Bruntsfield has become something of a gourmet hotspot recently, highlighted by the launch of Southside Scran, Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin’s fourth restaurant in Edinburgh.

Billed as an ‘exclusive neighbourhood bistro’, the restaurant is cosy and very smart, and in common with the chef’s background, it demonstrates both the nature to plate ethos of his cooking and his commitment to locally sourced ingredients.

I started with thinly sliced West Coast octopus carpaccio, a dish that was full of flavour, made all the better by the addition of salty capers and croutons, for added crunch and texture.

The pastry on my partner’s Borders game pithivier was wonderfully light yet hearty enough to fulfil any winter comfort food cravings, and the rich game jus was complimented perfectly by a seasonal quince puree.

My main course – Cajun-spiced North Sea monkfish tail – was as good as it sounded. The fish was cooked to perfection, meaty yet succulent, and the kick of chilli in the spices added interest. On the meat side of the menu, the Clash Farm pork belly beautifully tender, melting at the touch of a fork, while the richness was offset by the classic pairing of a tangy apple sauce. On the side, a French bean salad was served warm and given extra flavour by way of crunchy toasted hazelnuts.

The restaurant is very proud of its rotisserie, which is on full view to diners, but chicken isn’t the only thing given the roasting treatment. Our pudding, rotisserie pineapple with sweet and spiced rum caramel sauce, was fabulous. A perfect ending to a wonderful meal, made even better by truly excellent service throughout.

14- 17 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh