Sweet Melinda's

Their publicity says, "Sweet Melindas has long been appreciated by those diners that value quality above hype!" A closer acquaintance with this pretty and clearly much-loved restaurant reveals the truth in their claim.

Serious efforts are made to ensure that nothing but the best available ingredients are deployed, and the seasons are a passion with owner/chef Kevin O?Connor. There is an emphasis on seafood, the bread and truffles, and much more are made in the shop. The restaurant carries its own distinctive Edinburgh crowd, who are civil enough to make in-comers feel comfortable.

Warm fresh crab, samphire and Parmesan salad, or Thai beef salad with fillet steak, coriander lime and chilli and toasted peanuts make regular appearances amongst the starters, whilst mains of roast cod with chorizo, vine tomatoes and sautéed potatoes or a mild aubergine, spinach and cashew nut curry with some delicious fragrant lemon spice sits agreeably above a fried squid starter.

A lemon tart, as ever, presses all the right buttons and there was mild disappointment that the cheese selection listed only one Scottish product. The wine list is kindly priced, half bottles and by the glass are achievable, and some good reliable names are in evidence.