Orocco Pier

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

Few restaurants in the UK can boast Orocco Pier's 'wow' factor. The traditional whitewashed façade of this former coaching inn in the seaside suburb of South Queensferry gives little away. Pull back the doors, though, and you enter a world of polished hardwoods, trim, black-clad staff, funky circular booths, cosy sofas and that view. The floor-to-ceiling windows that open up a sweeping panorama of the Forth Rail and Road Bridges are the real stars here, grabbing the attention of goggle-eyed first timers. But Orocco Pier also sparkles on the plate. The menu offers quality Scottish produce such as West Coast langoustines and lobster, but also enjoys international flirtations with the likes of skewered prawns in lime juice with a mango salad or harissa roasted lamb on Mediterranean vegetables with couscous. The sirloin steaks are a decadent treat, topped with a langoustine and a king scallop. Look out, too, for the speciality raspberry Drambuie crème brûlée, as well as daily specials. Get here early for cocktails and finish the evening off with a single malt on the waterfront terrace with the bridges shimmering across the water.

• High point: That epic view – kick back and soak it all in
• Low point: Standards and waiting times can slip during very busy periods