Orocco Pier, The

Alvador (18 August 2007)

Having reserved a table for two well in advance we were disappointed to be seated well away from the windows. However, we didn't feel that we were being discriminated against and the restaurant was half-full when we were there and all our fellow diners were also seated in tables away from the windows while the window tables with the best views of the river Forth and Forth Rail Bridge remained empty - odd. The next table felt uncomfortably close to us but one advantage of the excessively loud music was that it masked conversation from the nearby table.

Service was very quick and efficient if rather impersonal. Though it did seem odd being told to go to the adjacent room and look for our coats ourselves at the end of the meal rather than them being brought back to us.

Overall the food was good. Starters of mussels and of potted crab were average but my sea bass main course was delicious and my companion was equally impressed with his lobster thermidor. The potato wedges which arrived as an unexpected accompaniment to the lobster were slightly undercooked and very greasy but this didn't really matter because we didn't really want them anyway and left them. My dessert - Italian trifle with blueberries was delicious while my companion declared his pineapple and mango with ice-cream to be rather bland.

Alex Bird (26 June 2006)

Initial impression was superb - we were seated by the window and could see the magnificent views across the Forth and the two bridges. However, we then struggled to hear what the waiter was trying to say as the music is played way too loud. After a 30 min wait our first course was delivered (well most of it, they had forgotten one dish). The meal dragged on as we waited for our drinks and other courses - having said that the food was reasonable and well presented. The kitchen are obviously being let down by the front of house. Shame. It could be a great place.

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