Seafood Boil Spectacle at Dulse, Leith

Seafood Boil

Dean Banks is never one to shy away from the spotlight. With a larger-than-life personality and a relentless knack for promotion, he’s the unmistakable face of his ever-growing culinary empire — from Haar and Dune in St Andrews to Lunan Gin and Mond Vodka, Dean Banks at The Pompadour at the Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh, along with his Dulse outposts in the West End and Leith. His flair for bold ideas and big character is hard not to admire.

One Sunday evening, we venture to Dulse Leith to experience one of his most theatrical offerings: the seafood boil. It’s available daily, as are lobster rolls; two casual accompaniments to an otherwise classic a la carte seafood menu. The boil is a Cajun-inspired twist on top Scottish produce.

Dulse Leith

The restaurant is immediately striking — stylish, pretty and rich in thoughtful details that elevate the space. Graeme and Sydney take care of us with exceptional warmth and hospitality, setting the tone for a memorable evening.

To start, we enjoy a couple of Cumbrae oysters paired with Dulse’s signature chilli sauce. I usually prefer my oysters naked, but the smoky sweetness of the sauce beautifully complements the sweet and briny shellfish. My Dulse martini is made with seaweed-infused Lunan gin, vermouth and garnished with Gordal olives. It is pitch-perfect: smooth, coastal, and confidently balanced.

Then comes the main event. Sydney arrives with bibs, gloves, and a grin — it is time to “glove up.” The seafood boil is poured dramatically onto the table, and suddenly we are immersed in edible theatre. The quality of the seafood shines from podgy ochre-coloured mussels in glistening blue shells, plump pink prawns, sweet corn on the cob, slices of smoky sausage, Charlotte potatoes rich with waxy flavour, and generous clusters of crab. 

We overindulge gloriously and still can’t finish. 

All told, Dulse Leith isn’t just a seafood meal — it’s an event, a performance, and a showcase of how casual dining can still thrill with the ingredient of imagination. Dean Banks’ brand of boldness might not be for everyone, but it’s hard to argue with the results when they’re this deliciously executed. 

Dulse Leith: 102 Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AQ - 07402 552598 info@dulseleith.com

Opening Hours: Monday & Thursday: From 5:00 PM, Friday – Sunday: From noon, (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday)