La Garrigue has been named as the Scottish regional winner of the Good Food Guide Readers' Restaurant of the Year. Featured on Ramsey's Best Restaurants Gordon described La Garrigue as an "amazing little bistro". Come along and sample the flavours of the Languedoc at either in Edinburgh's New Town or City Centre.
Abstract
This restaurant has ceased trading.
- Food served: Tue–Sat noon–2pm, 6–10pm. Closed Sun/Mon.
- Bar open: Tue–Sat noon–midnight. Closed Sun/Mon.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 14
- Private dining: Chef’s table 4 - 8
- Also offers: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Live music
- Music on stereo: Jazz
- Opening times: Tue–Sat noon–midnight. Closed Sun/Mon.
- Capacity: 62
- Largest group: 60
- Open since: 2007
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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
Just round the corner from the Lyceum Theatre, and a world away from the bustle of Lothian Road, Abstract is a little oasis of cultured cool, serving both as a relaxed cocktail bar and a rather refined restaurant. The bar area is complete with low lighting, piano and assured, yet cryptic, brush-stroke prints on the wall. The restaurant echoes the design of the bar, with more prints – part Rorschach test, part alien alphabet – on the walls, the same low lighting, and a choice of broad or smaller faux-snakeskin-covered tables. Once comfortably seated, consider the rather unwieldy menu and the encyclopaedic wine list. There is a seven-course tasting menu extravaganza, an a la carte and a cheaper Market Menu. A la carte starters include small cubes of soft sashimi tuna with a sweet, white-pepper-hot wasabi ice-cream, or a slightly over-generous helping of foie gras 'au torchon'. Mains offer a beautifully meaty and smoky roast monkfish tail with lardons and a Bourguignonne sauce, or some soft, pink rounds of beef with an oyster croustillant. Desserts are of equal quality, but a re-imagining of the apple crumble falls rather short of its classic, if rustic, roots.
- High point: Fine dining without the frou-frou
- Low point: It isn't always wise to meddle with the classics
Reviews of Abstract (33/35 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh)
- 7. Nicola D, Edinburgh – 23 December 2009, 9:59am
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I ate here last night with a friend and had a fabulous experience. The service was absolutely superb without being intrusive. I am quite a bellini connoisseur and the bellinis there was phenomenal. The food was also excellent - I had sea bass for my main which was fresh and very tasty, my companion had steak which she also really enjoyed. Both beatifully presented and good sized portions.
We both agreed that we will definitely go back again even without the List card discount. Although it's not cheap the service and food do make it well worth paying that little bit extra. The bar is lovely too and ideal for pre or post dinner drinks. Very impressed overall.
- 6. Stumpy, Edinburgh – 14 November 2009, 12:22pm
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Visited last week full of anticipation. Very disappointed with poor service (forgotten drinks orders and wine left unopened) If you are charging these prices it needs to be top notch. Food excellent - flavours and presentation superb but better value for money to be found elsewhere in Edinburgh
- 5. Edin_Chip, Edinburgh – 9 August 2009, 1:32pmAbstractReport
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Outstanding food and the best service Edinburgh has to offer! We have been for dinner and have also tried their great lunch deal, both times the food was mind blowing. The waiter remembered us from only have one previous visit, all staff are passionate, warm, professional and friendly.
- 4. Nina, Edinburgh – 24 December 2008, 3:40pmAbstractReport
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Oops forgot to give star rating with comments above!
- 3. Nina, Edinburgh – 24 December 2008, 1:12pmAbstractReport
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The food was fantastic and the service was impeccable.
It was a great experience at a cost but very much worth it. Great venue which I would recommend for special occasions.
- 2. Rulou, Edinburgh – 26 September 2008, 6:09pmAbstractReport
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Enjoyed a first rate, special occasion meal here recently. The food was absolutely wonderful, the service attentive and the wine was both well-recommended and affordable. We chose a Michelin-starred venue last year which was disappointing, Abstract knocked spots off it in every regard. Of course it was all the better for the List card reduction. I would heartily recommend as a venue for a special night out. I will definitely be going back to try the fixed price lunch.
- 1. R Dineen, Edinburgh – 15 May 2008, 10:49amAbstractReport
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Have been to Abstract and it is great for ladies who lunch or people who wish to experience "top notch" food served in an attentive manner.
The List highlight this restaurant as Scottish... i woudn't say it was Scottish more French inspired.
Was served by three different waiters even before we had our pre starter. Can be over the top but some people like that.
It was an experience and the food fantastic but not an experience i would do often.
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