S T.
Yelp
The defining factor of this restaurant is the decor. It feels like you've stepped back in time to old fashioned, romantic Parisien bistro, and really transports you to another world. I had the pleasure of dining here for a very important anniversary of my aunt and uncles about a year ago, and it was really a great experience.
I don't particularly eat French food as a rule, and would probably never choose to eat somewhere like this on a whim, but this restaurant will definitely go down as one of my absolute favourites. For a start, it's a hidden treasure. It sits down a little inshot off of Thistle Street, and to be honest, it looks like a bit of a dodgy place to put a restaurant. However, as soon as you go inside the place it takes your breath away.
The menu is expensive. Way too expensive for a casual dining experience, but, as this was a special occasion, the meal had to follow suite. Put it this way, I'm glad I wasn't picking up the tab!
The menu actually changes a lot, sometimes daily, depending on the produce that can be obtained and the seasons. I like the idea of this, as it always ensures that the food you get is fresh and cooked there and then, which can mean the service is a little slower than elsewhere. I can tell you now, it is definitely worth the extra 15 minutes wait, as the food is simple and flavourful, and feels like a really special dish.
The standout for me was the North Sea Fish pie, which was packed with mussels, white and smoked fish, and creamy potato. It was perfectly seasoned, I didn't even have to add my own salt or pepper (which for me is a big deal, I am a seasoning addict!) and the portion was small, but perfectly formed. A glass of Pinot Grigio (which I later found out was a whopping £9 for a 250ml glass) was the perfect accompaniment. Everyone at my table thoroughly enjoyed what they had, and my Dad still talks about his steak to this day! The sign of a stellar establishment.
Make the wee bit extra effort to hunt this hidden gem out. You may need to take a few extra pounds, but for a special occasion, I wouldn't recommend anywhere else.