Dessert cafes, restaurants, eateries are on the rise. There seems to have been at least one or two new dessert shops opening up in Edinburgh every month for the last six months or so.

I really like the idea. I mean we have restaurants dedicated to every kind of cuisine and food type so why not desserts and chocolate?!

I wasn’t quite prepared for how good they can be though and after having visited a few in the last year, I have to say that Haute Dolci opening up in the St James’ Quarter was a genius move.

Not only are these guys sitting at the top of the dessert shops in terms of decor and a restaurant vibe similar to that of fine dining, but their desserts and chocolates that they create and deliver, are next level.

REVIEW OF HAUTE DOLCI, ST JAMES QUARTER, EDINBURGH

This is like stepping into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory if it were a restaurant. There’s taps that constantly pour hot milk and white chocolate, there are display cases filled with cheesecakes, macaroons, cakes, ice creams; and every thing else you could think of that should be in a dessert shop.

Their menu is a book, almost like a beautifully printed and curated coffee table book boasting exceptionally gorgeous shiny images of their desserts and brunches. It’s broken down into sections - brunch, drinks and dolci.

There is a lot to choose from here and with the gorgeous imagery in the book tantalising your tastebuds, plus all the stunning plates of colourful food being delivered to tables; means that you will need a good amount of time to decide what on earth you are going to drink, never mind eat!

We started off with a wee taster plate of macaroons (light and chewy), a choc hazelnut cone and two chocolate shots. Theses are a must have! Gorgeous warm, silky smooth milk and white chocolate shots. Let the chocolate buzz commence!

Oh there is so much choice when it comes to drinks and they have every sweet tooth’s favourites lined up. There’s floats, milkshakes, Caffe Cioccolato, Hot Chocolate, Chias, Teas, Coffees and soft drinks.

Flavours range from a Ferrero Raffaello (The Snowball pictured here) to Bubble Gum flavoured, strawberrilicious to black forest.

There are so many variations of drinks, that I think I may need to become a member - not returning here to try everything on the menu is not an option!

There’s Waffles, French Crepes, Pancakes, French Toast, Cookie Dough, Belgian Waffles, Choux Buns and there is also a Made By You section for those who are perhaps slightly picky or you just can’t choose one particular menu dish. Build your own!

I chose an item off the menu and went for French Toast. This is the Strawberry Velvet. Thick, cinnamon-soaked brioche bread, toasted and dressed with juicy scarlet strawberries, smooth Belgian milk chocolate and a cool helping of vanilla gelato.

Wow what a portion! Everything was generous including the puddles of milk chocolate.

TartanSpoonie, Carmin tried the Make Your Own. Pancake stack with bananas, blackberries, hazelnut, cinnamon ice cream and golden syrup.

So beautiful. The pancakes were light, fluffy and thin; the ice cream smooth and silky with a good cinnamon punch and served with ample syrup.

And because it didn’t look like our bellies were at bursting point (they were btw) Haute Dolci urged us to try their Fondue at Dolci. We tried the His & Hers Fondue Platter (£25.50) consisting of:

Belgian Waffle Bites, Brownie Bites, Marshmallows, Flapjack Bites, Strawberries, Mango and Banana

You can choose your Sauce from : Milk chocolate, white chocolate or Nutella

You choose your Toppings from : Roasted Hazelnuts, Caramelised Hazelnuts, Milk Chocolate Pearls, White Chocolate Pearls and Dark Chocolate Pearls.

Again, very generous on the portions and who doesn’t want a whole pot of liquid chocolate to dunk food into!!

Haute Dolci also do brunch, which looks and sounds superb. They also cater for vegans and gluten freebies.

Haute Dolci is most definitely a destination restaurant. It was very busy and no doubt it will continue to be popular. I’d say it’s a fab spot pre or post movies, post dinner, or a place to catch up with a group of mates and get high on sugar! There is nothing here that you wont love.

Put a date in your diary and go. You will not regret it!

Things to note:

• The do have a vegan and gluten free allergen list. It can be downloaded off their website.

• They have disabled access with wide enough aisles for a wheelchair and non booth seating.

• They are located in St James Quarter

• They are not dog friendly

Haute Dolci, St James Quarter, Edinburgh, EH1 3AD www.hautedolci.co.uk

My Spoon Award : Gold 9/10

I was invited by Haute Dolci Edinburgh to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.