Calistoga
- Telephone 0131 225 1233
- Opening times Will open bar at different times for groups or wine tastings by prior request
- Food served Mon–Sat noon–2.30pm, 5–10pm; Sun 12.30–2.30pm, 5–10pm.
- Pre-theatre times Mon–Sun 5–6.30pm (finish by 7.30pm)
- Average price £12 (set lunch); £22 (evening meal)
- Pre-theatre price Half price mains. Starters and desserts: £4
- Website www.calistoga.co.uk
Jump to comments (5)
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.
Calistoga could be Edinburgh’s best restaurant for wine lovers. With one of the biggest selections of Californian wines in Europe and a mark-up policy that makes them affordable, it is not to be missed by oenophiles. The Congressional Wine Tasting dinner offers excellent value for a special experience, including a fun 40-minute pre-dinner wine tasting. The food won’t disappoint either, fusing Californian dishes with Scottish ingredients to create a strong, modern menu. The grill offers a range of locally sourced steak to appease those who assume North American means beef. However, the concise à la carte offering, which changes every three weeks, is more adventurous and may include a rich tomato-based red mullet and mussel broth or variously cooked oysters to start. A bean cassoulet is a good main for vegetarians and meat eaters will enjoy a delicious braised lamb that softly crumbles into a bed of root vegetable puree and redcurrant jus. A smooth cherry panna cotta or fluffy vanilla cheesecake with soft rhubarb compote nicely round off the meal. All this accompanied by a Napa Valley pinot noir is hard to beat.
- High point: An education in the best of Californian wines
- Low point: The simple, modern interior is beginning to look a bit tired
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 16
- Private dining: 12/26
- Provides: Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Pre-theatre menu, Free wi-fi
- Music on stereo: Californian radio streamed over web very quietly
- Capacity: 80
- Largest group: 52
- Open since: 2008 (from 2004 in original location)
- House wine: £13 per bottle
Comments & ratings
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5.
M – 11 Aug 2011, 11:52am
Calistoga
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For a restaurant to be based in a city centre back lane it should offer excellent food and service to make up for the less than salubrious surroundings. Unfortunately Calistoga doesn't even come close to offering either.
The service was so-so, with a distinct lack of warmth or personal touch. It gave the impression that everyone was too busy and there was a distinct lack of attention paid to customers.
The food itself was the main disappointment. Warm asparagus and shitake mushroom salad included a grand total of one and a half spears of asparagus. In fact the asparagus had been sliced down the middle to give the impression that there were a whole three spears! This wasn't helped by the fact it had obviously been cooked in bicarbonate of soda to keep them greener, but at the same time make them mushier. The shitake mushrooms didn't compensate for this and although tasty enough were a bit gritty.
The mix and match main grill was underwhelming with the chicken erring on the side of being overcooked and lacking any real flavour. At best it was adequate and did nothing to tempt us to go for a third course.
Trying a new cuisine is always something to look forward to, particularly when you don't really have any idea or expectation of what it's going to be. We left Calistoga with no real idea of what Californian cuisine actually is, but pretty sure we didn't care much for it.
- 4. Brodieman – 31 Jan 2011, 2:39pm Report
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Never had a bad meal here. Staff remain courteous and attentive without being intrusive. The menu changes regularly and there is always plenty to choose from. The Californian wine list is outstanding. One of my favourite places in Edinburgh.
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3.
AM – 15 Jan 2011, 7:48pm
Calistoga
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Disappointing. The only thing I can agree with in previous review is the presentation of the food.
I booked a table and advised we needed highchair, was not advised that they'd rather not have small children! Even when we pored over the menu with the waiter there he offered no suggestions -this is not a fussy child.
The vegetarian main course was a soggy bit of pastry with a non descript tablespoon of 'rosted' veg which could easily have been frozen diced veg., half a tinned/jarred artichoke & 4 cherry tomatoes. i had asked if i should order a side but was advised this would be filling - it was not.
The chocolate dessert was reasonable but the cheese board stingy.
Came home hungry and disappointed. I would avoid if you have young children. Also take 3 courses even if you don't feel hungry! The service is 'unobtrusive' but toward cold.
Average rating /5 from 3 reviews of Calistoga.
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