Ondine

Ondine is a seafood restaurant at 2 George IV Bridge in Edinburgh's Old Town, Scotland, close to the National Library of Scotland and a short walk from the Royal Mile and Grassmarket. It specialises in Scottish shellfish and fish, with a focus on sustainably sourced seafood from Scottish waters. Oysters are the signature, served by the piece, and the shellfish platter, built around oysters, langoustines and other shellfish, is the dish most associated with the restaurant. The wider menu covers grilled and pan-cooked fish, crustaceans and classic seafood dishes, with seasonal changes depending on the catch. The restaurant includes an oyster and champagne bar at the front, where diners can eat at the counter, and a more conventional dining room behind. The atmosphere is stylish, lively and a little theatrical, with a sleek look and a steady buzz; noise is moderate to loud when full. Dress is smart casual. Champagne, white wines and Scottish gins pair naturally with the shellfish, and the list is built around seafood. Mains cost roughly £25-£40 (~$34-$54), with shellfish platters costing more depending on size. Opening covers lunch and dinner, but visitors should check the website for closed days. Reservations are recommended, particularly for evenings, weekends and the August festival, and booking a few days to a week ahead is usually enough; counter seats at the oyster bar can sometimes be had with less notice. The George IV Bridge location is central and well connected by bus, and it suits a meal before or after Old Town sightseeing or an evening at the nearby theatres.