Restaurant
The Kitchin
Tom and Michaela Kitchin's Michelin-starred restaurant in a converted whisky warehouse in Leith, cooking Scottish seasonal produce under the motto From Nature to Plate.
Café St Honoré
A New Town bistro on a quiet lane off Thistle Street, serving French classics with a Scottish touch from locally sourced seasonal produce.
At a glance
- Type
- French bistro with Scottish produce
- Area
- New Town, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- cafesthonore.com
Good to know
- Gluten-free menu
- Dairy-free menu
- Private dining
- Daily-changing menu
Why we recommend it
Café St Honoré is a bistro tucked away on North West Thistle Street Lane, a narrow lane in the heart of the New Town. It describes its cooking as French classics with a Scottish touch, served in a relaxed atmosphere with friendly service. Chef Neil Forbes leads the kitchen.
The menu changes daily to reflect the seasons and relies on local, seasonal and sustainable British produce. Alongside the daily menu, a list of café classics covers bistro staples, and the restaurant offers dedicated gluten-free and dairy-free menus, which makes it a reliable choice for diners with allergies or intolerances. The restaurant publishes its wine list online and hosts occasional wine dinners. Because the menu changes so often, it is worth checking the day's menu on the website before you book.
The quiet lane setting feels a world away from the busy shopping streets nearby, and the restaurant works equally well for a weekday lunch or an unhurried dinner. Private dining is available for groups, and the restaurant sells gift vouchers.
Booking is recommended, especially for dinner at weekends, and can be made online or by phone. The lane is easy to miss, so check the map on the website before you set out. Contact details, menus and booking links are on the restaurant's website.
Café St Honoré suits couples, small groups, food-focused travellers and anyone who wants a quieter, more local alternative to the restaurants on George Street. It is a good choice after shopping on Princes Street or before an evening at the bars on Thistle Street and Rose Street. St Andrew Square and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery are a few minutes' walk east, and the Georgian streets of the New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Old Town, are best explored on foot before or after a meal. Anyone with a food allergy should mention it when booking so the kitchen can plan around the day's dishes, and the separate gluten-free and dairy-free menus are worth asking for on arrival. For a lighter lunch, the café classics menu is the most flexible option, while dinner is the time to try the daily specials.
Café St Honoré FAQs
What kind of food does Café St Honoré serve?
French classics with a Scottish touch, made with locally sourced seasonal produce.
Does the menu change?
Yes, the menu changes daily to reflect the seasons, alongside a list of café classics.
Are there gluten-free options?
Yes, the restaurant offers gluten-free and dairy-free menus.
Where is Café St Honoré?
It is at 34 North West Thistle Street Lane, EH2 1EA, in the New Town.
Do you need to book?
Booking is recommended, especially for weekend dinners; book online or by phone.
Is private dining available?
Yes, the restaurant offers private dining.
Who is the chef?
The kitchen is led by chef Neil Forbes.