blue bar café

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £11.50 (set lunch)
   £20 (evening meal)
• House wine: £12.95 per bottle

• Hitlisted
• High point: Sophisticated style and great food philosophy
• Low point: Sides are delicious but add an extra £3.50
• Food served: Mon-Thu noon-2.30pm, 5.30-10.30pm; Fri/Sat noon-2.30pm, 5.30-11pm. Closed Sun.
• Bar open: Mon-Thu 10am-midnight; Fri/Sat 10am-1am. Closed Sun.
• Private dining: Up to 30 covers
• Open since: 1997
• Also offers: Childrens portions, Childrens high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

Sharing a building with its big sister restaurant Atrium and the Traverse Theatre, blue bar café has the same innovative edge as both its neighbours. Having just undergone a makeover - opting for earthy tones in its décor - this place celebrates nature, pure and simple. Smoothly-eroded Aberdeen granite rocks make interesting features, while the wall hangings and one very large pendant-lampshade bring brown and ochre hues to the room. On-message menus are string-tied to wood blocks which stand up on the tables. The décor, though, is only there to complement the menu, which sets the standard for celebrating nature's best. Atrium's head chef, Neil Forbes, engineers the menu to reflect his interest in the Slow Food philosophy of seasonal, local foods. The menu is short and transient, changing almost weekly to adapt to the best produce. To start, think mussels in garlic and cream, or smoked salmon. For main course, expect such dishes as organic salmon, roast belly of pork and Stornoway black pudding or butternut squash risotto. The Classic Blue menu has popular dishes, such as fish-cakes and Aberdeen Angus ribeye. To finish, crack the crispy skin of your crème brûlée, and release the creamier-than-usual custard beneath.