It was nearly three years ago that we had the pleasure of reviewing The View Restaurant with its stunning views over the River Tay.
During that time the place has become a firm favourite with those from Fife, Dundee and further afield who enjoy good food.
It is still run by husband and wife team Steve and Karen Robertson who came back to Steve’s native Fife from Speyside where they ran the award-winning Glass House.
The warm, relaxed atmosphere is the same, but what has changed since the last time we reviewed it is the menu.
Three years ago instead of the familiar starter, main course and dessert format there was a range of starter-sized dishes from a tapas-style tasting menu which could be taken in any combination.
The menu now is along traditional lines with a good choice of starter, main and dessert dishes which are described as “modern Scottish”.
To start I had the East Neuk crab cakes with a fennel, green apple and pea salad and a lemon mayonnaise (£8.95).
What arrived was a beautifully presented and very decent portion of food. On the outside the crab cakes were pleasantly crunchy which worked well with the soft crabmeat inside. But the star of the dish was the salad which was fresh and sharp and provided the perfect balance to the cakes.
My partner went for the warm parmesan tart with red onion marmalade, rocket and balsamic dressing (£7.95). Again, another lovely plate to look at. But from the “oohs and ahhs” coming from across the table, it was clearly the flavours that impressed. The tart was delicately flavoured and the pastry literally – I mean literally – melted in the mouth.
For a main course I ordered Scrabster monkfish tails in lemon and black pepper batter with risotto, rocket, asparagus and a herb oil (£19.50). Attractive presentation on the plate once again and a good blend of crispy batter, firm fish and creamy risotto. One slight criticism would be that the strong batter overpowered the delicate taste of the monkfish.
For her main my partner chose Angus beef fillet, chestnut mushrooms, Arran mustard cream, curly kale, hand cut chips (£23.95). What arrived was a good plate with two decent sized pieces of meat. The steak was tender and cooked to perfection, and the mushrooms had a strong taste and worked well with the cream sauce. This was high class steak and chips at its best.
The last time we reviewed The View my partner had sticky toffee pudding for dessert and did so again (£6.50). It was of the same ridiculously indulgent high standard but this time came with “our own” ginger ice cream which was sharp and excellent.
I had warm Belgian dark chocolate tart with caramel and sea salt ice cream (£6.75). Crisp tart oozing thick chocolate and caramel set off by a very adult ice cream which was more sea salt than caramel and worked a treat.
When we reviewed The View we very much enjoyed the tapas menu.
Three years on the food, presented in more traditional style, is excellent and the same high standards of service and atmosphere have been maintained.
Rating: 39/50
Price: Main courses from £15.95