June 27th 2024.
As someone who has explored and critiqued numerous restaurants in the charming city of Edinburgh, I am often asked a handful of questions on a regular basis. The most common one being, "What is your favorite restaurant?", but there are also a plethora of other inquiries vying for attention. Such as, where can one find the best private dining spaces? Which places cater to gluten-free or vegetarian options? And of course, where can one indulge in the most breathtaking views of the city?
The latter question, regarding spectacular vistas of Edinburgh, has a few different answers depending on one's preferred dining experience. For those seeking the ultimate dining experience, The Lookout on Carlton Hill is undeniably the best choice, even though it may come with a hefty price tag. Another option is Chaopraya, with its glass box boasting stunning views of the castle, perfect for those craving Thai cuisine. For a top-notch fine dining experience, The Pompadour impresses with its views of the castle and Princes Street.
However, a new contender has emerged in the form of the ultra-hip W Hotel. This chic hotel, one of only 75 in the world's most fashionable cities, offers an unbeatable 360-degree rooftop view of Edinburgh. Not to mention, a stylish cocktails terrace. The W Deck, a terrace and outdoor bar, provides panoramic views of every part of the city, including the bridges and Fife. It truly is a sight to behold, especially when gazing outwards rather than inwards.
On those rare sunny days in Edinburgh, the W Deck and its bar, run by the talented Sri Lankan sommelier Sumith Alahakoon, becomes a glorious sun trap. However, when the sun decides to hide, it can become quite chilly and windy. Thankfully, the hotel has plenty of indoor options for those looking to enjoy a scoop or two. And for those planning to dine, the W Hotel's in-house restaurant, Sushisamba, is conveniently located next to floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the city. Although, the view may be slightly obstructed by a barrier when seated.
Located in the heart of one of the most restaurant-dense areas in northern Europe, Sushisamba was designed to cater to a diverse audience with its unique fusion of "Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine". The hotel believes this concept will appeal to both international visitors and the local market, along with its reasonably priced dishes served in smaller portions.
We began our meal with a generous bowl of sea salted edamame, seasoned with lime and plantain chips, accompanied by a sauce made from the Peruvian yellow chilli pepper, aji amarillo. It was off to a great start. Next, we indulged in a variety of small plates. The standout dish of the meal was a delectable taco filled with yellowtail tuna, avocado, and roasted corn miso. However, we also thoroughly enjoyed the five wagyu gyozu, small dumplings from northern China, served with kabocha puree and sweet soy sauce. Unfortunately, the tuna ceviche, swimming in a stew of pomegranate leche de tigre, did not live up to our expectations. As a personal preference, I prefer my ceviche without any additional ingredients, and I wouldn't order this dish again.
Moving on to the Peruvian street food section, we savored two perfectly cooked skewers of cod in miso, served with Peruvian corn, which resembles a combination of broad beans and corn on the cob. It was a unique and enjoyable experience. The meal then transitioned into the Japanese phase, mainly consisting of sushi with a brief detour into sashimi. The Californian rolls, a personal favorite, were a great value and a delicious combination of crab, cucumber, avocado, sesame, Japanese mayo, and truffle oil. We ended with sea bass sashimi, devoured in one gulp, and salmon roe Ikura nigiri sushi, wrapped in seaweed.
For dessert, we indulged in a Carioca, a Brazilian dish of 66% dark chocolate, caramelia mousse, and obata coffee, along with five golf ball-sized Japanese doughnuts served with dulce de leche, red fruit coulis, and citron ice cream. It was a delightful end to a gastronomically diverse experience.
As expected from a high-end establishment like the W Hotel, the service was impeccable. However, what surprised us was the quality and value of their wine selection. Overall, it was a very enjoyable and eclectic dining experience, but the food paled in comparison to the breathtaking views.
For those interested in visiting Sushisamba, the W Hotel is located at 1 St James Square, Edinburgh EH1 3AX, and can be reached at 0131 287 1450. Don't forget to check out more reviews and subscribe to the latest issue of Scottish Field.
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