Chez Jules Bistro
This friendly and casual bistro in New Town serves up French classics like coq au vin and escargots, as well as fun, modern delights such as the ‘macaroni cheese with ‘un twist’. Accompany your meal with a French wine from the extensive wine list, or stay true to Scottish roots with a Caledonian ale.
Address & telephone number: Chez Jules Bistro, 109 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, +44 131 226 6992
La Garrigue
With rustic, country cooking inspired by owner Jean Michel Gauffre’s home of the Languedoc region in Southern France, this charming restaurant claims the title of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s favorite French bistro and offers views through the windows of Calton Hill.
Address & telephone number: La Garrigue, 31 Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, +44 131 557 3032
Café Marlayne, Antigua Street
This contemporary and cool restaurant incorporates a café and a bistro. At the front of the space is the coffee shop, featuring comfortable seating, and further back is the dining room. Come by for a unique and French-inspired breakfast, lunch, pre-theater dinner, or late dinner, as well as takeaway sandwiches or coffee.
Address & telephone number: Café Marlayne,13 Antigua Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, +44 131 558 8244
Maison Bleue
This eclectic bistro, located in the heart of Old Town on Victoria Street, fuses together French, North African, and Scottish cuisine to create a result like no other. For a special occasion, book ahead to reserve the ‘Bedouin Feast Experience,’ a special prix-fixe meal which includes lamb cooked for a minimum of 6 hours in Moroccan spices.
Address & telephone number: Maison Bleue, 36-38 Victoria Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, +44 131 226 1900
The New Chapter
With high ceilings, pale wood, and blackboard specials, this bistro is casually elegant, and offers robust French food at great prices. Don’t miss the confit de canard en cassoulet, or keep it light with a grilled goat’s cheese toast with walnut, rocket, sesame, balsamic, and honey dressing.
Address & telephone number: The New Chapter, 18 Eyre Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, +44 131 556 0006
Petit Paris Edinburgh
This rustic and welcoming bistro is located just moments from Edinburgh Castle and from St Giles Cathedral. With hearty and flavorful food, mouth-watering desserts, and a lengthy list of wines and aperitifs, this is a restaurant not to miss.
Address & telephone number: Petit Paris, 38-40 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, +44 131 226 2442
L’Escargot Blanc
Airy and light-filled, with walls covered in old photos and vintage posters, this bistro specializes in contemporary and seasonal French fare. Go for the entrecôte, made with Scottish rib-eye, or the pumpkin risotto with crème fraiche and comté cheese, winter vegetables, and pan-fried duck egg.
Address & telephone number: L’ Escargot Blac, 17 Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, +44 131 226 1890
La P’tite Folie
This sophisticated restaurant in Edinburgh’s West End is warm and atmospheric. Go at lunchtime for the two-course lunch menu, or order from the à la carte menu at dinner. Start off with a kir royale to sip on as you peruse the menu, which is chock-full of seasonal seafood and fresh ingredients, and then move on to a bottle of Beaujolais.
Address & telephone number: La P’tite Folie, 9 Randolph Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, +44 131 225 8678