Whighams Wine Cellars

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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.

Perennially popular with the suit-and-tie set, long-time Edinburgh institution Whighams still satisfies many a customer with its signature seafood platter. But if you’re just in for a few drinks (maybe at the popular Sunday night jazz club) do your best to bag one of the big sunken alcoves that lend the Cellar Bar its name. On the other side of an island bar, the restaurant is brighter, yet still subdued in shades of brown. Seafood dominates the starters whether it be a rather-too-chilled smoked trout and crab pâté topped with an almost guacamole-like layer of lemon avocado, or Arbroath smokie soup from the specials board. The go-to option is that seafood platter of mussels, clams, prawns, langoustines, smoked mackerel and salmon, but there’s turf too, such as lamb casserole with Rioja and redcurrants. Surf’n’turf come together in warm scallop salad with bacon, black pudding and potatoes. Desserts are straightforward: sticky toffee pudding, apple crumble, pecan pie, or ice cream from local favourite, S Luca.

• High point: Characterful cellar bar great for social drinks
• Low point: Lack of character about the salads