Edinburgh’s best French Restaurants

No French restaurant guide is complete without reference to Edinburgh’s beloved ‘Chez Jules’. This bistro is about as French as it gets: tables are adorned with red and white chequered tablecloths, ‘Le Chat Noir’ posters line the walls, and the dulcet tones of Brigitte Bardot can be heard playing at almost all times. Don’t let these kitsch touches put you off, however. The food is top-notch, each dish as authentic – and tasty – as the next. Real highlights include the Steak Tartare with Frites, the Confit de Canard (laced with fresh thyme and garlic), and the Moules Frites, which come served with aioli. Happily, there’s plenty for veggies too. Their French Onion Soup and Goat Cheese Salad are good enough to tempt even the most carnivorous amongst us. Prices are fantastic – a three course lunch menu costs less than a tenner – and the wine menu is extensive. Bon Appétit!

La Barantine is, in many ways, no-frills. Don’t expect white tablecloths and elaborate dishes — here the atmosphere is decidedly casual. That’s not to say that La Barantine is by any means sub-par! In fact, the café emulates a French-style boulangerie fantastically. For lunch, you’ll find freshly prepared baguettes filled with comte, salad, and jambon-beurre, alongside homemade quiches and soup. At breakfast time there are croissants and pain-au-chocolat (the best you’ll find in the city), and of course freshly brewed coffee. For in-between times, why not indulge in one of La Barantine’s expertly prepared Pâtisserie: from delicate Financiers to rich Gâteau Saint Honoré, we promise they won’t disappoint.

For the most up-market French restaurant in the city, book a table at Café St Honoré, where Scottish produce is given the French treatment. The atmosphere is classy and refined (think marbled flooring, low-lighting and mahogany chairs) and the service is impeccable. Perfect for special occasions, prices may be high, but the quality of the ingredients, and the careful preparation of each dish, makes it worth every penny. The offerings change each day according to what’s available and in season — their autumn menu includes a delicious sounding Fennel Tarte Tatin, served with endive, poached pear, Lanark blue ewe’s cheese and candied nuts. We advise booking in advance as the restaurant has limited seating.

La p’tite folie is located in Edinburgh’s busy West-End and is loved by locals and tourists alike. The menu is small (there are only four main courses available for lunch) but expertly comprised — the plates designed to please an array of palettes. For meat-eaters we recommend the Pork Fillet, served alongside an apple fondant, tenderstem broccoli and a light mustard cream. Those avoiding meat won’t be disappointed either: their Cauliflower Steak — complete with crispy kale, asparagus, toasted pine nut salsa and French fries – is seriously moreish. Finish with their famous Crème Brulée and thank us later! Prices are low (two courses will only set you back £15.50 at lunchtime) and the waiters are friendly and attentive.