Visit La Garrigue, arguably the most authentic French restaurant in town and be transported into the Languedoc region of France. Enjoy the food, sample the 'Terroir wines' and the warm service. Winner 'Les Routiers Guide; Scottish restaurant of the year'.

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• What are these?

• Average price 2 courses:
   £7.95 (set lunch)
   £18 (evening meal)
• House wine: £12.90 per bottle

• Food served: Mon-Thu noon-3pm, 6-10pm; Fri/Sat noon-3pm, 6-11pm. Closed Sun
• Bar open: Mon-Thu noon-11pm, Fri/Sat noon-midnight
• Open since: 2003
• Also offers: Childrens portions, Childrens high chairs

The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 is now in the shops.

This review is from the 2007 edition.

The French cinema posters adorning the walls of the Frederick Street branch of these sister restaurants may match the theme, but the décor is so French bistro as to border on pastiche. In the West End branch, pictures of old men, boats and Jane Fonda may be less French, but the feel is more genuine. For more than just a centrally located pit stop, this is the branch to head to: it has better timed service and a higher standard of cooking. Menus at both branches tend towards anglicised French cooking with fish featuring strongly. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to overcook, be it a generous portion of sea bream with lavender beurre blanc or scallop wrapped in smoked salmon. On a more defiantly French note, a deliciously rare haunch of venison is one of the highlights, its gaminess marrying well with the sweet berry sauce. Side dishes could use some attention; the same mix of boiled vegetables accompanies all main courses. Desserts follow the same overall formula with French classics of tarte tatin (the West End kitchen exhibits superior skill with pastry) and crêpe suzette sitting alongside their British cousins such as sticky toffee pudding. The same wine list applies to both branches, with a sensible selection and very fair pricing. Plans to introduce monthly gastronomic dinners may also see the two kitchens given the opportunity to be a bit more creative.