Seven years since our first visit to Bon V it’s still one of our favourite places to eat, drink, and get incredibly merry. Here’s why it’s five stars all the way …
Eating at Bon Vivant always seems like a treat. Every meal, every sip of champagne, and every interaction with the staff has been utterly lovely. We’ve brought countless friends and family here, all of whom raved about how good it is.
Obviously, the food’s great, but that’s just the beginning. Here you can also expect an intimate atmosphere, bearded barmen making fabulous cocktails, and the most reasonably priced champagne in town (which we’ve definitely made the most of).
Even better, the innovative menu changes on a daily basis.
In fact, even the way you order and eat has been transformed. While you can go the traditional journey of entrée then main, it’s much more fun to order eight (or so) “bites” which offer a seasonal and inspiring take on everything from seafood to haggis.
On our most recent visit, we took our Aunty Izzy, who likened the experience to being a judge on Master Chef. A series of dishes you’re invited to sample, consider, and share your opinion on. Bliss!
Our favourites of the night: smoked mackerel, crostini & pickled onions; serrano & manchego croquette with chilli jam; and pan-fried seabass with chorizo.
Being committed fat bastards, we went on to order seconds of all three.
Then it was time for dessert. Seriously, wow!
Forget apple crumble and chocolate cake, this dessert menu has none of the usual clichés. Each one felt like it deserved a small round of applause. What’s more, these too can often be ordered as bite or an entire dish.
Aunty Izzy had the Rhubarb parfait , clove and orange crumb with white chocolate sorbet – which, with a mouth full of food, she described as “sensational!”
Isaac opted for the Caramelised milk chocolate mousse with pistachio ice cream – gone in seconds, his verdict: “life-changing!!”
Meanwhile I devoured the Banana, pecan and caramel tart with brownie ice cream – “seriously, spank me!!”
Now given how much we’d already consumed, I was convinced Isaac had taken a wrong turn when he then ordered the cheeseboard. But I was wrong. As soon, this was hoovered up as well. Delicious, and top marks for the homemade quince.
Long story short: Seven years on, Bon Vivant is still one of the best restaurants in town. Long may it continue!
Reviewed February 2017
The Bon Vivant
55 Thistle Street, EH2 1DY
0131 225 3275