Tucked away in the basement of 3A1 Dundas Street in Edinburgh's elegant New Town, Under the Table is a modern European bistro that serves seasonal dishes and a curated wine list. This stylish subterranean spot is the sister restaurant to the acclaimed upstairs tasting menu venue, The Table, created by head chef Sean Clark and business partner Paul O'Donoghue with backing from an unlikely supporter – Marvel director Joe Russo, who fell in love with their culinary vision.
Step down into Under the Table and you'll discover a warm, light, and elegant dining room that feels like the front room of someone with an interior designer on speed dial. The interiors, crafted by Fiona Denholm, offer a chic combination of natural materials and luxury finishes, with painted white brick walls, large windows, and leather banquets.
The restaurant offers two dining experiences. It serves a well-priced 'prix fixe' lunch menu from Thursday to Sunday, and an a la carte offering Wednesday to Saturday for dinner.
The a la carte menu showcases delicious European-inspired dishes that are simple, seasonal, and well executed. Starters might include smoked mackerel mousse with capers, pickles and toast, or cullen skink with panko fried mussels. For main course, think coq au vin with fondant potato, and pappardelle with a red wine and tomato sauce, and a pangrattato crumb. Desserts keep things classic, with the likes of tarte tatin, and vanilla rice pudding with berry compote.
To pair alongside, the carefully curated European-focused wine list is overseen by Paul O'Donoghue, and features a selection of interesting, ever-changing bottles.
With its combination of exceptional cuisine, elegant setting, and that special underground charm, Under the Table proves that sometimes the best discoveries are found beneath the surface.