The Gallery Restaurant and Bar
This restaurant has ceased trading.
National Galleries of Scotland,
The Mound
- Food served: Apr–Aug: Mon–Sun 11.45am–4pm, Fri–Sat 6pm–9.30pm. Sep–Easter: Mon–Sun 11.45am–4pm.
- Bar open: Mon–Wed 10am–5pm; Thu 10am–7pm; Fri–Sun 12.30–5pm
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 16
- Private dining: Rooms can be hired in the gallery
- Also offers: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables
- Music on stereo: Nothing
- Opening times: Mon–Wed 10am–5pm; Thu 10am–7pm; Fri–Sun 12.30–5pm
- Capacity: 100
- Largest group: On request 100
- Open since: 2004
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Sequestered away beneath the National Gallery complex on The Mound, this smartly designed, modern terraced space sits comfortably within its venerable surroundings. Light and airy, with a superb view over Princes Street Gardens, this is the perfect spot to while away a couple of hours over a leisurely lunch. The inspired menu changes frequently, showcasing Scottish seasonal produce at its best. Starters might include a lightly spiced seasonal vegetable soup with crème fraiche or a salad of pork belly and black pudding with a tomato dressing. Both are done with a deftness of touch, using quality ingredients, and served with a fine selection of home-made breads. When it comes to the mains, a tomato-crusted fillet of sea bass might come with light, crispy crab fritters and warm potato salad, while a nicely seasoned butternut squash risotto with sage and pine nuts will appeal beyond the vegetarian contingent. Classic puddings such as chocolate tart or apple and gingerbread pudding sit alongside a selection of home-made sorbets, offering a lighter option. Service is friendly, classy but not stuffy, contributing to the overall atmosphere of welcome and calm. A true work of art.
- High point: That view!
- Low point: Not open for dinner in autumn or winter.
Reviews of The Gallery Restaurant and Bar (Weston Link, National Galleries of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh)
- 1. J Howden, Edinburgh – 28 March 2009, 6:39pm
The Gallery Restaurant and BarReport -
Despite the cafe having a wonderful setting, great airy space with great views across Princes Street Gardens and a reasonably decent menu the appalling rude service from the waiting staff spoils this dining experience spectacularly. I have never encountered such bizarre hostility and poor training. Bad attitudes and teenage petulance in those old enought to know better abound here. It seems to stem from the incompetent and misanthropic management who give the impression of holding their customers in contempt and don't want your custom. This filters all the way down to the bottom where waitresses appear to hate their job and serving you. I recommend you don't go where you are not welcome until the cafe changes hands. There are plenty of fantastic restaurants in Edinburgh so why give such surly shysters your custom. I don't know who runs it exactly but I think they rent it from the National Galleries and is an unfair reflection on them. Otherwise the National Galleries do a great job. They just need to vet who they lease their cafes to a little bit better. I dread to think what reception foreign visitors get here. It reflects on us all badly.
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