Chez Jules is a bit of an Edinburgh institution, although, amazingly, it only opened in 2010.
Extremely well situated, in a basement in Hanover Street, it’s pretty basic and not big on ceremony but the food is plentiful, tasty and extremely good value for money, surrounded, as it is, by overpriced chain restaurants.
It’s fairly uncompromising (even the home page of the website is written in French) but in a good way.
And, boy, given the above, is it busy.
A three course lunch for £9.90? Yup.
Their prime Scotch beef is 21 days matured and rates amongst the best in town.
And house wine will cost you less than £15 a bottle.
It’s basic, mind – long benches that are made for sharing.
The salad and salami that arrive, virtually as you walk through the door, gets the meal off to a good start (how can lettuce be this delicious? – it’s the dressing) and if you can catch the slightly rattled waitresses’ eyes quickly you’ll be served in acceptable time.
And occasionally an accordionist will serenade you.
Overall, it’s a fun joint with good home cooked French food that’s as unpretentious as it is delicious.
