Opus 504

Located opposite the new Scottish Parliament, never mind the offices of The Scotsman, somebody had a shrewd eye for business. Result is now that if you have a yen for politician or journalist spotting, this is the place to be. Of course, there's also the food, which perhaps unlike the aforementioned is relatively straightforward and simple. Start with the gateau of smoked salmon, avocado and crab meat served with tomato concasse and Avruga caviar. Bearing in mind the quality of the produce, particularly the beef, thoughts turn to the roast fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef set with thyme, scented Polenta and caramelised shallots. The warm date pudding served with a Bailey's ice cream and a brandy snap may not be exactly a signature dish, but it's sure good. The usual range of suspects, plus some, appears on the malt gantry and the wine list may not be brilliant but is certainly capable of dealing with most aspirations.