BOOK IT! 0131 3888 000 www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ediwh-w-edinburgh amenities and rainfall showers elevated the experience – the overall feel is contemporary without sacrificing comfort. DINNER ABOVE THE SKYLINE One of the hotel’s biggest draws and undoubtedly one of the highlights of our stay was dinner at SUSHISAMBA. Instantly generating the wow factor with the focal blossom tree and circle bar at its entrance; perched high above the city, the restaurant offers some of the most dramatic dining views in Edinburgh – by night, the twinkling city lights create an unforgettable and romantic backdrop. To fully immerse ourselves in the experience, we opted for the chef-curated Taste of Samba Signature Menu (£75 per person), a carefully crafted tasting journey showcasing some of the restaurant’s most celebrated dishes. The evening began with a cocktail – of course – and a selection of small plates designed for sharing, including edamame, crisp plantain chips served with aji amarillo, and grilled Padrón peppers brightened with lime and sea salt. These were followed by a succession of beautifully presented signature dishes, each bringing a different layer of flavour and texture. The crispy yellowtail taquitos were an immediate standout, combining delicate fish with avocado and roasted corn miso, while the salt and pepper squid delivered the perfect balance of spice, crunch and umami. The sea bass tiradito, paired with charred mango, passion fruit and ginger, was wonderfully fresh and vibrant, showcasing the restaurant’s Peruvian influences. From the sushi selection, the Neo Tokyo roll offered a delicious combination of tuna, tempura flakes and spicy mayo, while the chef’s assortment of nigiri provided an elegant showcase of expertly prepared seafood. The robata-grilled dishes brought a richer depth to the meal. The lamb chop with red miso and lime was beautifully cooked and packed with flavour, while the pork belly anticuchos with butterscotch miso delivered a perfect balance of sweetness and savoury richness. A side of grilled tenderstem broccoli provided a welcome freshness alongside the more indulgent courses. Dessert arrived in the form of a decadent chocolate banana cake, served with maple butter, crisp plantain chips and vanilla rum ice cream – a fitting finale! For guests staying at W Edinburgh, the Taste of Samba menu offers an excellent introduction to SUSHISAMBA’s distinctive culinary style and is a wonderful way to elevate a luxury citybreak experience for a memorable occassion. COCKTAILS AT JOAO’S PLACE For a post-dinner drink, we ventured upstairs to Joao’s Place, the hotel’s intimate speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar. Hidden away on the 11th floor, the venue feels like discovering a secret members-only club with a warm welcome. Showcasing live music acts alongside carefully selected furnishings and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a beautiful contrast with the energy of the restaurant below to while away a couple of hours. The cocktail menu is inventive and internationally inspired, the mixologist guided us through the menu and its history. It’s easy to understand why this has quickly become one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after cocktail destinations – you have to check out the terrace views! BREAKFAST WITH A VIEW Breakfast was served with the same spectacular backdrop that had made dinner so memorable the previous evening. Watching Edinburgh wake beneath us while enjoying a leisurely breakfast, was the perfect way to end a memorable weekend before checking out. We spent time exploring the rooftop W Deck, where uninterrupted 360-degree views stretch across the Old Town, New Town, Calton Hill and beyond, where we enjoyed one final flat white before the journey home! REVIEW 97
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