REVIEW : Damm 27, Edinburgh

It’s lovely to walk into a new restaurant/bar and it’s already busy. It’s already a hit in the neighbourhood – all the cool kids hang out there but it also emanates a cool confidence that’s neither big headed nor arrogant, just a sense of it knows what it is and it knows how to deliver it.

I’m talking about Damm27, the latest bar/bistro to open in Newington, Edinburgh.

They’ve transformed the old man boozer into a very modern, sleek, funky, contemporary space; stripping back and exposing bare walls then covering them in gold leaf ghostwriting; installing beautiful new tiled floors and mixing up the seating with high tables and chairs and booth, banquette and freestanding seating too.

Speaking to Andy McCartney, the owner, whilst he took us through the menu, I asked why is it called Damm27? The reason is that he wanted the name to reflect the very European menu that they have on offer and ‘Damm’ felt like the right word. They are based at 27 Causewayside and so Damm27 was born.

We had to start off with olives, smoked almonds and a beer. They do however have some fabulous cocktails but that’s for another visit.

The menu will take you all over Europe from France with Coq Au Vin Blanc and Ham Hock and Gruyere Croquettes to Austria with Chicken Schnitzel to Spain and Andalucian Mussel Pots.

The menu all sounds mouthwatering, so we decided to let Andy lead the way. First up, Bouillabaisse served with rustic bread, rouille and gruyere.

Wow for under £10 this is a steal. A delightful heavy base steel pot delivers an abundance of fruits of the sea. This wee pot is jammed packed full to the brimm of prawns, calamari, mussels, thick chunks of fish and a superb deep, rich, umami bisque.

I really wanted chicken and couldn’t resist the sound of the The Kaiser Burger – Chicken Schnitzel with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and pickle served with a side of fries.

Some serious stacking happening here that will fill even the hungriest of guests. Chicken Schnitzel was crispy perfection with succulent well seasoned chunky chicken breasts in the middle. Sauerkraut and the pickle added the crunch and the tang.

I’d like to say that this was the only reason I came here but I’m going to say it’s one of the many reasons to go back. Eat this Bone Marrow Mac n Cheese and you will hear the mac n cheese angels sing!

It’s got the pasta which is al dente and smothered in cheese sauce. It’s got the cheese and the cheese strings to rival any cheese string. It’s got the x factor with the sumptuous beef stock from the bone marrow. Throw these all together in one dish – Mac n Cheese Heaven (it does exist at Damm27)

At this point we were bursting at the seams and totally gutted that we couldn’t eat our way through the menu. All the desserts hit my dessert button and if I had had to choose, I’d still be sitting there or would have had to order them all.

What would you choose? Crème brûlée cheesecake with candied orange (V) OR the Sticky toffee pear pudding with pistachio ice cream (V) OR the Champagne sorbet with rhubarb sherbet and gin gel (V/GF). Difficult isn’t it?

I really think I need to go back. Soon and possibly again and again and again.

I highly recommend Damm27. Please do give it a try, I promise you will not be disappointed!

Damm27, 27 Causewayside, Edinburgh, EH9 1QF.

Tel : 0131 6676693 www.damm27.com

My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10

I was invited by Damm27 to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own