CHEF’S CHOICE

Derek Johnstone, head chef at the Golf Inn in Gullane, East Lothian, picks six of his favourite restaurants.

ONDINE, EDINBURGH

This is one place I head for on my days off. I’ve always loved seafood and Roy Brett does it really well, with quality food for a reasonable price. 0131 226 1888, www.ondinerestaurant.co.uk

CHOP CHOP, EDINBURGH

This is my go-to place for great Chinese food. It is comfortable and reasonably priced and the steamed dumplings are absolutely amazing. I’ve not tasted anything like them anywhere – ever. 0131 221 1155, www.chop-chop.co.uk

JP’S DELI AND CAFE, NORTH BERWICK

A café and deli by day, at the weekend it turns into a pop-up fine-dining restaurant. It’s classic French cuisine done in a modern way by John Paul McLachlan, who has worked with Gordon Ramsay, Raymond Blanc and Martin Wishart. It’s all about the flavour. 01620 890245, www.jpsdeli.co.uk

L’ESCARGOT BLEU, EDINBURGH

Traditional French food, this is good country cooking that is wholesome and tasty. They make steak tartare at your table in the traditional way and serve delicious snails, as the name would suggest. It’s unpretentious, affordable and unforgettable. 0131 557 1600, www.lescargotbleu.co.uk

THE RAEBURN, EDINBURGH

A gastropub in the Stockbridge area of the capital, this place looks great and serves up good quality and very affordable pub grub. It’s perfect for a long lunch. 0131 332 7000, www.theraeburn.com

BRIAN MAULE AT CHARDON D’OR, GLASGOW

For a special occasion, I would head to Glasgow because this place is worth travelling for. It’s classic French cuisine, but Brian uses the freshest local produce. The crème brûlée is a highlight, but, really, everything is packed with flavour. It’s certainly not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. 0141 248 3801, www.brianmaule.com