David Bann
- Food served: Sun–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri/Sat 11am–10.30pm
- Bar open: Sun–Thu 11am–10pm; Fri/Sat 11am–1am
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 14
- Private dining: Up to 30 covers
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least 25% of main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs
- Music on stereo: Nothing, as David Bann likes silence
- Capacity: 80
- Largest group: 80
- Open since: 2002
- House wine: £11.75 per bottle
This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.
The luscious David Bann's is the smartly dressed uncle of the vegetarian scene, striding forward with a sophisticated menu and without a hippy in sight. Its well-deserved reputation is based on the quality of its ingredients, its creativity and its seductive setting: all tasteful colours and flickering candles. The starters are substantial without being filling, as fresh ravioli, goat's cheese tartlets, salads and soup are all tempting, without threatening to overshadow the rest of the menu. Impressive main dishes with international influences drift in, from dosa to chilli via risotto and galettes, many of which are available as vegan options. The mushroom and tarragon crêpe is a divine medley of flavours, with the fresh beetroot in the side salad adding a perfect sweetness. Sides, such as sinfully good chunky chips, are alluring, though not strictly necessary as the portions are generous. The truly brave might manage a beautifully prepared dessert, such as the crispy caramel fruit basket which drips with warm, fresh fruit. Drinks are also vegetarian friendly, and the staff are knowledgeable about vegan options. A glass of Kelpie seaweed ale washes down the meal nicely – after all, it's as unusual and refreshing as the restaurant itself.
- High point: Fabulously inventive
- Low point: Vegans have limited dessert choice
Comments
- 1. R Dineen, Edinburgh – 15 May 2008, 11:09amReport
-
I have to say i have eaten one of the best dessert in this restaurant.... their cheesecakes are renowned and the rhubarb cheesecake i have recently eaten was fantastic.
Great food (from a non veggie) and well worth visiting.
- 2. veggiefan, Edinburgh – 5 September 2008, 9:19pm
Report -
Used to be my all time favourite place to eat but, sadly, it's gone downhill recently. Gone is the quiet, serene atmosphere as they have packed more tables in, and - thought I'd never hear myself say this - the food has gone downhill, and last two visits, the food was mediocre. Real shame.
- 3. Tess, Edinburgh – 11 September 2008, 2:37pm
Report -
Had a really great meal here during the festival for my mother in law's birthday. We were all impressed with the food and service (even my meat loving husband who took some convincing)! Have no previous visits to base this but really enjoyed all three courses - as did the rest of the party. I thought the menu was different in terms of flavour pairings to what would normally be expected and made a nice change! Our main waiter was very attentive though we found some of the others that came by to help a bit overbearing and disorganised at times! Will definitely dine here again.
- 4. Lulu, Edinburgh – 18 September 2008, 3:51pmReport
-
I was really looking forward to eating here before I went, but I have to say it wasn't up to the hype. The minestrone soup was thick and stodgy and had no zing. I followed it with the pea risotto which was extremely bland. I would have been embarassed to serve it to guests at home. My partner had a spicy tortilla dish with chocolate sauce which was better. Unfortunately we couldn't fit in dessert, because I fancied trying the dessert platter to share. Despite everything the staff were lovely and service was good despite how busy they were. I enjoyed the experience, but not the food.
To post a comment you'll first need to log in: Forgotten your password?
Not registered? Sign up – it only takes a minute.
RSS feed of these comments
