Restaurant Martin Wishart

Restaurant Martin Wishart sits at 54 The Shore in Leith, the historic port district of Edinburgh, Scotland, overlooking the Water of Leith. Chef Martin Wishart opened it in the late 1990s and it has been one of the city's long-standing fine-dining addresses, holding one Michelin star. The cooking is French-influenced and built on Scottish ingredients: the menus draw on native seafood, game and seasonal vegetables, handled with classical technique and a modern, precise finish. Diners choose between a set lunch and longer tasting menus, with the tasting format offering the fullest view of the kitchen's range. Seasonal Scottish game and seafood courses are the backbone of the menu, and dishes change through the year, so specific plates vary by visit. The dining room is calm and understated, with a quiet atmosphere, generous spacing and attentive, formal service that suits business lunches and celebrations alike. Smart casual dress is typical, and noise levels are low. A considered wine list leans on French producers alongside other regions, and pairings are offered with the tasting menus; a good selection of Scottish whiskies is also available. Prices are in the upper bracket, roughly £90-£140 per person (~$121-$188) before drinks, with the set lunch the more economical option. Reservations are essential, and tables for Friday and Saturday evenings and for the August festival period are best booked several weeks in advance. The restaurant opens Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and current times should be confirmed on the website. The Shore is a short bus or tram journey from the centre of Edinburgh, and the surrounding waterfront has many bars and cafes for a stroll before or after the meal.