Malmaison Edinburgh City opened just before the pandemic and like everyone in business, suffered from the stop, start, maybe, don’t, close, open, half open, half close restrictions and never really managed to fully open during the tumultuous 2 or so years of Covid.

I did manage to squeeze in an overnight stay and in room dinner, during this time though. Read my review HERE.

Luckily, currently we are back to normal, everything is open in Scotland and Malmaison Edinburgh City can now shout from the roof tops that they are open and proudly showcase their gorgeous hotel located on St Andrews Square.

We started off in the Chez Bar downstairs, which is just beautiful. Very on trend soft furnishings of sapphire blue velvet couches, foliage walls and plenty of nooks and crannies to snap those picture perfect cocktails for socials.

REVIEW OF RESTAURANT CHEZ MAL, MALMAISON HOTEL, EDINBURGH CITY CENTRE

The restaurant is stunning. The attention to detail is second to none with the theme of the luxurious velvet seating carried on from downstairs. The decor is very contemporary with bold statement pieces displayed around the large dining area. You’ll not miss the painted mannequin body lamps, large pieces of bright artwork that adorn the walls and the overall lavishness of this restaurant.

Malmaison's designers took inspiration from nearby Rose and Thistle Streets to create a garden of texture, light and style - you’ll notice this in lighting and the fresh flowers on the tables.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

Inspired with flavours both classic and French, the Chefs have created some magnificent menus and you'll find an energetic but relaxing atmosphere with knowledgeable service.

I was here to try their new Summer menu and there are some elements that were outstanding.

First up was the Artisan Sourdough breadbasket with extra virgin olive oil and English butter (£4.50) and a little treat of hummus and flatbreads.

STARTERS

The starters for me were all superb! This is Summer on a plate or several plates. Fresh, zingy and bright bursting with flavour and just begging to be eaten again.

Thai sticky beef & noodle salad (£9.50) - with rice noodles, crunchy vegetables, spring onions, red chilli, sesame and toasted peanuts. The sticky beef can be substituted with tofu.

Chicken karaage (£8.50) - buttermilk fried chicken thigh, roasted sesame and sriracha mayonnaise.

Buffalo mozzarella & tomato salad (£9.00) - Isle of Wight heritage tomatoes, pickled red chilli, pesto and basil. For vegetarians, the mozzarella can be replaced with feta cheese.

MAINS

A nice array of dishes, but for me some lacked seasoning and could easily have handled a heavy flavour injection.

Chez Mal katsu curry (£15) - crispy marinated chicken breast, curry sauce, sticky rice & pickled vegetable salad. Swop out the chicken for a Cauliflower steak for vegetarians.

Pan-fried hake picata (£15) - capers, Kalamata olives, parsley, cavolo nero & brioche

Summer green vegetable linguini (£14) - peas, broad beans, broccoli, mint & Pecorino Sardo. You can add in Tiger prawns for an additional £4 supplement.

A nice not overly fussy wine menu is available with knowledgeable staff on hand to guide you through what’s best suited with your meal or to pair your flavour profiles with a specific wine.

I chose the Riesling, Rag & Bone, Smalltown Vineyards, Eden Valley, Australia which was clean, fresh, floral, zesty and spritzy.

DESSERTS

Desserts most definitely pack a wow factor. Press that big golden buzzer for the the Pineapple Carpaccio (£6.50) with lime, chilli, mint syrup and coconut ice-cream. Sublime!

Fill your boots and every other wee space remaining after dinner with this big bold sundae. Strawberry Eton mess sundae (£6.50) - fresh strawberries, Chantilly cream, sorbet and meringue.

And if you are after a lighter, not overly sweet dessert try this - the Steamed lemon pudding (£6.50) - with blueberry compote and crème fraîche.

Overall, a wonderful menu served with super friendly staff in a gorgeous restaurant. My ideal order would be the Chicken Karaage, the Thai Sticky Beef Noodle Salad ordered as a main course with the Pineapple Carpaccio to finish.

Chez Mal has outdoor dining and is a glorious sun trap late afternoon, early evening. The tour buses will soon be moved on from St Andrews Square, giving Chez Mal diners lovely views across St Andrews Square.

If you fancy booking a table, quote ChezMalSummer in the promo box when making a dinner reservation for a complimentary glass of Prosecco. www.malmaison.com/locations/edinburgh-city/chez-mal-brasserie/dinner/

Check out my food video of Chez Mal on my IG account HERE

Chez Mal, Malmaison Edinburgh City, 21 St Andrews Square, Edinburgh, EH2 1 AY www.malmaison.com/locations/edinburgh-city/

My Spoon Award : Silver 8/10

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