Top Best French Restaurants in Brightons

"What: Edinburgh-born Martin Wishart is one of Scotland’s most famous chefs and this Leith flagship (he has another restaurant on the shores of Loch Lomond) has held a Michelin star since 2001. It’s not hard to see why: neutral furnishings and thick carpets look sleek and suave, though everyone is here for the sophisticated French-accented interpretations of Scottish ingredients, best sampled by first timers from a tasting menu that might include Orkney scallop with Jerusalem artichoke and sweet potato. There’s also a great-value lunch menu."

"This multi award-winning restaurant is located in the historic port of Leith area of Edinburgh. Opened in 1999 by Martin Wishart, an award-winning chef and restaurateur, it was the very first restaurant in Edinburgh to receive a Michelin Star in 2001. With fresh flowers on tables and gentle glowing lighting, it certainly won’t disappoint with the romantic aspect."

"Restaurant: Martin Wishart address: 54 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RA, Scotland. Restaurant Martin Wishart +44(0)131 553 3557. Email info@martin-wishart.co.uk"

"The four bedrooms above this Michelin-starred restaurant are no afterthought; there is a confident hand at work in rooms that are as striking as the food, displaying a sometimes surprising but always sensual contemporary/Baroque style and unexpectedly leafy views. A low-key location for a high-octane operation. Chef Paul Kitching is a maverick; think silky pink trout served with artichokes, pasta, almonds, chickpeas, kidney beans, oriental mushrooms, warm coleslaw and feta cheese."

"Between the ever-evolving weekly menu, swanky furnishings and informed wine list, 21212 is one to watch out for. Pinned as Edinburgh’s only Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, Paul Kitching’s masterpiece is housed in a striking Georgian Townhouse. The chameleon menu sports three choices per course and pays tribute to his contemporary French cooking flair."

"The name of Paul Kitching’s restaurant is slightly misleading: instead of 21212, he offers three starter choices, then soup, three mains, then cheese and finally three desserts. Exciting and experimental, this is cutting-edge cooking."

"Since opening in the home of a former clockmaker in 2008, L’Escargot Bleu has fitted in nicely among trendy coffee shops, independent booksellers and award-winning butchers. Step through the bright blue door, and you’re met with vintage posters of Edith Piaf and full-sized French liquor ads. Blackboards adorn the walls, scrawled with the day’s specials, which vary from traditional French classics to more surprising dishes from Berkmiller’s childhood."

"L'Escargot Bleu is a slice of France in the heart of Edinburgh, complete with French staff, French decor, and an oh-so-very French menu. Open since 2009, this smart restaurant has award-winning chef Fred Berkmiller running the show, and he's a stickler for provenance. This means only the finest Scottish, seasonal ingredients, all sourced from a host of top local suppliers, make it into the kitchen and onto the plate."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user Edinburgh Blog used under CC BY 2.0. L'Escargot Bleu offers traditional and classic French food prepared with local ingredients. Located at a short stroll from Waverley Station, the interiors of this restaurant are similar to the ones found in many restaurants across France."

"Cream wooden clad walls make The Little Chart Room feel almost nautical, and with little else to distract you the focus falls fully to the food. Expect cheffy creations like rainbow carrots, goat’s cheese, cumin, buckwheat, hazelnuts and alexanders, and lamb rump, sweetbreads, labneh, anchovies, sweetheart cabbage and pink fir apple potatoes. Maximum capacity: 14 Cuisine: European Cost indicator: Room charge of £200, mains from £20"

"Tucked down the tiny Leith Walk, this is a rare addition to one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets. Named for the owners’ passion for sailing, The Little Chartroom is that rare thing – a much talked-about new opening that actually lives up to the hype. Dishes are modern but pay homage to traditional Scottish flavours and cooking."

"Enjoy a weekly set menu of three courses plus wine for two people. Deliveries will arrive during the day and come with cooking instructions for you to finish at home at your leisure - they even have a recommended Spotify playlist!"

"The Water of Leith is a great bistro style cafe which has gained a huge local following and become one of the most popular eateries in the Cannonmills area. The cafe has a relaxed and extremely welcoming ambiance and the French style food is both delectable and reasonably priced. Great Cullen Skink sits happily alongside French classics such as Croque Madame and the specials board is always brimming with tempting treats."

