July 4, 2023

Le Bistrot

When it comes to traditional French food in Edinburgh, there’s not many restaurants to choose from.

Le Bistrot is a restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh, specifically on the Royal Mile near Edinburgh Castle. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, all of which have a range of French and French-inspired dishes to choose from.

Le Bistrot exterior
Menu, cutlery and glass of water on linen table cloth

Being inside the new House of France (previously known as the Lothian Chambers), the building itself is grand. Despite this, you could still easily walk past and not realise there is a French restaurant inside. 

Before I get into the food at Le Bistrot, please note I will not comment on the service as this was a PR event. However, keep your eyes peeled over here in the following months as I have planned to go back to try their lunch menu. I will then be able to share my full, unfiltered thoughts on the whole dining experience.

Holding champagne in front of fancy table setting at Le Bistrot
Bread and butter in a basket from Le Bistrot

We started the evening with bread to share on the table. This was nice, nothing spectacular. Then again, bread and butter is always a great way to begin a meal in my opinion! 

For my starter, the Coquilles Saint Jacques sauce Thermidor was calling my name. The pan-fried scallops came cooked in a Thermidor sauce, presented beautifully in the shell, and sat on top of a bed of salad. 

The Thermidor sauce was really delicious, but the scallops were too small to taste. I found myself hunting through to even find them with both being as small as a 20p coin.

Two scallops in cheesy sauce on a bed of leaves from Le Bistrot
Large bowl of mussels with a wedge of lemon

For my main, it felt right being in a French restaurant to try their Moules Frites. This was a healthy portion size with the mussels coming in a beautifully creamy white wine sauce. The mussels were decently sized and the fries and ketchup that came with the dish were both nice too.

If you’re not full after two courses, they do also have a selection of desserts to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for cheese, ice cream, cake, tarts or cheesecake, they’ve got something for everyone. 

We ended up getting three different dessert dishes to choose from between the table. I tried the chocolate cake which was rich and moist (sorry, but it was!). All of the dishes came in at £5.95 or above, I can’t say it was fully worth it for the price but it was delicious nonetheless. 

Layered pastry with whipped cream and bright red strawberries
Tall slice of chocolate cake with chocolate icing from Le Bistrot

Overall, I do think Le Bistrot was lovely and if you’re going for one or two courses then it would be worth the price. Maybe avoid the scallops if you want something a little bit more filling but other than that I can’t fault the food. 

I should also mention that the restaurant serves some amazing wines which you can order to go along with your meal — I highly suggest trying some if you’re drinking alcohol. A great, central spot to try once or twice if you’re in the mood for some traditional French food.

  • Le Bistrot
  • W Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF
  • 0131 225 4021
  • www.lebistrot.co.uk
  • Reservation recommended
  • £25-£30pp+

Disclaimer: This was a PR event but all views are my own.

//

Post a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like

Socials