Cheryl C.
Yelp
I hear myself recite the series of words, "I need to head to Leith more often," approximately four times a week. Unfortunately, the effort I make to get to this character-stacked area of Edinburgh, a mere ten minutes away from the centre of town by bus, does not correspond to the amount of times I have vocalised said intention.
This will change for 2012 though...it will! The Shore has a brillant array of hostelries and crustacean-themed restaurants to try, and I am willing to take on the job. Pre-New Year, I started my expedition early with a lovely meal at The Ship on The Shore, where I caught up with two old school friends. Note the catching up element of the event. I partially hate myself for saying this, because it makes me feel like I'm getting old and fond of complaining, but noise levels in a restaurant/bar are important, particularly when you don't see certain friends very often and you actually want to hear what they're up to, rather than just vaguely nodding at everything they say and lip reading 80% of the time because the background music is so loud. The Ship has a good level of noise and bustle, ideal for banter purposes, and just the right amount so that you're not hearing someone's fork crash to the ground from the other side of the room.
So, we've got the atmosphere sorted. Chilled out and welcoming, but lively enough so that it's a highly visited destination of choice at the weekend. Then there's the all important food. We decided to share a bottle of very tasty and reasonably priced prosecco along with our meal, although the restaurant specialises in different champagnes, so I think I'll consider a bottle of the French stuff for my next visit. The menu was a tricky business, due to the fact I LOVE seafood and had difficulty choosing what to eat. I'm planning to go back with a big group of friends the next time, who will hopefully order a large variety of fish, which I can then steal from their plates. My friends both opted for the pot of steamed mussels with garlic, herbs, and lemon, and I went for the risotto main with Shetland salmon, North Sea brown shrimp, and smoked mussels. It was delightful - brilliant texture and not overpoweringly fishy, if you know what I'm saying.
This place is entirely seafood orientated, so don't come along expecting veggie or other meat options, because it really does focus on its culinary dominance of the sea. Prices are mid to high end, but the food does this justice, and the setting is versatile, so whether you're looking for somewhere slightly more upscale for celebratory purposes, or a venue for gabbing with a bunch of friends or family in a more chilled out manner, The Ship on the Shore should fit the bill nicely.