Ondine Edinburgh

Complimentary Bread

The meal started off with complimentary bread and came with fresh butter. I often find the breadbasket/complimentary bread tells a lot about the restaurant and set off the impression for the rest of the meal. Ondine Edinburgh has definitely set the right one. It’s the fresh butter, easily spreadable over the sourdough slices and its subtle aroma mildly seeping through the air pockets. Whilst rather small in portion, the quality made up for it.

Oysters (natural £3 each / crispy £3.50 each)

There are two options on the menu – the Loch Fine Oysters (raw), and the fried oysters. Both options come in a plate of 6 by default, but you could order them individually by piece if you ask. Naturally briny in flavour, with a soft and slimy texture, the raw oysters were very fresh to taste. As for the crispy oysters, they were fried to perfection – featuring a crispy breaded coating on the outside, without overcooking the oyster. Its texture was just right, without an overpowering fishy flavour that usually indicates signs of overcooking. All in all, these oysters were a perfect nibble to start the meal.

East Coast Lobster (£39)

There are two lobster options on the menu – one being the East Coast Lobster, the other the Lobster Thermidor. Apart from the difference in sauces, the East Coast Lobster comes with big claws while the Lobster Thermidor doesn’t. For me, the claws are the best part – if you know, you know – and it was a no-brainer for me to go for the East Coast Lobster which absolutely delivered. The lobster meat was absolutely beautiful, seasoned with a simple brush of garlic butter and cooked to the perfect texture. It was generally a meaty one as well and I thoroughly enjoyed every single bite of it.

Lobster Thermidor (£39)

As mentioned, we then also had the Lobster Thermidor, which the staff kindly reassured us that no alcohol is used and omitted the non-halal Parmesan topping for us.

Once again, the lobster was cooked beautifully. The Thermidor sauce has got quite a mustardy touch and makes a creamy layer over the lobster tail. I personally preferred my East Coast Lobster more but this was pretty nice too!

Roasted Broccoli with Crispy Onions & Miso Mayo (£6)

I’ve always enjoyed broccoli and these have made a lovely side dish for our meal. It’s nothing extraordinary though. The broccoli was cooked just right and crispy onions are always a welcomed munch. I couldn’t taste much difference between regular mayo and miso mayo. Personally, I enjoyed the broccoli without the mayo but if you like sauces, it’s there.

New Potatoes in Anchovy Chive Butter (£5)

Then we went for something more carby for the second side dish and went with the new potatoes. The potatoes were generally soft and the anchovy chive butter sauce was fairly tasty. However, we felt that the potatoes haven’t really soaked in the flavours enough and definitely needed an extra pinch of salt.

Custom Mocktail (£5)

While there isn’t a specific mocktail menu, you can ask for mocktails and the bar staff can create a custom drink for you. The other half asked for something tangy, and this sweet, vibrant mocktail has been served. It’s more on the sugary end but a lovely fruity drink to compliment the meal nonetheless.