Jacksons
This restaurant has ceased trading.
- Food served: Mon–Thu noon–2.30pm, 6–10.30pm; Fri/Sat noon–2.30pm, 6–10.45pm; Sun noon–3.30pm, 6–10.30pm
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 12
- Private dining: 65/45
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access
- Music on stereo: Rod Stewart
- Capacity: 110 (split 65/45)
- Largest group: 110
- Open since: 1983
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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the 2010 edition.
Ideally located to catch the passing foot traffic on the Royal Mile, Jacksons aims to straddle traditional Scottish and international cooking. A starter of locally smoked salmon is accompanied by its old friends cream cheese, capers and finely chopped red onion; but in being served with toasted, buttery brioche instead of robust oatcakes or soda bread the dish is thrown off-balance into oily sweetness. A main course of venison fillet fares no better by being presented, rather surprisingly, atop a sickly pear tarte tatin. The danger here is that the kitchen's approach to combining cuisines baffles rather than thrills. The restaurant décor is spruced up somewhat with fresh roses on the tables and the lights are dimmed to cultivate an intimate atmosphere. Unfortunately, less effort has been put into the presentation of the food, which is sloppily served, burnt on occasion and even brought to the table in Pyrex dishes. If Jacksons weren't trying so hard to put a twist on their cuisine and instead put their energy into its execution (and perhaps a wee face-lift for the interior) then this restaurant could realise its potential as a popular tourist eatery.
- High point: A stone's throw from the city's most popular attractions
- Low point: Ovenware as servingware
Reviews of Jacksons (209 High Street, Edinburgh)
- 2. Marty69, Edinburgh – 30 December 2009, 2:42pmJacksonsReport
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Having eaten here before I had no hesitation in booking it for my fortieth birthday.
We arrived at 8pm and despite only two other tables being occupied we were given a very small table in front of the door way in a draft. Thankfully we were moved.
The place was bitterly cold. When I complained about this the manager sarcastically told me it was very cold outside and we were in a very old building!
The bread was stale and inedible.
Having looked at Jackson's website that day, I knew exactly what I was going to eat and drink. Sadly everything I had been looking forward to was unavailable. When I questioned this I was told the website was four years out of date!
My starter of duck confit was tough and tasteless.
My main of rack of lamb was minute,overcooked and a third of which was fat. My wife's salmon was so dry,tasteless and inedible she had to leave it.
My creme brulee was ice cold and certainly not fresh. The shortbread it came with was so stale a mouse would have left it. I complained to the manager who told me it was impossible to serve fresh creme brulee as it takes 45 minutes to make and the one served to me was probably two days old!
We then ordered tawny port from the desert menu. The manager rudely told us that they didn't stock tawny port. I told him it was on the desert menu and he replied saying it wasn't! When I showed him it on the menu he then growled "well we're out of stock then"!!!
I told the manager how disappointed I was with the entire evening and he replied " well what do you expect me to do about it?"!!!
Not once was an apology offered.
Jackson's completely ruined what should have been a wonderful celebration.
I left disappointed,hungry,angry and over one hundred pounds out of pocket for what can only be described as the worst meal I have ever been served.
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