Agenda

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

Glass-fronted and set back from St John's Road on the main Corstorphine drag, Agenda is a bar, restaurant and hotel. In the comfy bar area, which contains scattered leather sofas, you'll find a younger crowd drinking and listening to the latest tunes. The muted colour scheme continues through into a raised and more formal restaurant area, patronised by more mature locals and hotel guests. Among the starters, the deluxe platter arrives with garlic bread and features chicken satay, spring rolls, salmon goujons and calamari rings which are a little heavy on the batter. The veggie quesadilla 'lite bite' is served with a home-made salsa, but lacks any herbs or spice. Among the mains, the simple dishes are the most successful, good examples being the tasty and perfectly cooked cheesy Agenda burger topped with pesto, or fresh, lightly battered fish served with chunky chips. The restaurant certainly leaves the best till last with rich, gorgeous desserts such as pumpkin and raisin crumble with fresh egg custard, honey and kiwi fruit brûlée or toffee and banana pie with a ginger biscuit base on offer. It's a shame the entire menu is not as good as these sweet treats.

• High point: Attentive and informative service
• Low point: Bar menu is the only choice available in the restaurant