Taking a trip into The Rabbit Hole

Culinary wonderland

Marchmont locals will likely be familiar with this little venue that’s been tucked away on Roseneath Street for the past six years. But if you reside in another part of the city, it may have, so far, passed you by. Serving fixed-price lunch menus and a la carte dinners, alongside an ethical wine list, The Rabbit Hole is an excellent local choice.

A neighbourhood restaurant

Mo Boulay and Antonello Esposito are the power couple behind the restaurant, bringing two decades of experience – and a shared love of French cuisine – to the project. Both love to be in the kitchen, constructing fresh homemade style meals from scratch. As Mo was raised in the Canadian countryside and Antonello grew up in Sicily, the pair bring a range of international influences to the menu.

They and their two children live close by, adding authenticity to The Rabbit Hole’s Marchmont community credentials. And Edinburgh suppliers feature heavily in the ingredients with Eddie’s Seafood Market (another Roseneath resident) providing fish and crustaceans each morning and artisan cheeses purchased from the city’s I J Mellis.

Relaxed and romantic

Pass by of an evening and you’ll no doubt feel a sense of envy for those diners within, seated on banquettes in the comfy window booths and at candlelit tables in the snug. It’s bijou and inviting, far removed from city centre chains and conducive to a range of occasions, from a romantic dinner to a relaxed family lunch, or gathering of friends.

NYC vibe

In addition to the dining room seating, patrons can take a seat at the central curved bar, which was inspired by those typically found in New York’s eateries. The wine list features a range of bottles from small independent wine merchants operating in the city and vineyards that share the couple’s family-run ethos, with a commitment to sustainability (vegan vinos are available).

Available in three glass sizes and by the bottle, there’s a large choice of reds and whites, as well as rose, two sweet wines and several sparkling options; do try Maison Antech’s Blanquette de Limoux — it’s the oldest sparkling wine in the world, having originated in the 16th century, made by Benedictine monks.

Lunch

Dishes on the lunch menu may include the likes of hot smoked salmon pate to start; followed by a morteau sausage and lentil stew on a bed of mashed potatoes; a healthy plant-based salad made up of nutritious ingredients such as beetroot and roasted squash, pomegranate molasses and poppy seed dressing; or a steak tagliata served with rocket, organic Scottish east coast rape seed oil and DOP balsamic vinegar glaze. Enjoy two courses for £18 or three courses for £22.

Dinner

By night, the menu converts to an a la carte selection. Try a dish such as red mullet, calamari and couscous; grilled lamb neck, Greek style salad with oven roasted tomatoes, salsa verde, olives and feta; or a Comte souffle, double baked, curly endive, pear and candied walnuts as a starter.

Follow this up with a main like Scottish venison on a bed of celeriac purée finished with a bramble jus; pheasant with harissa, preserved lemons, garlic and thyme, chorizo and creamed cavolo nero; or grilled rabbit leg, served with Lyonnaise style salad and merguez, morteau sausages and black pudding, braised chicory, honey mustard dressing, topped with a crispy egg.

Complete your meal with something sweet, like a creme brulee, chocolate fondant, or lemon tart.

Private hire

If you’re arranging a small function or party, The Rabbit Hole is a delightful venue. The dining room has the capacity to host up to 35 guests and there is no room hire charge (provided a minimum spend is met). Catering for pre-dinner drinks receptions, as well as delicious group feasts, it’s a superb choice for a unique small wedding reception or memorable birthday party.

The Rabbit Hole is open for dinner on Tuesday evenings, hosting a great value steak night (two rib-eye steaks with Frites for £36), and for lunch and dinner from Wednesday through to Saturday. Book your table via the button below.