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The food was excellent as always, but the service was terrible. It was not what we have experienced in the past but has put us off returning.
David McGill - dined in restaurant 11/03/2023
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Attended here with friends for a catchup. Table booked for 18:45, one of the party arrived before others and ordered a lager. Still waiting 25 minutes later, then when it arrived it was not what he ordered. Sent back and waited another 20 mins for a replacement. Bar is apparently busy! Meanwhile, another waitress arrived and we stated we had booked under 5pm deal, so she had to get a different menu which took about 20 mins to arrive. We ordered wine which arrived quite quickly (so bar must have been quiet at this time!). Food was ordered after another wait, starters arrived reasonably in time. Mains then again arrived in reasonable time. 3 of the party had ordered desserts but by this time it was 21:30! These arrived and we also asked for the bill as people had to leave by 22:00. Food was excellent and 1 waitress seemed to be 'on the ball', but others were not attentive. We all agreed that we wouldn't go back due to terrible service, especially as the restaurant was not too busy.
Neil Macdonald - dined in restaurant 26/10/2023
Based at the landmark St. Andrew Square, Chez Mal Edinburgh City serves up French-inspired cuisine within Malmaison hotel. The interior is sumptuous, with banquette seating in deep teal velvet, design-led lighting and hanging greenery.
Despite the voguish vibe, the brasserie setting means that it’s all very relaxed too. This means that you can make a beeline here for a casual meal, special occasion dinner or leisurely Sunday lunch.
The menus are neatly balanced between classic brasserie dishes and contemporary international choices, with a definite French flourish. Curated by Executive Chef John Woodward, the aim is to transform food into art and truly showcase each season.
Sample mains include the comforting braised beef short rib cottage pie with Guinness or, for curry lovers, the Murgh makhani butter chicken. Fans of ocean cuisine can tuck into dishes like roast cod in tomato & kale broth, while the squash & red onion tagine would make a tasty choice for veggies.
There is also a grill section serving up Chez Mal exclusive grain fed 28-day aged
beef. Choices include Black Angus fillet, ribeye and rump. Beef and veggie burgers are also available. The set price Sunday lunch, featuring both brunch and roasts, is a truly epic affair.
Chez Mal Edinburgh City is in New Town, a stroll away from Edinburgh Waverley station. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Assembly Rooms and Stand Comedy Club are all very nearby. John Lewis is also close, so you could lunch here after a shopping spree. If you’re driving then you can find pay parking at Q Park Omni, a brisk 10-minute walk away.