Purslane

Purslane
33a St Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AH
  • Telephone 0131 226 3500
  • Opening times Wed–Sat noon–2pm, 6–10pm; Sun noon–2pm. Closed Mon/Tue.
  • Food served Tue–Sat noon–2pm, 6.30–11.30pm. Closed Sun/Mon
  • Average price £22 (lunch); £21.95 (set evening meal)
  • Email
  • Website www.purslanerestaurant.co.uk

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Eating & Drinking Guide

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.

Purslane’s chef and owner Paul Gunning is justifiably proud of the petits fours made by chocolatier Sebastian Kobelt: the intensely flavoured hand-dipped chocolates are emblematic of the high-quality contemporary food served here. Gunning’s ambition is to create a fine-dining experience without the formality or the cost, so linen tablecloths are dispensed with but the amuse bouche is not. The cooking is clever and assured: the heart stopping richness of foie gras roulade is countered by quince chutney and smoked duck, and where simplicity works best – such as in a dressed crab – restraint is shown. Roasted guinea fowl is a fine example of how to bring out the flavour and retain succulence in a game bird. A piece of hake is studded with salty bursts of caviar and herby beurre blanc. The short pudding menu features more Kobelt chocolate creations and perhaps a crème brûlée or pithivier. The restaurant is stylishly decorated with textured wallpaper and painted plant motifs, but it’s an intimate space with room for just over 20 diners, so booking is advised.

  • High point: Fantastic cooking without a hefty price tag
  • Low point: Not much natural light
  • Number of wines sold by the glass: 18
  • Provides: Children's portions, Free wi-fi
  • Music on stereo: Mellow easy-listening.
  • Capacity: 22
  • Largest group: 24
  • Open since: 2011
  • House wine: £15.95 per bottle

Reviews & features

Valentine's Day - where to take your date

3 Feb 2012

Some seductive suggestions for what to do on or around February 14th

Experience a May-December relationship ... or at least, vicariously experience someone else’s. Among the several films the Glasgow Film Theatre are screening to get you into the Valentines spirit on 14 Feb (including Brief Encounter and French…

Paul Gunning's Purslane celebrates the small things in life

19 Dec 2011

Starters and desserts a success, although mains need some work

Below street level on narrow, quirky St Stephen Street in Stockbridge in Edinburgh is a tiny restaurant. Until recently it had been home to Redwood, in which Californian chef Annette Sprague charmed diners for a couple of years but near-enough exhausted…

Comments & ratings

3. tyke traveller10 Nov 2012, 11:20pm5 stars Purslane Report

We have just had the Anniversary Tasting Menu which was a delight throughout. No average courses, with the sea bream, lamb, and chocolate marquise courses shining, along with an unusual gin and tonic granita. Full restaurant at 8pm, and a small place but with the a nice feel to it. We are local and have been meaning to try it for a while, and it excelled our expectations. Making plans for out next visit already.

2. Gastronaut2 Oct 2012, 2:48pm3 stars Purslane Report

Was very disappointed when we were told by the lovely waitress on our arrival that there was no venison mains or trout starters from the dinner menu. We were, however, told that we could substitute them for Toulouse sausage and tuna respectively. I opted for the tuna starter which, despite being seared and nicely seasoned, was cold on the inside and resting upon a minuscule slice of equally cold polenta. I was much happier with the main course - a hefty chunk of roast cod - well seasoned a nicely paired with kale, mash and a subtle sauce. All in all - could have been a lot better ( the restaurant was completely empty except for our table of four) - I wonder how the chef would manage on a busy night.. mind you it's a tiny place so that might never happen!

1. Bobamama14 Dec 2011, 12:43am5 stars Purslane Report

Tucked along this street is a wee gem of a restaurant. Wanted to try some where new, and my friend recommend this place. As we entered we were greeted to a warm welcome by the waitress who took our coats. The menu is simple, it changes each week to make use of local seasonal produce. Its a set menu, two courses £21.95 or three courses £25.95.
I decide to have the Wild Boar Carpaccio with red cabbage to start with. First time ever tasting boar, i was pleasantly surprised the meat was tender. The sweetness of the red cabbage complemented the boar well. Dressed Salmon with Pommes noisettes was my main. This is the 1st ever place that i have been to that cooks salmon just the way i like wiith out me even asking. Normally i find restaurants over cook salmon, turning it dry and flaky. Not here it was moist and so soft. So beautifully presented on the plate it seemed a shame to ruin it. So good that hubby wanted to nick some of mines. There was subtle tastes of butter and lemon, not enough to over power the sweet natural taste of the salmon. Truly a taste of Scotland on a plate. For pudding i had Chocolate Marquise with vanila ice cream, i had to ask the waitress what it was. She was only too happy to explain the desserts to me, and recommend the Chocolate Marquise which was like a chocolate mousse. I was not disappointed. I have never tasted any thing like it. It melts on your mouth like butter, and not too sweet. Its a must try! I would happily eat this all day. Once again hubby tried to nick some. Hubby was pleased with his meal, for once he can be quite fussy.
The waitress was very friendly and made us feel very welcome. And was only too happy to answer any of our questions. A small intimate place , which i think would fit about 20 ppl. I shall be returning here again, beautiful food in a unformal setting.

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Average rating 4.5/5 from 3 reviews of Purslane.

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