The Location
It seems that the Sheraton Hotel in Edinburgh is trying to break out of the straightjacket of its international chain and adopt a contemporary and individual cosmopolitan style. In the summer of 2001, a purpose built spa complex called ONE was created to offer a range of quality beauty, fitness and health treatments based on ancient Japanese methods, as well as a luxurious swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a hydrotherapy pool - outside on the roof.
Designed by Sir Terry Farrell this is a fabulous translucent glass building, with interior furnishings in soft woods and mosaic walls and floors, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being, and designed to counteract the stress of modern city life. To reflect that philosophy, the new restaurant within the complex is Santini (telephone 0131 221 7788), serving the very best of Italian cuisine.
The Restaurant
First the ambience and decor: Spacious, cool, and relaxing with colours in ochre, cinnamon, ginger and cream. The bar area has comfy leather sofas, armchairs and stools surrounding the semi circular bar. The design continues the Spa theme with flagstone flooring and colourful mosaic walls, giving a sunny Mediterranean ambience.After a glass of ice-cold prosecco we are taken through to the restaurant, again beautifully designed with long white muslin curtains and white table cloths contrasting with the ochre and cinnamon coloured armchair seats. This is not your average cheap `n cheerful Italian pizza house. This is the ultimate in style and sophistication direct from Milan - literally.
The owner, Gino Santin, also has Santini restaurants in London and Milan. The young staff are dressed elegantly in Versace or Gucci and not only look good, they are charming and utterly professional.
The Food
Antipasti dishes feature some specialities such as char grilled baby cuttlefish, baked artichoke or melt in the mouth slices of smoked swordfish, served imaginatively with slices of ripe pear. Absolutely superb. The primi course offers an intriguing selection of fresh pasta dishes, such as tagliolini with fresh crab, linguine with aubergine and ricotta, or a delicate ravioli filled with pumpkin, beautifully arranged around the plate. The Italian feast moves on to the main course with a wide choice of classic fish dishes such as succulent scallops with langoustine or a grilled baby chicken with a spicy chilli sauce.Then conclude with a delicious pear poached in Barolo wine, or perhaps a cooling gelati to help the digestion process. Then back to the bar for an espresso and sit awhile before leaving this relaxing Mediterranean haven.
The Bill
Contact Santini for current menu and prices.Vivien Devlin
