Le Bistrot Institut Français d’Ecosse
Step inside this French Bistro in West Parliament Square and you will immediately be struck by its serenity. The venue's Gallic air of nonchalance is a stark contrast to the bustling intersection of The Mound, George IV Bridge, and the Royal Mile just outside.
I arrive and one of my dining partners Kerry is already sipping a Pinot Grigio at a corner table. White wine and a nibble of bread and butter is my favourite way to start a meal and I am soon indulging and feeling très francais.
The decor is laid back with simple tables and chairs and an eclectic selection of artifacts and adornments that are bistro-typical. The staff are attentive, friendly, and unobtrusive. We could easily be in Paris albeit the signature bistro scent of garlic bubbling in wine is absent.
Kerry and I chat away until Elenora arrives and we proceed to order our meal. The menu warms my cockles as it is a traditional but extensive list of bistro classics. No fancy pants frills with the French. They know what works and stick to it. What a relief from the overly clever all-fur-coat and no-knickers small plates that populate Edinburgh menus and sometimes leave you viscerally disappointed.
I had my heart set on Moules-Frites but decide to go for the Salmon with Barley Risotto, Broccoli and Beurre Blanc instead. Kerry opts for the slow-cooked Confit of Lamb Shank with mash and slender green beans and Eleonora chooses the Cod. The portions are generous, and we find ourselves needing another bottle of wine. Que Sera.
My salmon is a whopper with a very crispy and consequently edible skin. The pleasant blandness of the barley is a good foil to the orange fatty fish. Kerry and Eleonora seem happy too especially Kerry who praises the tenderness of the meat as she scrapes her plate clean.
This is a quickie meal as we are heading to St Giles for a concert at 8 pm so we haven’t had time for starters and desserts. Check out the menu though and you will find smoked salmon, scallops, and goat cheese dishes amongst the former and four classic desserts. I could eat everything happily and am a pushover for Tart au Citron and Millefeuille in particular.
I will be back ‘toute suite’ to explore more of the menu. And the best part is, they serve breakfast and lunch too, so I can indulge at any time of the day.
I think Le Institute just gained three new regulars.