SETTING Nestled between the main drags of Minto Street and Causewayside, Hellers Kitchen is perfectly placed for a lazy brunch after a walk round the Meadows, or an elegant dinner date outwith the city centre. The friendly staff make it a great venue if you’re dining with children (there’s also a dedicated menu for your little darlings), and the leather tub seats and purple highlights are welcoming during the day and intimate at night. And, if you don’t have time for a leisurely lunch, the extensive takeaway menu allows you to sample Hellers at your desk.

FOOD Hellers Kitchen is the newest venture from husband and wife team Richard and Michelle Heller, who also own the very successful New Bell in Causewayside. Open from morning until night, it offers hearty breakfast and brunch classics, light lunches and elegant dinners - we visited during a busy weekday lunchtime, and our fellow diners were a mix of office workers, young families and elegant ladies who lunch.

The large menu is modern and varied, with a definite lean towards showing off quality Scottish ingredients. Though the stone baked pizzas and substantial sandwiches looked inviting, we choose from the huge specials board, which changes on a daily basis. The Monkfish wrapped in prosciutto is a hit - the moist, sweet fish perfectly balanced by the salty ham – a light but filling dish. The Borders lamb is cooked to perfection and comes on a bed of hearty puy lentils, making for a hearty lunch.

Desserts are equally mouth-watering and again the specials board catches our eyes – the homemade apple and cinnamon doughnut is topped with a fresh apple sorbet, while the mascarpone cheesecake has a moreish crumbly base, and a rich chocolate laced topping. Well made cappuccinos are a fantastic end to our meal, and we plan to come back for dinner to try the delicious sounding chargrilled steaks and the extensive wine list.