I’d noticed Riverlife’s arrival on Dalry Road a couple of years back, but had never had occasion to give it a try. On a rainy and windswept Wednesday that situation changed.

I grew up in this neck of the woods, so I remember the place when it was a laundrette. Fortunately, things are now entirely transformed with an interior that reflects the French and Caribbean influences of the menu.

I made selections to reflect, starting with a seafood bisque then following with a goat curry. The place is BYO, which suited me fine on this occasion; I stuck to water.

The soup promptly arrived looking quite neat. It packed considerable depth of flavour and good fresh dill herbiness, but lacked a little of the expected sweetness. It was quite a pleasing opener, though.

The goat curry was very tasty, with good chunks of tender meat served in a warmly spiced sauce. The accompanying rice was good, but the carrots and red cabbage were a little incongrous.

So overall, I enjoyed Riverlife. It served me two dishes that were both interesting and quite tasty, even though they had aspects that didn’t quite work. It adds nicely to our rich and varied tapestry of Edinburgh restaurants. I imagine I’ll be back for another visit, at some stage.

Scores
Blythe scores Riverlife
3.5/5 for food
3.5/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
3.5/5 for service
giving an overall 14/20

I ate: seafood bisque; goat curry

I drank: water

I wore: www.tieclub.co.uk tie

Total bill: £20.70