The Gallery Restaurant and Bar

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £12.95 (set lunch)
   £17.50 (evening meal)
• House wine: £13 per bottle

• High point: Simple, unfussy and near-faultless food
• Low point: Food can take a while to arrive when it's busy
• Food served: Sep–Easter: Mon–Sun 11.45am–4pm. Rest of year: Mon–Sun 11.45am–4pm, Fri–Sat 6pm–9.30pm
• Bar open: Mon–Wed 10am–5pm; Thu 10am–7pm; Fri–Sun 10am–5pm
• Open since: 2004
• Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least 25% of main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access

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

Given its position directly under two of Edinburgh's most iconic buildings, at the centre of Princes Street and overlooking the gardens, the Gallery really needn't have been all that good to ensure regular custom. Happily, head chef Scott Brodowski has chosen to echo the building's architectural blend of the classic and the modern in the menu, giving some traditional Scottish fare a fresher, more contemporary feel – and to great effect. Examples might include a meaty and flavoursome starter of ham hough terrine with a red onion chutney or a main of crispy pan-fried salmon with hot and sour vegetables, both dishes offering the kind of big, unashamedly satisfying flavours that demonstrate a real knowledge of, and love for, the core ingredients. If the Gallery has a downside, it is that the light, airy and unfussy décor means that it can feel a little lacking in atmosphere on quiet days, but if you're looking for an upmarket location for a long lunch and a menu that highlights the best of Scottish seasonal produce, you'd be hard placed to find better.