The Frugal Foodie takes a trip with Taisteal - Midweek Early Dinner Deal

In all the turbulence of the Edinburgh hospitality scene, as we welcome exciting new ventures and bid farewell to old favourites, one restaurant has been quietly, and consistently, producing thoughtful, creative food at exceptional prices since it opened a decade ago.

As I write, the latest round of actions by men with small minds and large armies has once again thrown the economy into turmoil. With less money for ‘luxuries’ like eating out, those restaurants that survive this latest crisis will be the ones with a loyal following and the ability to tempt diners with deals that are too good to miss.

Taisteal’s a la carte (£38 for three courses) and tasting menu (£50 for five courses) have always been exceptionally good value, but their new Midweek Early Dinner menu has made a little indulgence even more affordable. It offers two courses for £20 or three courses for £25, with three options for each.

Taisteal is a Scottish Gaelic word that means ‘journey’ and owners Gordon and Lucy Craig’s extensive travels can be felt in the varied influences on their dishes, often inspired by Asian cuisine.

We are welcomed with an ‘amuse-bouche’ from the chef of Venison Lasagne coated in a pork scratching crumb and things are immediately off to a good start. After just one course, my ‘plus one' is convinced the restaurant can read minds after enjoying his ideal starter: a Gochujang Ham Hock Croquette with apricot and miso hollandaise. My Moroccan Mussels Fregola with pistachio and pomegranate is a warmly spiced and comforting dish.

For mains, the Coley is beautifully executed, with a crispy, golden top and flaky, succulent fish beneath, and is well paired with sticky coconut rice and ginger-soy sauce. Even then, I am slightly jealous of the veggie option: Wild Garlic & Scamorza Cannelloni with wild leek emulsion, asparagus, and veggie haggis.

Wild Garlic & Scamorza Cannelloni

All the desserts sound excellent, but I choose the Tiramichoux Buns – both a great pun and a brilliant combination of two favourite desserts. We also try the Banana Tarte Tatin with dulce de leche ice cream, which is very good but we feel would benefit from a toffee sauce to fully satisfy a sweet tooth.

The description of ‘casual fine dining’ perfectly hits the mark here – interesting and delicious food that never steps too close to pretentious, an atmosphere that immediately creates ease, and a price point that makes good food accessible to all.

Taisteal - 1 Forth St, Edinburgh. EH1 3JX

Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 5pm-9:30pm, Friday & Saturday: 5pm-10pm - 0131 557 2209