La Garrigue - New Town
The second branch of Edinburgh's loveliest eatery in New Town is just as great as the famous first
Review
Over the past ten years, Jeffrey Street’s La Garrigue has steadily
built up a loyal following of regulars who don’t need Gordon Ramsay’s
endorsement to tell them that this is French food made to the highest
order. And then 6 months ago, La Garrigue opened a sister branch on the
other side of town, so Itchy popped along to see if the food there was
up to scratch.
There is a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and La Garrigue’s whole ambience is similar to sitting in a friend’s front room. Our only criticism of the evening would be that on a quiet night it is a touch too quiet. Without the mutter of other diners and clinking of glasses, where was the buzz? A spot of background music wouldn't go amiss.
Starters of pan-fried squid and twice-baked roquefort soufflé were excellent places to start. The soufflé, more light and airy than you'd think cheese could manage, was beautifully complimented by a walnut and pear salad. Following a recommendation from our waitress, we tried a slow-cooked shin of Scottish beef and roasted rabbit with black pudding and walnuts for our main courses. The meats were tender, the sauces rich and warming. In fact, there was so much deliciousness to go around that we couldn’t make a hole in our side dishes.
Although utterly stuffed, the dessert menu just proved too tempting to resist, and we were not disappointed with the lemon tart and crème brûlée. They were that nearly impossible combination of beautifully light and deliciously sweet. As we washed down our meals with a fruity Pinot Noir, the grey rainy evening outside seemed miles away. The service was attentive, considerate, professional and flawless. And the food? Three courses for £30 is exceptional value for the fine ingredients and culinary skill. Be sure to bring your appetite.
Rachel Brown
There is a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and La Garrigue’s whole ambience is similar to sitting in a friend’s front room. Our only criticism of the evening would be that on a quiet night it is a touch too quiet. Without the mutter of other diners and clinking of glasses, where was the buzz? A spot of background music wouldn't go amiss.
Starters of pan-fried squid and twice-baked roquefort soufflé were excellent places to start. The soufflé, more light and airy than you'd think cheese could manage, was beautifully complimented by a walnut and pear salad. Following a recommendation from our waitress, we tried a slow-cooked shin of Scottish beef and roasted rabbit with black pudding and walnuts for our main courses. The meats were tender, the sauces rich and warming. In fact, there was so much deliciousness to go around that we couldn’t make a hole in our side dishes.
Although utterly stuffed, the dessert menu just proved too tempting to resist, and we were not disappointed with the lemon tart and crème brûlée. They were that nearly impossible combination of beautifully light and deliciously sweet. As we washed down our meals with a fruity Pinot Noir, the grey rainy evening outside seemed miles away. The service was attentive, considerate, professional and flawless. And the food? Three courses for £30 is exceptional value for the fine ingredients and culinary skill. Be sure to bring your appetite.
Rachel Brown
Tags
restaurant |
food |
French |
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
£ £ |