"A post shared by Adam chorizo (@adamsfoodedinburgh) on Oct 6, 2016 at 1:24pm PDT. This French restaurant in Edinburgh serves no fuss, simple food. Whether you order from the a la carte menu or one of the set menus, you will definitely get a good selection of food."

"One of the best options in Edinburgh to sample fresh and flavoursome French cuisine. Duck's at Le Marche Noir also offers an impressive wine list."

"It seems that every new restaurant promises neighbourhood appeal, seasonal produce and locally sourced foods. Bia Bistrot is no different, except it really delivers. Husband-and-wife team Matthias and Roisin Llorente oversee a regularly changing menu, including venison carpaccio, glazed pork belly and a range of perfectly cooked fish."

"Bia Bistot is a couple-run neighbourhood restaurant focusing on fresh, seasonal, local and sustainable produce. Order a restaurant quality meal to be enjoyed at home from a weekly menu of dishes including slow braised pork cheeks, butternut squash risotto and ginger cake."

"This friendly and casual bistro in New Town serves up French classics like coq au vin and escargots, as well as fun, modern delights such as the ‘macaroni cheese with ‘un twist’. Accompany your meal with a French wine from the extensive wine list, or stay true to Scottish roots with a Caledonian ale."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Jules remember that Mother’s Day is coming!. We are getting ready to make all mums feel special and happy!"

"This one wasn’t recommended by anyone but we did drive past it and it looked great. It was our last day and didn’t have time to stop in but we did see a young family having a bite so it passed the family-friendly test. Not far from Waverly station, we were on the Hop on Hop off bus tour at the time."

"Cruz Bar is one of the most memorable gastro pubs in Edinburgh. It occupies a WWI minesweeper boat anchored in the heart of Leith's docklands at The Shore. There is a cozy and ambient dining area and bar inside the ship, but the on deck seating area really lifts Cruz above the competition."

"A post shared by Honeycomb & Co (@honeycombandcocafe) on Mar 2, 2019 at 4:52am PST. Honeycomb & Co is located in Merchiston Place and whilst relatively new to the area has quickly built up a loyal following in the Bruntsfield area. Their brunch menu is a real winner mixing classic options with contemporary flavours – highlights include their fruity french toast, spiced Korean bacon and eggs and their signature Honeycomb Full breakfast."

"Cold Town House is a newly launched pub that has brought brewing back to Edinburgh’s Grassmarket. Located the former Robertson Memorial Church, Cold Town House revives a brewing tradition a street which dates back to the 16th century. Cold Town Beer launched in April 2018 with Brewmaster Ed Evans focussing on a capacity driven distribution program."

"CTH opened in 2019 and has already proven popular with the stag weekend crowd. Set over three stories and with a rooftop terrace overlooking Edinburgh Castle, the former church has the added advantage of having its own brewery on hand. As well as its own-brand beers, it has a range of cocktails, prosecco, whisky (obvs), and a locally-sourced menu."

"Cold Town House is one of Edinburgh's prettiest outdoor restaurants with an incredible space that overlooks the castle. Make your way through their menu of droolworthy pizzas and refreshing craft beers while topping up your tan in amazing surroundings."

"When it comes to humble beginnings, Paul Gibson certainly takes a top spot. His home-grown brewing project began in his garage out of a green VW called Olive. After heading out on the road across the UK and creating beers on a shoestring budget, Paul set up a permanent (and much larger) home for his microbrewery in Leith."

"Situated in Leith, on the Edinburgh coast, thisbrewery started life on the road as a “mobile brewery” in a 1973 VW campervan (hence thename). Today, having opened a permanent location in 2017, it’s still going strong. Their spacious taproom is laid-back and unpretentious."

"Situated in Newhaven, this sloped, Victorian garden overlooks the Firth of Forth into Fife. This spot is perfect for relaxing under the cherry blossoms in the Spring and enjoying the delights of the lovingly maintained park throughout the year. Ray, our Merchandising Assistant, and Laura, our Finance Manager, favour this park for a spot of quietness with a picnic of foodie indulgence."