Jasmine Chinese Restaurant

32–34 Grindlay Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9AP

Telephone 0131 229 5757
Food served Mon–Thu noon–2pm, 5–11.30pm; Fri noon–2pm, 5pm–12.30am; Sat 1pm–12.30am; Sun 1–11.30pm
Average price £9.50 (set lunch); £20 (evening meal)
Website www.jasminechinese.co.uk

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.

With the Traverse and Royal Lyceum theatres and the Usher Hall on its doorstep, you would think this Chinese restaurant with its distinctive, red-painted façade would be ideal for a quick pre-theatre fuel stop. Yet Jasmine's varied menu and focus on fresh seafood dishes reward those who make time for a longer visit. The décor is warm and bright without being overly fussy, and there's a tranquillity to the atmosphere despite the close proximity of the tables. A mixed starter for two gives a snapshot of the dishes on offer, from fresh mango and prawn rolls to a generous pile of salty and spicy chicken and a particularly enjoyable crispy king prawn won ton served with a mild wasabi. The menu offers a good range of meat and vegetarian mains, but it's hard to see past the seafood recommendations. These include crispy rice with king prawns, squid and pork in a hearty liquid garlic sauce and a bowl of stir-fried Szechuan scallops brought to life with a tasty marinade of ginger, chilli and cashew nuts. There aren't many surprises on the dessert and wine lists but a couple of scoops of sorbet make for a light, refreshing finale.

High point: A varied menu of consistently good food
Low point: A cheaper pre-theatre menu would be a welcome addition

Number of wines sold by the glass: 2
Private dining: None
Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access
Music on stereo: Traditional Chinese/classical
Capacity: 48
Largest group: 30
Open since: 1997
House wine: £14.95 per bottle
BYOB: £7 corkage

Comments & ratings

4. Disappointing – 23 Nov 2009, 3:34pm Jasmine Chinese Restaurant Report: It's a few years since I visited this restaurant but what a difference a few years makes! Granted is was Sunday (post Usher Hall concert) but only two tables were taken and I was beginning to get bad vibes. The Szechuan Beef on a Sizzling Plate was decidedly tasteless with only the merest hint of its traditional spiciness and the Crispy Chicken with fresh mango consisted of chunks of dry chicken in a soggy batter. Our food arrived with suspicious promptness, a point which was also commented upon by the diners at the other table. Reheated, perhaps? Chef's night off? When I commented on the very poor food, I was told they would try to make the Szechuan dish hotter next time and the chicken would be soggy anyway on account of the sauce! I didn't have the heart to say there wouldn't be a next time.

3. RG – 6 Feb 2009, 12:30pm Jasmine Chinese Restaurant Report: The ambience cannot be faulted at, if the stand-off-ish nature of the staff leaves somewhat to be desired. I have been several times, with different groups of friends and come away without a bad word to say about the food, either in quantity or quality. The one draw back is the overly priced corkage at £7.

2. KateK – 22 Oct 2008, 1:56pm Report: My fiance and I have eaten at theh Jasmine three times now and its fantastic. So much better than the "run of the mill" chinese restaurants out there, food is tremendous and service is excellent. A class above most others in Edinburgh. Highly recommended.

1. The Boss – 6 Feb 2008, 2:36pm Report: Recently went to ‘The Jasmine’ with a couple of colleagues for a quick catch-up lunch. The type that girls do best… The venue is beautiful with lovely high ceilings. We couldn’t do better for £7! The various types of soup for starters were ALL lovely. The main course is more than enough and then you still need to cope with the dessert as well. This is a definite MUST DO! Yummy!

Average rating 3/5 from 2 reviews of Jasmine Chinese Restaurant.

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Jasmine Chinese Restaurant

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