Scotland the best
French restaurants
Add a little je ne sais quoi to your weekend by dining at some of the best eateries this side of Paris
La Garrigue, Edinburgh
An airy yet intimate restaurant near the Royal Mile. Chef/proprietor Jean Michel Gauffre brings the province of Languedoc to your plate. Expect your cassoulets to be magnifique. Early evening menu du patron is great value. The best artisan bread! Veggies may flounder between the leggy langoustines and les lapins but meat-eaters and Francophiles are très content here. Excellent Midi-centric wine list, especially by the glass. lagarrigue.co.uk 0131 557 3032
Côte, Glasgow
Downtown Glasgow edition of the Côte story, expanding across the UK. Though StB doesn’t champion chains, Glasgow has precious few French restaurants and this well laid-out and presented contemporary brasserie is à la mode and tout va bien. From breakfast till
late, it’s very Parisien and very on trend. cote-resteraunts.co.uk 0141 248 1022
Le Café Bohème, Aberdeen
Authentic French bistro, atmosphere and food in an area that gets drunk at weekends. Here, all is calm with style and good service. Food proper French from chef John Pattillo, à la carte and plats du jour (especially seafood) and a très charmante madame du comptoir, Maxine Mancellon. Mainly French wine list (many by the glass) and good Bios (organics). Closed Sun/Mon. cafebohemerestaurant.co.uk 01224 210667
L’Escargot Blanc, Edinburgh
Fred Berkmiller’s upstairs bistro, à deux with L’Escargot above, though the Blanc is perhaps more bistro-ish. The loyal following love the authentic, lively atmos, the inexpensive food, fine wines, the great steaks and brisk service. Street-level Bar à Vin wine bar has very decent French wine (loads by the glass) and charcuterie all day. Cheery, informed staff both up and down. Mon-Sat lunch & dinner. lescargotblanc.co.uk 0131 226 1890