Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh Old Town, Mono is an elegant fine dining room and wine bar offering both tasting menus and a la carte formats. Mono has won the hearts of casual diners and critics alike thanks to its focus on simplicity and quality of produce from both Italy and Scotland. Natural wood interiors set the scene without distracting from the main event, while the welcoming team ferry delicious plates through the restaurant. Private dining is also on offer here, for those who want the most intimate setting possible in which to enjoy what Mono has to offer.
Start off with a classic Italian antipasti selection, including grilled and marinated vegetables, cured meats and cheeses as well as homemade bread. From there, the capesante is a must (west coast scallop with a parsley crumb, black garlic mayo, caviar and sun-dried tomato mousse). Other starters include calvados apples with smoked rare breed ham hock, black cherry reduction and 'sale e pepe' pork crackling.
The primi here celebrate simplicity even further, with entries like carbonara (although here featuring artichoke). Tagliatelle with mountain ragu is a must for meat-eaters, featuring silky ribbons of pasta and organic Peelham Farm mutton, while seafood lovers should opt for the Scottish langoustine risotto with candied lemon zest.
Mains are heartier still, featuring steak of the day from MacDuff Butcher's or David Lowrie catch of the day, each served with the appropriate trimmings. Veggies, meanwhile, can enjoy radicchio with capers, raisins, pine nuts and olive paste, served with an enoki mushrooms consomme.
The tasting menus feature similar fare, highlighting the best of each course along with some more elegant additions from the chef and optional wine pairings. There are both five- and seven-course tasting menus here, each with a vegetarian analogue. A selection of artisanal cheeses can also be added to the meal, with its own optional wine pairing.