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Purslane

Purslane
33a St Stephen Street
Edinburgh, EH3 5AH
Phone: 0131 226 3500
Email:
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  • Food served: Tue–Sun noon–2.30pm, 6.30–11.30pm. Closed Mon.
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 10
  • Also offers: Children's portions
  • Music on stereo: Mellow easy-listening.
  • Opening times: Wed–Sat noon–2pm, 6–10pm; Sun noon–2pm. Closed Mon/Tue.
  • Capacity: 20
  • Largest group: 25
  • Open since: 2011

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  • Average price:
     £18 (lunch)
     £21.95 (set evening meal)
  • House wine: 14.50 per bottle
Eating & Drinking Guide

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2012) edition.

Purslane might well have a claim to be Edinburgh’s smallest restaurant, but that’s hardly cramping this newcomer’s style. Into a very cosy basement in Stockbridge – formerly Redwood – chef Paul Gunning is bringing the influences gathered from cooking as far afield as Australia. There’s a certain down-under fusion touch in his crispy chicken Asian salad with chilli and soy dressing. A delicate confit of salmon on a crab and celeriac ‘coleslaw’, with an excellent vanilla mayonnaise, shows another deft touch with flavours and textures. Meat-stuffed squid with a fennel and tomato compote is a simple, light dish that is typical of Paul’s modest approach. There’s no cheffy showing-off on display here, but flavour enough and respect for good local ingredients. Pavé of rosé veal is pink-perfect, ringed by crisped gnocchi and wild-foraged leeks. The spatzle with roasted mushrooms and artichoke batons is an earthy vegetarian option, but spoilt by too-heavy salting. Finish your meal with a no-nonsense dense slab of bakewell tart or mini apple tarte tartins with a vanilla ice-cream. Overall, a big hand, for a small restaurant.

  • High point: Good eating without breaking the bank
  • Low point: Keep your gossip to a whisper at closely-placed tables

Reviews of Purslane (33a St Stephen Street, Edinburgh)

1. Bobamama, Edinburgh – 14 December 2011, 12:43am5 starsPurslaneReport

Tucked along this street is a wee gem of a restaurant. Wanted to try some where new, and my friend recommend this place. As we entered we were greeted to a warm welcome by the waitress who took our coats. The menu is simple, it changes each week to make use of local seasonal produce. Its a set menu, two courses £21.95 or three courses £25.95.
I decide to have the Wild Boar Carpaccio with red cabbage to start with. First time ever tasting boar, i was pleasantly surprised the meat was tender. The sweetness of the red cabbage complemented the boar well. Dressed Salmon with Pommes noisettes was my main. This is the 1st ever place that i have been to that cooks salmon just the way i like wiith out me even asking. Normally i find restaurants over cook salmon, turning it dry and flaky. Not here it was moist and so soft. So beautifully presented on the plate it seemed a shame to ruin it. So good that hubby wanted to nick some of mines. There was subtle tastes of butter and lemon, not enough to over power the sweet natural taste of the salmon. Truly a taste of Scotland on a plate. For pudding i had Chocolate Marquise with vanila ice cream, i had to ask the waitress what it was. She was only too happy to explain the desserts to me, and recommend the Chocolate Marquise which was like a chocolate mousse. I was not disappointed. I have never tasted any thing like it. It melts on your mouth like butter, and not too sweet. Its a must try! I would happily eat this all day. Once again hubby tried to nick some. Hubby was pleased with his meal, for once he can be quite fussy.
The waitress was very friendly and made us feel very welcome. And was only too happy to answer any of our questions. A small intimate place , which i think would fit about 20 ppl. I shall be returning here again, beautiful food in a unformal setting.

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