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:
   £12.95 (set lunch)
   £33 (evening meal)
• House wine: £16 per bottle

• Hitlisted
• High point: Vibrant atmosphere sets this place apart in its market
• Low point: Snakeskin-effect table tops will never catch on
• Food served: Mon-Sat noon-2pm, 7-10pm. Closed Sun
• Bar open: Mon-Sat noon-2pm, 5-10pm. Closed Sun
• Private dining: Chef's tab
• Open since: 2007
• Also offers: Childrens portions, Childrens high chairs, Wheelchair access

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

This review is from the 2007 edition.

There's a piece of advice for women in the film LA Story - once you've put on all your jewellery and accessories, check the mirror and then remove the piece that catches your eye. And if Abstract excised just the mirror-ball pillar from amongst the decorative touches swarming around the room, it would be absolutely perfectly dressed. You certainly can't fault the confidence of a place that has arrived in town wearing a ceiling entirely covered in gold leaf. It's a bright and busy, almost noisy, restaurant with every bell and whistle - including a tasting menu (£55 for eight courses) and a chef's table, seating four to eight right by the kitchen. Despite the recent departure of head chef Loic Lefebvre, who had taken such a lead in bringing a version of Abstract from Inverness, the kitchen under new head chef Damian Rolian is determined to show off its flair from the outset with its selection of foie gras, showing that they can poach it, they can glaze it, and they can make it into ice-cream. Best end of lamb with aubergine 'cannelloni' and provencal jus is a real charmer, the aubergine slices stuffed simply with more aubergine and seasoned to send the subliminal message that ratatouille is good, but this is better. Desserts make the most of their impression, though, through presentations that go beyond ostentatious. Canny diners would settle for the two-course lunch at £12.95 and a glance at other people's puddings.