The Mussel and Steak Bar
- Telephone 0131 225 5028
- Food served Mon–Thu noon–2.45pm, 6–10pm; Fri–Sun noon–10pm.
- Average price £9.50 (set lunch); £25 (evening meal)
- Website www.musselandsteakbar.com
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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.
In a part of town trying hard to shake its ‘stags & hens’ image, the Mussel and Steak bar treads a fine line between giving tourists what they want and serving up decent Scottish produce. There are a lot of happy marriages – surf with turf, scallops with chorizo, mussels with chillies – and a commendable focus on sourcing, particularly on the steaks which are aged for 38 days (and it shows). That said, you could be forgiven for wishing the kitchen would cut loose a teeny bit and fling something a touch more unexpected into the mix. That’s not to say what’s there isn’t good – it is. The aged steak really is meltingly tender; the accompanying side of braised cabbage is actual genius; a hefty portion of mussels are bright with lime and satisfyingly nippy with chilli (though inexplicably served without bread). It’s all served up in a contemporary setting by cheerful staff, making Mussel and Steak a reliable choice, even if you are one of those locals who normally won't set foot in the Grassmarket from March to October.
- High point: Dependable cooking showcasing Scottish produce
- Low point: No need for a telly in the dining room, even if it is showing restaurant promos
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 24
- Provides: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Outdoor tables
- Music on stereo: Classic pop
- Capacity: 75
- Largest group: 25
- Open since: 2005
- House wine: £14 per bottle
Comments & ratings
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3.
Will I AM – 23 Jul 2012, 7:34pm
The Mussel and Steak Bar
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I came here for dinner with my girlfriend and her mum and to say I have never experienced service like this is putting it mildly, in a bad way. While the food was good, its the service throughout that was terrible. To start I had to wait 10 minutes for my drink, and it was quiet. But the main event was the end. When it came to asking for the bill, we left cash on the table next to the receipt upon which the manager collected. Then as we left one of the waiters came to me and said 'have you paid and who did you pay?' - I explained our money was collected by his female colleague. Then as we were about to walk out the door the waiter ran over to me, caught me by the shoulder and said 'Who have you paid'? I was mortified and my girlfriends mother was really upset by this. We felt like thieves and in front of other customers we felt so embarrassed. I demanded to speak to his manager and explained how twice he asked me who we paid and even said ' I'm your waiter, you only pay me'. It was like a scene from Fawlty Towers only I was not laughing. The waiter was called to explain his actions to me and when I said to him that you twice asked us who we paid and caught my by the shoulder, he said to me 'I don't want to talk to you anymore' and walked away. The manager apologised and gave us a full refund.
Rubbish service and never again.
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2.
CP – 17 Jun 2011, 4:58pm
The Mussel and Steak Bar
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We ate here last night and it was delicious - my husband had mussels for the first time ever (he is not a keen fish-eater) and he enjoyed them!
The quality of the food is great and everything was delicious - the fish was all very fresh and beautifully cooked, and as the review says - the cider and rosemary sauce is particularly good. A couple of members of our party had the mixed fish grill gave it very high praise.
Not only was the fish good but the steak was melt-in-your-mouth - absolutely delicious.
I deducted one star as I felt the service was a little slow (not the food so much as taking drinks orders) and it was very hot (we were sitting upstairs).
- 1. steviejambo – 29 Jan 2009, 1:00am Report
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my family came here during a visit to museum & the place is awesome.
the menu caters for everyone & im a seafood fan & the way they cook their mussels is devine, the kids had a ball & the waiter was very entertaining.
my wine complimented the seafood so well i think everyone should know about this place.
we hope to see you soon
Average rating /5 from 2 reviews of The Mussel and Steak Bar.
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