Jasmine Chinese Restaurant
- Food served: Mon–Thu noon–2pm, 5–11.30pm; Fri noon–2pm, 5pm–12.30am; Sat 1pm–12.30am; Sun 1–11.30pm
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 2
- Also offers: Gluten-free options, Children's high chairs, Takeaway
- Music on stereo: Classical interpretation of the Bee Gees’ Saturday Night fever
- Capacity: 60
- Largest group: 60
- Open since: 1997
- Average price 2 courses:
£16 (lunch)
£16 (evening meal) - House wine: £10.90 per bottle
- BYOB: £5 corkage
This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.
The elegant interior and subdued orchestral music suggest that this is one of Edinburgh's more refined Chinese restaurants. But while this holds true for the food, on closer listening the seemingly classical music turns out to be an orchestral version of the Bee Gees' Saturday Night Fever, bringing a welcome touch of humour. Jasmine places a strong emphasis on seafood – and justifiably so given the quality of dishes such as spicy salted squid. The well-judged salt and spice marries well with the squid, the tenderness of which underlines the attention paid to the sourcing of fresh produce. Elsewhere, dishes such as braised roast pork and duck are similarly simple, emphasising the quality of the main ingredient rather than masking it with a sweetened day-glow sauce. Although not ungenerous, portions are less gargantuan than is the norm elsewhere, so finishing two courses is likely to leave you contentedly full rather than bloated. Service is briskly efficient, which is useful for those catching a bite before going to the nearby Lyceum or Usher Hall, but perhaps a little distant for those who like it with a smile.
- High point: The understated elegance of both décor and food
- Low point: Efficient rather than personable service
Comments
- 1. The Boss, The Jasmine, Grindlay Street – 6 February 2008, 2:36pmReport
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Recently went to ‘The Jasmine’ with a couple of colleagues for a quick catch-up lunch. The type that girls do best… The venue is beautiful with lovely high ceilings. We couldn’t do better for £7! The various types of soup for starters were ALL lovely. The main course is more than enough and then you still need to cope with the dessert as well. This is a definite MUST DO! Yummy!
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