forth floor

i went to forth floor for edinburgh restaurant festival menu. three courses for £25 was a really good deal and since i haven't had a chance to visit the restaurant i booked a table for 5 for last friday. when booking they asked me if i wanna go to the brasserie or fine dining when i replied we're coming for the erf menu they said they serve it in fine dining. i was a bit surprise they call themselves a fine dining place since i haven't heard anyone talking about forth floor as a fine dining restaurant so i was very curious to see the place and try their food. we were lucky with the table as we were seated in the far corner of the restaurant by the balcony. the view was stunning and the service very nice. however, we were a bit disappointed with the menu which wasn't as advertised online for the festival. i know a lot might depend on the produce and season but being consistent for 10 days of the festival is not much. we were given a complimentary soup to start with and since i wasn't impressed with the choice i went for both fish starter and main. i had poached sea trout with creamed leeks for a starter with smoked haddock and quail scotch egg. this was my favourite dish of the night. the trout was great and i really enjoyed the combination of fish and creamed leek. the egg was lovely as well. as for the main i went for roast hake with roast baby tomatoes. this was nice but i wasn't too impressed. the presentation was well done but the dish missed something. maybe a bit of mash potatoes or some roasted potatoes. just a little bit of carbs would make it more interesting. for a dessert i had a plum soufflé with oat ice cream which was great! i'm giving them this rating since i thought they're not fine dining as they present themselves. sometimes simple is better and in this case for example with the main course i would cut on the veg and the puree which didn't have much impact on the taste and maybe add some simple potatoes and a nice sauce. however, the location is extraordinary and perfect for an intimate date. they have abalconywith many tables for two which must be a great date location during the summer months. overall this was a nice dinner but i wouldn't rush back.

for some reason i think cocktails (what i've only ever really been here for) should come with a view and they don't get much better than those from thebalconyof forth floor. at christmas, with ice-skaters below in st andrew square this year, it'll surely be even more spectacular.
i would say prices for drinks are about average and i've found the service very friendly.

i think for me, this place is very much..dress nice..smart casual..or dress up place to eat and drink.

whenever i've came here, either for food or drinks i've never been disappointed. food is sensational and reflects on the price. high end food for a high end price. set meals are excellent. wines can be expensive.

they do have a lovely outdoorbalconyarea where you sit and drink and eat watching the city below you. it is gorgeous especially in summer.

the service here is on point. never faulted. they're extremely well trained and attentive. excellent waiting staff.

toilets i have to mention sometimes needs a wee tidy up but seeing how busy it is it's kept fairly clean.

only reason it's one below perfect score is the decor. the back restaurant normally for bookings is great. fab. the oyster bar and champagne bar is fab. the outdoorbalconyis fab. but the area that dominates this forth floor is a flop. it's like walking into a canteen...horrid chairs and ugly tables. i don't know what went wrong with the designer..wish they'd change it.