B'est

From Champagne to the bikini, the French have invented many things which could be said to have improved the quality of life.

Of all their inventions, the greatest has to be the restaurant.

An idea which came into its own after the French Revolution left a lot of former chefs to the aristocracy with a fair bit of time on their hands.

Spend your time wisely and take up today’s Big Deal with B’est, a cosy French restaurant in Edinburgh’s atmospheric Old Town.

Popular bistro

A popular spot for a bite since opening some eight years ago, B’est specialises in tasty contemporary bistro dishes served in unique, wood panelled surroundings.

A la carte

This beezer Big Deal is for two people to each enjoy a starter, main course and dessert from the a la carte menu.

The menu will change according to what it is in season but typical starters might include the baked haggis tower; the salmon, haddock and mixed seafood fish cake or the Normandy salad.

Popular main courses include the tenderloin of pork with Savoy cabbage and bacon; the aubergine tower and the pan-fried fish of the day on a bed of mash potatoes.

The desserts vary from classic tiramisu to chocolate mousse, crème brulée and profiteroles.

Supplements will apply to certain dishes such as duck and steak.

Close to Festival Theatre

Only a hop, skip and a jump from the Festival Theatre, B’est is popular with culture vultures keen on a pre-show bite.

Not that you need to have tickets to a show to enjoy a performance at B’est – today’s Big Deal would be just as good for a romantic meal for two or dinner with friends.

Happy diners

B’est has attracted enthusiastic reviews on its 5pm page. This was taken from a review left earlier in March:

‘Relaxed, friendly, great food. Been here a few times… could not fault anything. The waiter was pleasant, and helpful, we didn’t have to wait long to be served, and the atmosphere was again very good.’