Rhubarb at Prestonfield: Opulent Fine Dining in Historic Edinburgh

4.7 (334)

Experience sumptuous fine dining in historic Prestonfield House with exceptional Scottish cuisine and a dramatic Regency setting.

Rhubarb is an elegant fine dining restaurant set within the lavish Prestonfield House in Edinburgh. Known for its rich, dramatic Regency interiors and exceptional Scottish produce, it offers a refined culinary experience with dishes like hand-dived scallops and roast Gressingham duck. The restaurant is famed for its attentive service, award-winning wine list, and a menu that celebrates the heritage of rhubarb, first cultivated on the estate in the 18th century.

A brief summary to Rhubarb

Priestfield Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 5UT, GB
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Luxury
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 12 pm-10 pm
Tuesday 12 pm-10 pm
Wednesday 12 pm-10 pm
Thursday 12 pm-10 pm
Friday 12 pm-10 pm
Saturday 12 pm-10 pm
Sunday 12 pm-10 pm

Local tips

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant’s popularity, especially for special occasions and weekends.
Dress code is smart casual, matching the elegant and opulent surroundings.
Try the rhubarb-themed desserts to experience the estate’s historic connection to this unique ingredient.
Consider the fixed-price menus for a curated tasting experience that balances variety and value.

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Getting There

Bus

Take Lothian Buses routes 14 or 16 from Edinburgh city center to Prestonfield Road; journey time is approximately 25-30 minutes. Buses run frequently every 10-15 minutes. The stop is a short walk from the restaurant. Tickets cost around £2.00–£2.50 one way.
Taxi

A taxi from Edinburgh city center to Rhubarb at Prestonfield takes about 15 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay roughly £10–£15. Taxis are readily available throughout the city and provide direct access to the restaurant entrance.
Car

Driving to Prestonfield House is straightforward with parking available onsite for guests. Travel time from the city center is about 15 minutes. Note that parking may be limited during busy events, so booking in advance is advisable. Parking is free for restaurant patrons.
Walking

For those staying nearby, a 30-40 minute walk through scenic residential areas and parkland leads to Prestonfield. The terrain is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for most walkers.

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Discover more about Rhubarb

Historic Grandeur and Lavish Setting

Rhubarb is housed within Prestonfield House, a sumptuous 17th-century estate located in Edinburgh’s Priestfield area. The restaurant occupies two beautifully proportioned oval Regency rooms, richly decorated in a style described as “Jacobean-meets-Gaultier,” blending historic grandeur with theatrical opulence. The lavish interiors, candlelit tables, and views over the impeccably tended gardens create an atmosphere that is both romantic and dramatic, making it a memorable venue for special occasions.

Culinary Excellence Rooted in Scottish Tradition

The kitchen at Rhubarb focuses on contemporary fine dining using exceptional Scottish produce sourced from local artisan suppliers. Signature dishes include hand-dived scallops with cauliflower purée, lovage, chorizo, and apple dressing, as well as roast Gressingham duck breast paired with seared foie gras and confit cherries. The restaurant’s name reflects its historic connection to rhubarb, which was first introduced to Scotland at Prestonfield in the 1760s and continues to feature regularly on the menu, especially in desserts.

Service and Dining Experience

Rhubarb is renowned for its attentive and friendly service, often praised for matching the quality of its surroundings. The dining experience is enhanced by a well-curated wine list from an award-winning cellar, designed to complement the rich flavors of the menu. The restaurant has earned two AA Rosettes, a testament to its high culinary standards, and offers various dining options including à la carte, fixed-price menus, and an acclaimed afternoon tea.

Atmosphere and Ambience

The restaurant’s ambiance is elegant and intimate, with candlelit dining rooms that exude warmth and luxury. Guests often enjoy the theatrical and somewhat whimsical decor, which includes historic touches and a lavish, almost rococo style. The setting is ideal for romantic dinners, celebrations, or those seeking a memorable fine dining experience in Edinburgh’s countryside just minutes from the city center.

Signature Dishes and Menu Highlights

Rhubarb’s menu is diverse yet focused on quality and creativity. Starters such as the pork and black pudding croquette with burnt apple purée and garden pea panna cotta showcase inventive flavor combinations. Main courses highlight seasonal Scottish game and seafood, with accompaniments like mustard mash and red cabbage purée enhancing the dishes. Desserts often feature rhubarb in creative forms, such as poached rhubarb with vanilla brioche and hibiscus custard, celebrating the estate’s historic crop.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Beyond its culinary offerings, Rhubarb connects diners to the rich agricultural heritage of Prestonfield, where rhubarb was first propagated in Scotland. This historic link enriches the dining experience, blending tradition with modern gastronomy. The restaurant is part of James Thomson’s portfolio, known for iconic Edinburgh venues like The Witchery by the Castle, and continues to uphold a reputation for opulence and fine dining excellence.