May 7th 2024.
I couldn't help but marvel at the impeccable timing of Tattu restaurant's Cherry Blossom dinner, which happened to fall on the first warm day of the year in Edinburgh. I couldn't quite put my finger on how they managed it, but I wasn't about to question it either.
It was my first time visiting this modern Chinese eatery tucked away on West Register Street. As I sat beneath the thousands of delicate pink cherry blossoms adorning the ceiling, I couldn't think of a more fitting way to welcome the change in season and sample their new Spring/Summer menu.
Full disclosure, the trees boasting these stunning blooms were real, but the flowers themselves were firmly secured, with no risk of being carried away by the gentle breeze. As we kicked off the evening at the bar, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the achingly pretty Cherry Blossom Negronis and the outrageously pink and sweet Skull Candy cocktails, served in a dramatic haze of dry ice.
The food, much like the dry ice, came in waves. First up, we were treated to a divine starter course. The impossibly crispy Kataifi king prawns and sticky beef short rib perched atop a bone were both absolute winners. The prawns were coated in a light shredded pastry and served with a delectable mango and chilli dipping sauce that had a lovely kick to it. As for the beef, it was so tender that it practically melted in my mouth. I had to swap my chopsticks for a fork, but that didn't stop me from indulging in the rich soy and chilli marinade and crispy battered shallots.
Next came a flurry of oohs and aahs as the mirrored lazy susan in the center of the table filled up with an array of dishes. There was a caramel soy aged beef fillet, sea bass Chinese curry, salt and pepper monkfish, pak choi and ginger, and a very moreish shredded duck fried rice. The beef fillet, served on a trio of asparagus spears and topped with shiitake mushrooms and ginger, was cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with the punchy sweet and sour dipping sauce. The sea bass was tender and the curry was richly flavored with lemongrass, with just the right amount of spice.
As we moved onto the final course, dessert, I almost didn't want to disturb the pretty creations on my plate. Mini cherry trees with chocolate trunks and candy floss blossoms rose from an edible soil, accompanied by a cheerful cherry compote. The dry ice made another appearance, adding a touch of drama to the dessert as the little trees awaited their inevitable fate.
Tattu offers a variety of dining experiences, and we were treated to their Tattu Signatures menu, priced at £85 per person. However, for those looking for a more budget-friendly option, there's a great value set menu available earlier in the day, priced at £28.50 for two courses or £33.50 for three. And for those who love a good Sunday roast, their Imperial Sunday Roast, priced at just £32.50 per person, is definitely worth a try. I'm already planning my next visit before the cherry blossoms say goodbye for another year.
If you're interested in visiting Tattu, you can find them at 18 West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA. Give them a call at 0131 558 1922 to make a reservation. And if you want to read more reviews like this one, be sure to subscribe to Scottish Field and check out their latest issue.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
