Review: Wildfire, a steak and seafood bistro

Wildfire is easily one of my favourite places to get steak in Edinburgh. Given the number of excellent steak restaurants in the city, that is high praise.

Its location is a huge part of its charm. You will find Wildfire on Rose Street, putting it right in the heart of the city. The restaurant itself is a small, romantic, bijou-style spot that is absolutely date-worthy. It is perfect for making the most of a special weekend in the capital.

I cannot recommend this enough: book a table. I have never seen such a high percentage of hopeful walk-ins being politely turned away or asked to leave a number for a callback. If you want to eat here, book well in advance.

The Steak

The quality of the beef here is outstanding. Wildfire serves high-quality Aberdeen Angus, reportedly sourced from the same suppliers as some of the city’s most expensive hotels. You have your choice of cuts, from ribeye and fillet to sirloin and rump, all cooked to your liking from rare to (if you must) well-done.

A top tip: if you are cautious of a big lump of meat, or just fancy something different, try the fillet steak skewers. These are cubes of medium-cooked steak grilled with peppers and onions.

The steaks come with a choice of sides, from shoestring fries to Parmesan truffle fries. I would, however, recommend the hand-cut chunky chips every time.

More than just Steak

While steak is the star, the rest of the menu confidently plays a supporting role, with a strong Scottish theme.

If you want to dabble in Scottish food, the starters are a great place to begin. You will find classics like haggis, but my personal recommendation is the Cullen Skink. This creamy, smoked haddock chowder is a must-try.

For non-steak eaters, the main menu includes options like char-fried garlic chicken and a Fisherman’s pie. Of course, for the truly decadent, you can combine the best of both worlds with a surf ‘n’ turf.

The Scottish vibe continues right through to the dessert menu. Alongside a dessert of the day and other sweet treats, you will find a whisky, honey, and oatmeal ice cream. It is a perfect way to finish the meal.

Things to do in the City Centre

Wildfire on Rose Street places you perfectly in the New Town and just a short, scenic walk from the historic Old Town. This location makes it an ideal spot for a dinner planned around sightseeing or shopping.

You are moments away from the main shopping strips of Princes Street and George Street, as well as the modern St James Quarter. For something different, check out an independent Scottish boutique like Spoiled Brat for unique fashion and accessories.

For culture, the Scottish National Gallery and Princes Street Gardens are at one end of the street. If you are looking to book tours, activities, or get skip-the-line tickets for attractions, GetYourGuide UK covers countless Edinburgh experiences. For an evening out, the city’s best theatres are nearby; you can often find deals for shows on lastminute.com.

Transport is simple. You are close to tram stops that connect you directly to Edinburgh Airport. If you are driving, city centre parking can be a challenge, but pre-booking a space with a service like JustPark can save a lot of hassle.

Accommodation is plentiful, from major hotels to serviced apartments. For a home-from-home feel with a touch of luxury, Native Places offers upscale aparthotels in the city.

Overall

Wildfire walks that tightrope of being a bit fancy without being overpriced.

It achieves this by managing portion sizes carefully. You will not find huge heaps of chips or low-quality meat. Instead, you get just enough of the good stuff. I find it very hard not to have three courses while I am here.

This is a restaurant to bring a plus-one, impress a visitor, or simply treat yourself. It is not the place for a large, rowdy business dinner, but it is perfect for an intimate and impressive meal.

If you need a final seal of approval, the restaurant is now run by the team behind the excellent Cutting Chai in Leith. This new ownership should give you every confidence in the quality you will find at Wildfire.