Restaurant review: The Pompadour, within the Caledonian Hilton Hotel, Princes Street,

Tucked away on the first floor of the Caledonian Hilton Hotel on Princes Street, the Pompadour has been serving the public since 1925, offering Scottish cuisine with a French twist.

For most people, the appeal of the restaurant is its grandeur, its beautiful arched windows offering direct views on to Princes Street below and Edinburgh Castle in all its glory.

The menu is as you would expect, of a high standard and not cheap, changing on a monthly basis under the control of executive chef Spencer Wilson.

Starters range from £6.95 to £10.50, offering the likes of roasted pigeon with mushroom tortellini; tian of fresh crab and smoked salmon; and vanilla-infused pumpkin soup. Main dishes start around the £16 mark, ranging to around £29.50, with such offerings as vegetarian open lasagne of braised leek and red chard; roast rump of Perthshire lamb; and seared halibut with a fricasee of artichoke.

Something that Scots and French cultures share is a love of desserts and in The Pompadour’s case the proof is certainly in the pudding, with sweet treats such as warm chocolate pudding, peanut butter parfait and rhubarb cheesecake, each priced at £7.50.

For those looking to try a bit of everything, The Pompadour offers a five- course tasting menu for £55 per person, the ideal way to treat someone special.

The Pompadour, within the Caledonian Hilton Hotel, Princes Street, www.caledonianhiltonedinburgh.co.uk, 0131-222 8858