Daniel's Bistro

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

Situated in the modern development along Commercial Quay, Daniel's is a temple to all things French – with a good dose of Scottish thrown in. Owner Daniel Vencker is originally from Alsace, but is keen to embrace his adopted country in all aspects of his restaurant, which results in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere and a menu incorporating the freshest ingredients and a masterful blend of flavours. The tarte flambé, a kind of Alsatian pizza, is recommended to share while pondering the menu. Smothered in an appealing mix of fromage frais, onions and lardons, it certainly bodes well for things to come. Confit duck slides off the bone and is rich and buttery in texture. Daniel's self-proclaimed 'legendary' fish casserole lives up to its hype: full of prawns, mussels and chunks of smoky fish, it manages to be fresh and hearty at the same time. Tempting side dishes are on offer and, while not strictly necessary, the gratin Dauphinoise must be tried if you can possibly squeeze it in. After all this indulgence, puddings may be enough to test even the biggest appetite, but an unadulterated crème brûlée or a tasty trio of French cheese just might be enough to tempt you.

• High point: The chance to try something different: Alsatian cuisine
• Low point: You'll need an extra notch on your belt afterwards

The LIST Card F49

Daniel's Bistro

Daniel’s is a notable and well established Restaurant in Leith’s wonderful “Gastro jungle”. Owner run, multi awarded and especially very much loved, Daniel’s transcends extraordinarily well all social categories into a busy, happy cauldron, where its many customers/friends/fans/devotees keep on delighting themselves with a unique blend of eclectic foods that is found nowhere else in the city.

Well located near the old docks, inside a historic former whisky bonded warehouse, just opposite the majestic Scottish Government building, and near Ocean Terminal shopping Mall, Daniel’s glass and steel eatery lends a continental feel to an area that already has a fair amount of French connection (Bordeaux wines, Marie Queen of Scots, Marie of Guise, Franco Scottish trading alliances).

A modern, architecturally perfect and beautifully vibrant restaurant everyone does find something to their taste, as the menus offer contrasting styles of cuisines (classic & modern) reflecting flair, tradition and innovation.

The Press says…
• It is refreshing to know there is an eatery that you can rely on for consistently good cooking The Scotsman
• Robust cooking at good prices makes this lively Leith Bistro a consistently popular recommendation Hardens best UK Restaurants
• This popular French Bistro is one of the true stalwarts of the Leith Dining Scene The Independent on Sunday
• Amongst the best French Restaurants in Edinburgh Peter Irvine “Scotland the Best”
• An excellent standard of food, service and ambience Scottish Tourist Board
• A definite French flavor where the cooking is robust and gutsy to match the splendid Welcome Taste of Scotland
• Daniel’s Bistro is one of the best places to eat The List

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