Amber by Dean Banks, a new Mediterranean restaurant from award-winning chef Dean Banks, opened on August 5 in St Andrews, taking over the former Brewdog pub site.
Location and concept
Located at 159 South Street, the restaurant underwent five weeks of renovation. It aims to offer "good food, good wine and good people," inspired by Banks' travels across the Mediterranean.
Before opening, Banks asked followers on social media for decoration ideas to make the space feel "like everyone's place to be."
Menu and design
The menu features simple dishes inspired by Greece, Portugal, Italy, and the South of France, including mezze, bar bites, seafood, pasta, and rice. Highlights include grilled halloumi, lemon baked cod, Amber Greek salad, marinated olives, focaccia, patatas bravas, and grilled octopus. Cocktails include an aperol spritz, limoncella spritz, and a non-alcoholic option.
The design blends styles and patterns to create "a warm, inviting space" with "laidback vibes."
Opening reception
Dean Banks cut the ribbon with his son Felix. Social media comments praised the restaurant, with one saying "The food was bloody brilliant last night!" and another calling it "absolutely gorgeous, so cosy and inviting."
Other openings in Scotland
Aberdeen is also set to welcome new restaurants. 'Mezzo', a Mediterranean-style spot, will open in October at the former Chopstix Noodle Bar on 155 Union Street, launched by the team behind 'Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish'. It will feature a fresh pasta bar and deli on the ground floor, with small sharing plates upstairs.
Additionally, signs for 'Allegro', a "vibrant" new bar, have appeared at 150 Union Street, a former bank. Founders Abi Williams and Temi Banjoko said it will "reflect Aberdeen's people, culture and rhythm."
