Exterior
They’d been open for less than a week, so it wasn’t too surprising to find things a little quiet. The interior has been smartly refreshed. It has an upscale bistro feel to it.
Soup
Rather wonderfully, the background music was a selection of Ronan Keating classics played in the elevator style. As a keen karaoke participant, I was tempted to add my vocal stylings, but just about managed to restrain myself.
They’re still ironing some kinks out with the service, but things were handled in very friendly style by the helpful waiter.
Interior
Their menu blends Italian classics with Scottish favourites. Pasta and pizza sit next to burgers, oatcakes, local meat and seafood, and haggis. It will be enlightening to see where their strengths lie, over time, but for now it looks an interesting mix. I chose their soup of the day, potato and lentil, then followed with a gorgonzola and mushroom topped pizza.
The soup was simply presented, and proved to be an accomplished dish, packing in lots of flavour. The accompanying white bloomer was soft and fresh, but not the best mopper-upperer I’ve ever come across.
Pizza
The pizza was good, too. The tomato sauce was nicely fruity, and the base was soft and light, making it ideal for the fold-and-shove-faceward method. As an introductory offer, their pizzas are half price, making this a most enjoyable way to spend £2.97.
So overall, I enjoyed my visit to Papavero. With a menu that seeks to blend styles, it’s even harder than usual to give a rounded assessment in just one visit, but the place is starting from a good level of quality. Things are very reasonably priced and the breadth of choice is likely to please. I look forward to seeing how things develop, as I think it has an opportunity to become a real New Town favourite.
Scores
Blythe scores Papavero
3.5/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
4/5 for setting
3.5/5 for service
giving an overall 14/20
I ate: potato and lentil soup; gorgonzola and mushroom pizza
I drank: water
I wore: wet brogues
Total bill: £6.92
