Hidden in Eyre Place, New Chapter is an award-winning family run business and a joyful surprise. Despite being a foodie on the hunt for the best places in town, this one wasn’t on my radar until a friend mentioned it. We decided to book and discover first hand their cuisine, a modern approach that mixes European influences with Scottish produce.
The restaurant is small but cosy, and as soon as you walk in you realise you are going to get a fine dining experience. New Chapter, though, is not strict and it welcomes guests whether they are up for a special occasion, a family meal (kids are allowed) or a private function.
The menu offers interesting ingredients and pairings, not what you would usually find in most restaurants in Edinburgh. The wine selection is also good and the waiter tells us they sometimes collaborate with their neighbour, Bacco Wine. I appreciate small businesses supporting each other so the venue wins a thumb up before even starting the meal.
The wine chosen to accompany our food journey is an Australian Pinot Noir, light and with layers of juicy raspberry, cherry and hints of vanilla oak.
My starter is a Cured Sea Trout, chawamushi (a Japanese savoury egg custard dish), kohlrabi (German turnip), cucumber pickle, soy and lime dressing. I love the intensity of the dish. When you dive your spoon in, you encounter floating fish and vegetables in a sweet and delicate broth before hitting the custard. The flavours work perfectly as the sweetness is lighted up by pickles, kohlrabi and lime.
I decide to go for a vegetarian dish for main as I believe good restaurants are able to elevate the dullest vegetable. Here we go, a delicious Salt Baked Celeriac is paired with wild mushrooms, kale, lovage and hazelnuts and the elements are brought together by a bright green Gruyere and truffle foam. No envy for the fish/ meat dishes on the table.
The dessert is a Raspberry and Dark Chocolate Cremeux with tarragon ice cream. Another top notch dish as it isn’t too sweet but well balanced thanks to the fruit and herb.
I liked every bite of the meal and the restaurant is now on the list of the best food experiences 2021.
New Chapter, 18 Eyre Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5EP - 0131 556 0006