THE Seafood Ristorante has been serving up new courses by the Old Course in St Andrews for the last 20 years.
Having never got into the swing of the sport, making a pilgrimage to the home of golf doesn’t hold that same magical allure that it does for so many folk.
However seafood I do love, with Italian cuisine my favourite on the planet – so mixing them both really was an ace in the hole as far I’m concerned.
Over two decades this stylish glass cubed restaurant built right on the shore, has been offering stunning views over St Andrews Bay.
Next door is the R&A World of Golf Museum and further on is the world famous Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course itself.
But The Seafood Ristorante has become one of the historical town’s must-visit tourist attractions in its own right.
And no wonder, the fabulous location aside, it’s their incredible dishes that really do all the talking.
We were treated to a 20th Anniversary set menu created by Executive Chef Davy Aspin and his team.
It started with hand dived Orkney scallop – dubbed “white curry” – that instantly got the taste buds flowing.
Next up was Anstruther lobster ravioli served in a spiced seafood bisque, which was the perfect fusion between Scottish seafood and owner Stefano Pieraccini’s Italian heritage.
The main was steamed day boat halibut with Shetland mussels, young leaks and warm tartar butter sauce.
Let me just say I have never tasted any fish that was as melt-in-the-mouth as this slice of halibut heaven.
I have no idea how chef Davy and co managed it, but it is worth making a trip to the Fife coast to taste that alone.
Lastly there was the incredibly light Tiramisu with espresso ice cream, all enjoyed with the delish Calasole white Italian wine.
Although I have to confess, having arrived for dinner without eating lunch, I had rather been hoping for heartier looking portions.
However, after these surprisingly filling courses, I couldn’t have eaten a wafer thin mint in case I went the way of Mr Creosote – younger readers will need to look him up in Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life, although not recommended on a full stomach.
But as any restaurant goer knows, staff can also make or break your evening, and in The Seafood Ristorante you will receive nothing but the best of service, often from owner Stefan himself.
For after taking over the business from his folks, he never tires of banging the drum for Scotland and its natural produce.
He told me: “Scotland’s got the best larder selection in the world and we take fresh deliveries of fish every day – then guests eat that produce every single night.
“But my father was Italian, so it’s really important to keep that tradition for me. But all we do is just cook good food, that’s honest, and done really well.”
I can attest to that. So whatever brings you to St Andrews do yourself a favour and treat yourself with a meal at The Seafood Ristorante.
Their Icons menu is priced at £80 for two courses and £95 for three courses and the restaurant is listed on The Michelin Guide.
But please make sure you book in advance at theseafoodrestaurant.com
