The Main Course, Gullane : A long standing Italian with heart and hearty plates
The Main Course sits right on the cusp of Gullane, East Lothian, as you roll in from the Edinburgh side, a familiar landmark for anyone who’s driven this stretch more times than they can count. It’s been part of the village fabric for years; one of those long‑standing, family‑friendly Italian restaurants that doesn’t fuss about with trends or theatrics. It knows what it is, and it leans into it.
The menu reads beautifully, especially the starters. On paper, they promise rustic Italian comfort with a Scottish coastal wink. In reality, they felt a touch more “bought‑in” than handmade. Not bad, just not quite delivering the spark the descriptions hinted at.
The goats’ cheese starter (breaded and deep fried goats cheese, rocket, pickled vegetables, red wine vinegar and cherry compote £11.95) was the stronger of the two: a well‑crumbed parcel with a warm, gently crumbling centre, perched on a bed of peppery rocket. The sour cherry compote was a lovely touch, adding a tart pop that kept each bite interesting. The Gamberoni prawns (sauteed king prawns in a marinara sauce with toasted bread £13.95) meanwhile, were perfectly serviceable, but they did have that unmistakable “previously frozen” texture that takes a little shine off the dish. Still tasty, still enjoyable, just not the fresh, sea‑kissed bite you might hope for this close to the coast.
Where the Mains Truly Shine
Where The Main Course truly earns its name is in the mains. The Venison Loin (seared venison loin, roasted butternut squash puree, salt baked beetroot and red wine jus £26.95) was a standout: a plate full of colour, warmth and confidence. The venison was cooked beautifully, tender, flavourful, and paired with earthy beetroot that made the whole dish feel grounded and seasonal. The butternut squash puree was a creamy delight adding that lovely pop of sweetness to the dish. A real pleasure.
The Bolognese (tagliatelle with homemade traditional minced meat ragu £15.95) was exactly what you want from a neighbourhood Italian: a generous mound of tagliatelle with a rich ragu clinging lovingly to every ribbon. Comfort in a bowl. The sides were a mixed bag, the green beans (with toasted almonds, parmesan shavings and raspberry reduction £5.50) were spot on with a good bite, but the rocket, pear and blue cheese salad (with toasted hazelnuts and cherry glaze £5.95), while flavourful, leaned a little mushy and lost some of its freshness along the way.
Sides Service and Small Details
The layout feels a touch mismatched in places, giving the room a gentle eclectic feel, and the décor could do with a little refresh to bring cohesion and warmth back into the space. Menus were a bit grubby and could have done with a wipe - small details, but they matter, especially in a place with such a long-standing local presence.
Service is friendly and assured, delivered by staff who know their space and their guests with easy confidence.
There’s heart here, and history, and a clear love for feeding families well. The place is busy for a Wednesday night with a mix of couples, groups of friends and families. Most definitely a popular spot on this East Lothian coastline.
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE MAIN COURSE GULLANE
They cater for vegetarians, vegans and gluten free
They are open for lunch and dinner
Disabled friendly with room for wheelchairs
They are not dog friendly
Free on street parking
The Main Course, 40 Main Street, Gullane, East Lothian, EH31 2AL www.themaincoursegullane.co.uk
My Spoon Award : Silver Spoon 8/10 (service, food and ambience are very good)
I was invited by The Main Course to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk
