheese lover and I found this a little too rich for me but my friend absolutely loved it. Although this was the least favourite dish.
New Potato and Pea Presse, Pea Puree with a Lemon Oil Dressing. Surprisingly light and quite a palette cleanser.
Textures of Salmon; Mousse, Roast and Cured with A Dill Emulsion and Citrus Vinaigrette. Everything about this dish was perfect. One of my personal favourites.
Roast Veal Tonnato with a Tuna Fish Dressing. This is one of the plates that I wouldn’t have ordinarily have opted for but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Heirloom Tomato Salad, French Dressing, Garlic Crumbs and Parsley. The tomatoes were so rich and sweet in flavour I could have eaten seven of these!
Lamb Ravioli, Parmesan Cream, Sun Dried Tomato Sauce. Very tasty.
Angus Raspberries, White Chocolate Cremeuax served with Elderflower ice-cream. Had I not been told it was Elderflower ice-cream I don’t think I would have guessed, however the entire dish was delicious and the raspberries were bursting with flavour.
Each dish was so meticulously and beautifully presented that it was almost a crime to destroy it with our steely silver knives and forks but equally so irresistible hat after the first mouthful all that remained was an empty plate.
There is a good selection of wines from small growers from in and around the Mediterranean and we opted for a glass of Cuvee Des Lices, Cote De Provence Rose 2018 which was extremely easy to drink and we very quickly managed to move from one glass to finding our way to the bottom of the bottle – it was too good to resist!
Ambience
The restaurant is stylishly decorated with a modern calming palette of greens, greys, tiles and natural wood. Many of the herbs used in the dishes are on display too which adds to the organic and fresh feel.
The restaurant comfortably seats approx 20 guests and despite the space being relatively compact tables are arranged to give diners their own privacy. They rarely turn tables which means guests can enjoy a leisurely meal without a waiter trying to push them out. The restaurant is also available for exclusive use for approx 20 guests.
The team are super friendly and extremely professional; Head Chef Robbie sometimes makes an appearance from the kitchen to chat to diners about the food and if he does have a quick word as he’s a very interesting and knowledgeable chap.
The restaurant website describes the dining experience as ‘casual dining with the very best Scotland has to offer’. The relaxed ambience of the restaurant evokes causal, however the detail, intricacy and creative thought that has gone into the creation and presentation of the dish is anything but casual, in my opinion, these beautiful, delicious small plates would certainly not look out of place at the tables of any high end fine dining restaurant.
Perfect For
Private dining (hire the entire restaurant).
A quiet catch up with a couple of friends.
Romantic dinner.
Prices
Small plates range from £3.50 to £8.50
With a glass of wine from £5.90
Final Thoughts
As a resident of Stockbridge myself I frequently walk past the restaurant and so many times I’ve thought to myself I must give that a try. I am so glad I did and I will certainly visit again for a quiet catch up with friends or a romantic dinner. A real winner!
Contact Details
A: 30 N W Circus Pl, Edinburgh EH3 6TP
T: 0131 220 2020
W: www.eat-merienda.com
