We have just found our new favourite vegetarian restaurant.
Situated just off the Royal Mile and the Cowgate, David Bann is a rare find. With deep aubergine walls accented in silver and dark, minimalist seating and a philosophy that by using fresh seasonal ingredients of the highest quality the food you love actually loves you back, you just can’t help feeling a little virtuous about eating there.
A hive of activity every evening, Bann’s has a very informal warm atmosphere. As soon as we entered we were greeted with a friendly attitude and seated straight away. The menu is eclectic and innovative with influences from around the world. Thai fritters sit alongside a selection of tempting pastry dishes and delicately spiced smoked tofu, and the whisky pannacotta is both decadent and delightful.
I started with the Ravioli parcel with hazelnut, red cabbage and thyme; it was very tasty and well presented. For main course I had the Parsnip, Bramley apple and Dunsyre Blue cheese mousse which was well flavoured and tasty. Served with roasted potatoes, buttered carrots and savoy cabbage with caraway it was certainly filling. It’s exactly the plate of food I want to see in this sort of place.
Miraculously space was made for dessert (isn’t it always) and glad we did as they were stand out – Hot apple and calvados tart with raspberry ice cream and pineapple sorbet.
Everything feels very fresh and healthy and with so many restaurants to choose from to lunch locally, its success is clearly deserved. It’s a hard one to beat.
56 -58 St Mary’s Sreet, Edinburgh
Tel: 0131 556 5588
