Saturday lunch at The Pompadour by Galvin is an indulgent treat.
At the start of the year, The Pompadour by Galvin started to offer Saturday lunch. They invited the 5pm Dining blog along to try the menu.
An Edinburgh institution that first opened in 1925, The Pompadour by Galvin is the flagship restaurant in The Caledonian, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
The restaurant takes its name from the celebrated Madame de Pompadour, the favourite mistress of King Louis XV of France.
Madame de Pompadour was installed in the magnificent Palace at Versailles and the extravagant, listed interior décor of The Pompadour was commissioned to reflect the opulence of the French royal court.
Best views in Edinburgh
The listed interior is not the only appealing feature of the room.
The restaurant has long enjoyed the reputation of having the best views in Edinburgh. The panoramic arched windows have impressive sight lines down Princes Street and across to Edinburgh Castle.
It certainly has a wow factor. And, as you might imagine, the staff are as smooth and polished as the surroundings.
With three AA Rosettes to its name, the restaurant is led by the Michelin-starred brothers Jeff and Chris Galvin. Acclaimed chef Fraser Allan is the Executive Chef charged with overseeing the brothers’ vision.
The best Scottish produce and the innovative use of classic French technique are what drives the kitchen. You can read our thoughts on lunch below.
If you want to try The Pompadour by Galvin then you can, of course book in via 5pm.
We are currently running a Big Deal whereby two people can enjoy a five course tasting menu with paired wines for £125.
Saturday lunch at The Pompadour by Galvin
This was clever. The pickled cabbage had a fresh acidity that went well with the slightly sweet, gelatinous pork. There was a little chilli in there for zing while the dashi gave it a delicate savoury flavour. The crackling somehow managed to be crisp and enjoyably chewy – like the world’s poshest porkie scratching.
Like the pork dish, this starter was all about taking simple ingredients and polishing them until they shine. Earthy butterbeans, subtle saffron and vegetal sea herbs all enhanced the flavour of the super soft squid.
The weather was awful when we visited the Pomp. This dish was the perfect antidote to the wind and rain. The venison was juicy, tender and deeply flavoured. Red cabbage and a fruity jus added ripe notes. The crunchy calcot – a sort of giant spring onion – hinted at warmer months to come.
The chicken was from St Brides Free Range Poultry Farm and it was a powerful reminder of just what real chicken tastes like. The olive oil panisse – think polenta made with chick peas – was light and fluffy while the Nicoise sauce introduced a concentrated black olive punch to the dish.
Like chocolate? You will love this. Not sure we need to say any more.
Tarte Tatin is among this blogger’s favourite desserts and this one was a satisfyingly chunky version. The crusty pastry had bite as well as crispness and the sticky caramel paired beautifully with the ever so slightly bitter flavour of the apple.
Want to make your Saturday afternoon special? Book in for Saturday lunch at The Pompadour by Galvin and let them spoil you.