L’escargot Blanc Review

During the Edinburgh Festival, many attempt to wonder off the Scottish capital’s crazy streets, in search for some hidden gems and quiet areas to dine in peace. Well, there’s no need to travel very far; I had a revelation last Tuesday, and it happened right around the corner from West Princes Street Gardens. Four words: French cuisine, Queensferry Street. L’Escargot Blanc, sister restaurant of Broughton Street’s L’Escargot Bleu, is the perfect escape from all the commotion. It is ideally located slightly outside the touristy area of Edinburgh City Centre, on a street that sightseers normally don’t think to adventure through.

Upon arriving at L’Escargot Blanc, I found myself to be quite impressed by the small and cosy dining area. I was instantly charmed by the traditional old-fashioned Parisian feel to it, occasioned by the wooden tables and floors, the old French advertisement posters that garnish the walls, and the music by famous 40s French artists such as Jacques Brel. I even heard “Petit Papa Noël” play, the all-time Christmas song of the French-speaking world, which sent me in a nostalgic backtrack to my tender Canadian childhood. Thank you, L’Escargot Blanc. (Staff members even melt the cheese in front of their diners using specialized equipment, which obviously doesn’t emit the most aphrodisiac of aromas, but definitely adds to the authenticity of the experience.)

However, this fondness that I am so avidly expressing took some time to develop. As I was seated by the hostess, I couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward and out of place. Was I just paranoid? Maybe so, but then again my guest felt it too. I came to the conclusion, after analysing the time and space in which we found ourselves, that we indeed didn’t quite blend in. The restaurant noticeably seems to attract an older crowd. My guest and I must have been 30 years below the average age. The initial feeling of unease could have also originated from our impulse to whisper as we conversed, for the dining area was exceptionally quiet and very far from reaching its maximum capacity of guests. Nevertheless, Friday and Saturday evenings are, I’m assured, quite the opposite; reservations are strongly encouraged, even essential, apparently.

But of course, this definitely doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy myself. Au contraire! Everything was delightful, from the welcoming staff to the scrumptious food. Befriending the waiter definitely helped me forget about the unbefitting feeling I was overcome with earlier. He was also very informative, helpful and friendly. A simple conversation regarding the restaurant slowly became more of an interpersonal exchange, which added a pleasantly humane aspect to the dining experience.

Surprisingly, French diners are quite rare. Guests are mainly Scottish, and many of them have become regulars over time. To make sure they don’t get bored, the menu is changed every month, allowing them to constantly familiarise with a different side of French cuisine.

“A French twist using the best of Scotland”: that’s how L’Escargot Blanc describes its food. Most dishes are typically French, but prepared using fresh Scottish produce. The most popular starter from the current menu is the Snails platter, naturally. “Served with garlic, parsley and hazelnut butter”; my guest was tempted by its delightful description and slowly appreciated each of these 10 delicacies, which bathed in their rich sauce. I chose the homemade Foie gras. Although the waiter said that it was quite strong and suggested that I wash it down with an aperitif, I settled on taking a risk and sticking to my water. It turned out to be very tolerable, and exceedingly delicious, especially when swallowed with the toasted brioche, in between small spoonfuls of apple chutney.

The most popular main course from the current menu is the very traditional Coq au vin (made with Gartmon farm chicken), but I chose the tender Barbary duck breast from Robin’s farm with red berries. I thought the mix of red meat and fruit would be peculiar, but it turned out to be peculiarly mind-blowing! Who knew such an improbable combination could be so heavenly? While I explored the meat section of the menu, my guest indulged herself in a very fishy seafood dish; the Fresh fish of the day surrounded by mussels, altogether served in bouillabaisse with rouille and croutons, which our waiter definitely recommends for fervent seafood enthusiasts, such as himself. There are also many side dishes to choose from. I recommend the Ratatouille: truly a taste of France!

While my guest topped off her dining experience with a refreshing sorbet cocktail, I decided between the traditional Macarons (which come in various flavours) and the Crème brûlée, and finally opted for the latter. Brilliant choice! It tasted like marshmallows roasted over a campfire, covered with candy.

If I were to go back to L’Escargot Blanc this summer, it would probably be at lunchtime, so I could take advantage of their 3 surprise-courses deal for £20. It’s not much of a risk, considering that everything the chefs make must be absolutely staggering. This also comes with a bottle of wine when the booking is made for 4 guests or more. Less adventurous diners might prefer profiting from their 2-course lunch and early diner deal: starters or desserts for only £1.

“You know, food can really make you happy!” I thought it would be suitable for me to conclude this review by quoting my friend’s spontaneous affirmation, as she was swallowing the last morsel of her main course. It must be true what they say: food is the only durable pleasure. L’Escargot Blanc definitely knows that.

Bon Appétit!
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L’escargot Blanc Description

Sister restaurant to L’escargot Bleu specialises in French fare – a twist of with the best of Scotland. Opened in November.

Customer Reviews for L’escargot Blanc

Average (based on 1 votes): 1 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid Edinburgh and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of L’escargot Blanc.

“VERY nice!.. And then a new freshness makes it even more welcoming. The taste continues to be increasingly attractive.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
yoann, Paris (1 years 9 months 16 days ago)

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: French
• Group: (Independent/Freehouse)