I don't spend enough time giving feedback on many of our local restaurants and have made it a bit of a mission to do so this year. Jack O'Bryans is a family run, u pretentious fine dining restaurant in the heart of Dunfermline. Google asks reviewers to rate restaurants on three criteria, food service and atmosphere, so here goes, although not in that order!
Atmosphere:
Small but not cramped it has an excellent atmosphere. On this visit we were given a table in the window at the front of the restaurant, it felt cosy and inviting and was very comfortable. When busier there is a great buzz, music is controlled to given ambience, not create a shouting match. Perfect.
Food:
We went to celebrate my daughter's 30th birthday. We were a party of five. Starters chosen included the Summer BBQ "Picanha steak", scallops, buffalo mozzarella salad and, Iberian Black pig Char Sui. I sampled all of these, all were delicious with the Summer BBQ being the standout dish. For mains the party chose monkfish, Picanha steaks (times 3),and BBQ Maple chicken, again I sampled all and, again, everything was delicious. The monkfish, for me, is impossible to go past. Sides of truffle chips, rooster chips, tempura broccoli and roasted sweetcorn accompanied our meal.
Desserts included sticky toffee pudding, burnt Basque cheesecake, grilled pineapple, chocolate and white port and a cheese selection, I didn't get to try anything other than the cheese as there was much oohing and aaahing of delight going on, no sharing this time.
We drank a couple of expertly crafted cocktails, The Quickening shiraz from the well thought out wine list and some dessert wines and port with puddings, all were excellent. Portions are appropriate meaning three courses are manageable, just.
Service:
This is where you see this is a family owned restaurant, service is polite, friendly, attentive and relaxed. Our visit was unhurried as it was quite, however, I cannot say I have ever felt pressure to leave if a table is required to be turned around then you still have ample time to enjoy your visit. During the meal there was just the right amount of intervention to ensure we were all enjoying our food, even better, no pressure to drink more, or upselling went on, really a pure pleasure overall.
Things you aren't asked to review:
The restaurant is fairly easy to access with only a small step up into the restaurant, the rest is on the level. The premises are spotless and well maintained, stone walls at great atmosphere and the rear wall just makes you want to touch it (you have to experience it for yourself). Toilets are immaculate.
Disclaimer: my wife and I have been a few times since we moved to Dunfermline, it is a restaurant for a treat, our only problem with Jack O'Bryan's is that we seek out reasons to treat ourselves probably a little more than we should. What this does give me the insight to be able to say is that the quality of food, service and atmosphere is not a one off, we get this consistently, it is why we keep coming back. Keep it up!
Other useful points: the menus change seasonally so best to check on the website to ensure you will be able to enjoy your choice. Booking is highly recommended, essential if you want a table at the weekend.
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