Top 10 in Scotland!

OUR CHOICE ESTABLISHMENTS, by Press & Journal

08:50 - 29 December 2007

Every Saturday, Your Life showcases the very best in the Scottish restaurant scene.

Our undercover team of expert food reviewers search out gems the length and breadth of Scotland to bring you a slice of what's on offer.

Eating out is a big part of Scottish life. We all have our preferences, whether it's top-notch a la carte or good old-fashioned country fare.

This year, we have visited - anonymously, so as not to receive special treatment - everywhere from a pub-grub place in Aberdeen and a Tandoori in Turriff to a Michelin-starred brasserie in Edinburgh and an exotic newcomer in Inverness. Every Saturday, we will continue to tantalise your taste buds with our judges' cogitations. Look out for new and exciting places to eat across Scotland reviewed to our high criteria to ensure that you know what to expect when you get there.

Since it's Christmas - and nearly Hogmanay - we have taken the opportunity to celebrate the very best restaurants of 2007 - that is, the ones which scored highest in our critics' opinions.

These are the restaurants, restaurateurs and chefs which are leading the way in terms of quality of food, menu choice, value for money, surroundings, service and, of course, location. All the ingredients for a perfect dinner, in fact.

Last week, we sang the praises of Thai Lemongrass, Glasgow; Harbour Restaurant, Gardenstown; Hadrian's, The Balmoral, Edinburgh; The County Hotel, Banff, and Doll's House Restaurant, St Andrews. They all scored 28.

This week, we bring you another five. Please give a big hand to ...

Patio Hotel, Beach Boulevard, Aberdeen. Score: 28

Of this restaurant, our reviewer's comments included: "There were more than 100 people sitting down to eat, but it did not feel crammed and neither did the service suffer.

"The starters arrived, and what a way to begin the meal. The teriyaki beef strips were displayed in a star shape and were going down a treat. When I asked my wife if she was enjoying it, she simply replied, 'I can't describe it, it's just wonderful'."

Jewel in the Crown, 145 Crown Street, Aberdeen. Score: 27

"The warm and buzzy atmosphere of people enjoying the food and the company drew us in like moths to a flickering Indian flame.

"The chefs employ traditional cooking methods, but the skill they use in blending the traditional spices into a unique combination of tastes is evident in the flavours they can conjure up."

Rococo, 202 West George Street, Glasgow. Score: 27

"With a kitchen led by head chef Mark Tamburrini, the place has a reputation for good food in stylish surroundings at reasonable prices. Within moments of arriving, we could see why.

"After a delightful king prawn amuse bouche, I chose a Scottish smoked salmon papillote for my starter, which was served with lemon creme fraiche, poached langoustine and a caviar and chive dressing.

"Beautifully presented, the sharp combination of flavours bounced around the plate in a pleasingly frisky fashion."

Casa Gabriele, 4 Bridge Street, Aberdeen. Score: 27

"Pride of place went to large and colourful flower displays on the walls. We learned that their creator was none other than Gabriele himself, the man whose name sits above the door and who plays a major behind-the-scenes role in the kitchen. If he was equally creative with the food, we were in for a treat, we thought.

"The presentation was excellent, with generous portions of fish, prawns and mussels. The sauce was so richly delicious that it was worth dying for."

Lovat Arms Hotel, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus. Score: 27

"While the website may be uber-modern, I was delighted to find that the family-run Victorian hotel is not and retains much of its original charm and character.

"The lamb, tender and beautifully pink on the inside, was served with clapshot, Lochaber haggis, roast cherry tomatoes and a rosemary and malt whisky jus. A feast for the eyes and taste buds alike, it looked every inch an award-winner.

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