Barbarossa

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £8.50 (set lunch)
   £22 (evening meal)
• House wine: £12.80 per bottle

• Hitlisted
• High point: First-rate cooking
• Low point: Out-of-the-way location
• Food served: Tue-Sat noon-2.30pm, 5-10pm; Sun noon-9pm. Closed Mon
• Private dining: Up to 35 covers
• Open since: 2001
• Also offers: Childrens portions, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu

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

This review is from the 2007 edition.

This Southside favourite, a regular on our hitlist, has mastered a winning recipe of exceptional food served in stylish, welcoming surroundings by conscientious staff. The menu is a fusion of Italian and Scottish cooking, with lasagne and antipasti featuring alongside salmon, beef and creatively incorporated haggis (even in simple sides such as mashed potato). Mains lean towards seafood and meat. A dish of tender pork medallions, scattered with fresh porcini mushrooms and served with a rich Marsala cream sauce and braised rice, impresses. Likewise a fillet of prime Scottish beef, cooked to near-perfection and complemented by a red wine jus with just a hint of thyme. Such dishes highlight texture as much as taste and the desserts follow suit, with the chocolate torte a surprisingly light and delicious finalé. At the time of going to press, work was under way on a conservatory extension at the rear of the restaurant, which is intended for a wine bar that stays opens until late and serves sharing platters of the flavours next door. The restaurant also hosts regular gourmet evenings.