Mono fills a gap in the capital’s dining landscape

This was one of the most pleasant surprises I’ve had in years – Joseph Crolla and his team have filled a glaring hole in Edinburgh’s culinary landscape by producing a genuinely excellent fine dining Italian restaurant.

With chef Maciek Zielinski, late of the Atelier, working his magic in the kitchen, the tasting menu we ate was a revelation.

If I was somewhat surprised, it was mainly because Mono is located on South Bridge, one of the city centre’s earthier and more unlikely venues.

Still, the place looks chic, pared-down and contemporary, while the food was absolutely outstanding.

Sadly there’s not enough room to go into detail on each of the eight courses, but they were all sublime.

After a trio of amuses bouche we started with tuna tortellini, then moved through lamb sweetbreads, white truffle risotto, octopus, dry-aged ox cheek, aged parmesan, pine sorbet and cherry and chocolate.

Each course came with a paired wine.

Mono is not cheap (the tasting menu is £75, with the paired wines £45/75, and a three-course à la carte meal costing £45 plus wine and service) but if our visit was any guide, you won’t be disappointed by this remarkably bold project.

Mono, 85 South Bridge, City Centre, Edinburgh, EH1 1HN.

0131 466 4726

www.monorestaurant.co.uk

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