Purslane Restaurant.....33a St Stephen Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh

Ralph's not been as excited for some time as he was when he discovered Purslane Restaurant in Edinburgh's fashionable Stockbridge (ok to be fair I did get a new pull rope earlier this week) who are offering a 'casual' fine dining experience for nothing like fine dining prices.  

The restaurant has a casual feel with no dress code or formality as they want the customer to feel relaxed at all times. Front of house are friendly, approachable and are happy to deal with any questions or requests. The food takes on the fine dining element showcasing local produce with a mix of old and new techniques using worldwide influences.




They feel strongly about the seasonality of the ingredients that are used in order to to ensure the best quality. 

They've tried to source most of their suppliers in the local area and around 80% are based in the Stockbridge area in the hope that it'll bring a sense of community to the restaurant and also help fellow small businesses. 


Chef Patron Paul Gunning has experience working in five star hotels, 2-3 rosette and Michelin starred restaurants, working under chefs like Marco Pierre White (Riverroom MPW), Jeff Bland (Balmoral, Number 1), Phil Thompson (Auberge Du Lac) and the classy Jean Michel Gauffre (La Garrigue). 



He's ably assisted by Craig Smith who also has experience working in 2-3 rosette restaurants most notably the outstanding Seafood Restaurant in St. Andrews working for Craig Campbell Millar, and Peter Griffiths back in the Midlands. 


In 2009, Craig took part in BBC`s Masterchef the Professionals where he made it through to cook for Ralph's mate Michel Roux Jr` (OK had you going for just the teeniest moment). 

This is his first Head Chef position and has the drive and enthusiasm about food to produce great dishes.

Purslane have just celebrated their first anniversary and look like going on from strength to 

strength as they're quickly establishing themselves as one of The top eating destinations (they're only a sniff away from being in the top 50 on Trip Advisor) in Edinburgh.  Friday's and Saturdays' they offer a seven course tasting menu at a fraction of the cost that some restaurants (not too far away) charge for six courses but still manage to deliver an above and beyond level of quality and service.

Purslane Restaurant

33a St. Stephen Street 
Stockbridge, Edinburgh 
EH3 5AH 

T: +44 (0)131 226 3500 
E: @purslanerestaurant.co.uk

Purslane Restaurant - Edinburgh's Casual Fine Dining - Click here for bookings