Causing quite a stir
Exquisite tasting menu holds many delights in sunny Leith
BACK IN THE day the Edinburgh restaurant scene was defined by three things: Location times three. Happily Kirsty and Phil's philosophy no longer applies and it's heartening to see the usually reserved folks of the Burgh not only accepting hidden gems but rejoicing in the eliteness of finding them. Aurora is such a place. Situated on the unlikely Great Junction Street this cosy and charming small restaurant is causing quite a stir.
Rightly so. At a recent dinner I was invited to try their six-course tasting menu with matching wines. In my experience ‘twas often the case that tasting menus were all very lovely but the atmosphere deadly dull. You definitely can't say that about Aurora. They were playing
Luther Vandross at one point, an element of the evening I'd return for alone. Chef Patron Kamil Witek has put together a menu of astonishing accomplishment and imagination. Natch, there's a plant-based option but both menus are interchangeable.
Cesar our sommelier presents some of the most complex, but delicious, wines
I've tasted including some natural and orange wines. The dishes are small but satisfying, each clearly involving much thought and experimentation.
Whilst the presentation is exquisite the service comes with a relaxed air of cheerfulness. How refreshing. My favourite dishes were Ox Tail, XO Sauce, Daikon,
Asparagus and Aged
Carnaroli Rice, Saffron, Liquorice.
Sadly I've not much improved from my lack of concentration in the classroom. The delightful server was clearly instructing us to eat the Amuse Bouche in one. Yours truly managed to squirt quail egg yolk over not only myself but at least one other dining companion. It's just as well fine dining has become more relaxed and evening clothes machine washable.
Edinburgh folks love a discovery and Aurora is definitely the restaurant I've heard the most about through my discerning dining chums so book now and be one of the first to know.
187 Great Junction Street
0131 554 5537 auroraedinburgh.co.uk