This was the perfect evening. From greeting to farewell, you are made to feel welcomed and cared for. This restaurant truly has the perfect blend of atmosphere, food and price. Upon entering the establishment, you are bombarded with a wave of luxury whilst also feeling the warmth of the friendly and down to earth staff.
We were greeted at the exterior door and guided to a small, cosy and somewhat romantic room within which we could drink in comfort and wait whilst our table was prepared (we arrived 20 minutes earlier than our booked time).
When we were finished with our drinks; and not when the table was ready, we were guided to our table. It being a special occasion, we had requested a nice view which the restaurant accomadated by giving us a table with a simply breathtaking view of Arthur's Seat.
At this point, we were greeted by our server for the evening. Rico, as he had been affectionately dubbed by his co-workers, was the perfect server. His timing... Impeccable. Normally, one is forced to answer questions about the food whilst mid mouthful. Negotiating this awkward interaction is usually a thing I dread. However, Rico's mastery of his craft meant that he seemed to come exactly when we were about to look for him. At no point was I left hungry, or waiting to order another drink. He was attentive to make us feel like we were his only table, even though he had many, but allowed us enough space for conversation to flow and our meals to be fully enjoyed. I genuinely could not have asked for a more impressive server.
He made my partner feel special when surprising us with a birthday plate for her and some sweet treats for me as well.
Other than the service, the food was absolutely incredible. For both myself and my partner. She is vegan and we find it hard to find restaurants that cater so perfectly to the both of us. But, this restaurant had an entire menu for vegans as well as what we will call their "normal" menu. The pacing at which the food was sent out could not have been more perfect. We were, at no point, too full or hungry. Just as we were ready for our next course, it was delivered to our table.
In short: the place, beautiful. The staff, attentive and kind. The food, absolutely incredible. The drinks, varied and delicious. The price, ranges from reasonable - expensive (you can enjoy this place on a budget or splash out for a special occasion).
Once again, I would like to give a special thank you to Rico for making our evening so amazingly special.
I could not recommend this restaurant enough, if you are going to Edinburgh, you would be mad not to...
Read moreRhubarb at Prestonfield House Hotel is an elegant and extravagant venue, and it cannot be faulted on presentation - it is simply stunning. They have peacocks roaming the grounds, sumptuous cushions scattered absolutely everywhere, and heavy fabric curtains adorn every room, even the bathrooms! Service is generally good and the staff are attentive. We had the champagne afternoon tea for six, which was good quality overall, except the bread used for sandwiches was a little stale at the ends, which you don't expect given the prices you're paying.
However I only feel able to give Rubhard three stars, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, we booked the table for 12pm and arrived just after 12.10pm, and the table wasn't ready for us. Not really a big deal, I know, but in a place which otherwise offers such impeccable service, it was a little surprising that we had to wait in the reception area. The main issue was when we were directed to use the back entrance because one of our group was on a wheelchair and only the back entrance had a lift. That was fine, so we walked right around the building and waited at the back door. The staff member told us he would be there, waiting for us, to let us in. He was not there and the door was locked and closed. I had wait 5-10 minutes, then eventually called someone inside the resturant to ask a staff member to come down and let us in, which they did, with apologies to be fair. It was frustrating and not suggestive of the extremely high standards of service and throughtfulness that can usually be expected of this venue.
I recognise that the issues I had during my visit are very specific to me and not likely to be repeated, so although I only feel able to rate it as 3 stars, I'm sure that for many other people this will understandably be a consistent...
Read moreWhen the need arises for a dining experience for a special occasion, we tend to try somewhere new. There are a few places that we would go back to however Rhubarb in the Prestonfield hotel in Edinburgh is one of the places we like to frequent.
Situated near to the ancient Arthur's Seat, the Prestonfield hotel itself is steeped in history, dating back to the 17th century and exuding an elegant and luxurious atmosphere that instantly transports you to another time.
As for Rhubarb, the restaurant is nothing short of a five-star dining experience. The food was absolutely exquisite, with each dish crafted to perfection and bursting with flavor. The menu featured a fantastic array of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the best of Scottish cuisine. The presentation of the dishes was also a work of art, truly elevating the dining experience.
In addition to the outstanding food, the service at Rhubarb was top-notch. The staff were incredibly attentive, knowledgeable, and welcoming, adding to the overall warmth and sophistication of the restaurant.
The surroundings of the restaurant were equally as impressive. The dining room itself was beautifully decorated and offered stunning views of the hotel's grounds, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Overall, my experience at Rhubarb was unforgettable. From the rich history of the Prestonfield hotel to the exceptional food, service, and surroundings, everything combined to create a truly special and memorable dining experience. I highly recommend Rhubarb to anyone looking for a luxurious and unforgettable dining experience...
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