Le Sept, 5 Hunter Square, Edinburgh, 0131 225 5428
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Find Your Traditional French Fix - Without Crossing The Channel. Le Sept Edinburgh. More than 20 years of serving up unpretentious French fare has secured Le Sept a loyal following - reservations during the Edinburgh Festival are gold dust.

ST 25.5.11

This charming French bistro full of light, mismatched chairs and Parisian art posters is an Edinburgh institution. It's friendly, lively, unfussy, and famed for its crepes with adventurous fillings. The daily changing menu also lists simple staples such as delicately cooked salmon fillets and succulent lamb stew. The wine list is similarly select, and the service is always delightful. Fixed-price lunches are an unbeatable value, with three courses costing £10.

Le Sept. Although this popular bistro moved from the address that gave it its name (its new quarters are cozy and welcoming), it remains Le Sept, as it has for 20-odd years. It is one of the best places to go for a small but satisfying array of traditional French and Scottish dishes (plus a vegetarian choice). You can try rack of lamb or one of the daily fish dishes, such as grilled salmon. The steaks are are good, and so are the dessert crepes.

Rick Steves "Best of Europe" 2009

"It's a common misconception that Le Sept only serves crêpes. In fact, the menu features a variety of dishes to suit most pockets."

This charming French bistro, which has been established for 20 years, was so-named because of its original location at 7 Old Fishmarket Close, just off Edinburgh's High Street. not only has the name been retained, but so has the menu - and, amazingly, the staff. The interior styling of the restaurant does not stray too far from that of its predecessor, retaining the all-important ambiance of Le Sept number one. While some of the original tables and much of the artwork, including the striking French posters, have been lovingly rehoused, the new space does benefit from a more light and airy feel. Downstairs there is a cosy little room with wood-backed banquettes along the walls and French doors that lead out to a small paved courtyard. The stone walls here are cloaked in creeping vines and the Le Sept trademark potted plants are dotted around.

Le Sept is both sophisticated and informal, stylish and cosy. The restaurant is deservedly popular with vegetarians as there are always at least two dishes suitable for non-meat eaters. Pop in mid-afternoon at the weekend and sample from the wide-ranging crepe menu which goes from the mundane to the more exotic.