Tucked down a New Town lane, Cafe St Honoré is a classic French brasserie with a Scottish heart. The restaurant champions Scottish seasonal produce prepared with classic French technique and is a favourite of Edinburgh's food cognoscenti. The cosy, intimate room with wood panelling and white table linen feels authentically Parisian.
Cafe St Honoré is a long-established French brasserie tucked down North West Thistle Street Lane in Edinburgh's New Town, its entrance easy to miss until regulars have learned to find it. The restaurant has operated since 1987 and remains one of Edinburgh's most warmly regarded dining rooms: a classically French interior with dark wood panelling, white table linen, closely placed tables, and a convivial hum at peak service that feels authentically Parisian without any self-conscious theatrics. The cooking is overseen by chef Neil Forbes, who is one of Scotland's most committed advocates of seasonal, local sourcing: named Scottish farms, sustainable fish, and small-scale producers dominate the menu. The approach is French in technique and language — a daily prix fixe and à la carte both present dishes in the brasserie tradition — but the ingredients are rigorously Scottish. The fish of the day is invariably from a trusted Scottish coastal supplier; the game menu changes with the season; and the cheese trolley carries Scottish and French selections in equal measure. The wine list is predominantly French, well chosen, and covers a sensible range of price points. Reservations are strongly advised for dinner and recommended for lunch. Cafe St Honoré is one of Edinburgh's most reliable restaurants: not fashionable in a current sense but deeply trusted, consistently executed, and genuinely French in spirit.
Location
34 North West Thistle Street Lane, Edinburgh EH2 1EA
Highlights
- One of Edinburgh's most authentic French brasseries — operating since 1987 in a tucked-away New Town lane
- Chef Neil Forbes: one of Scotland's most committed advocates for named local farms and seasonal sourcing
- Classic brasserie interior with dark panelling, white linen, and an atmosphere that channels a Paris neighbourhood restaurant
- Scottish and French cheese trolley — a rarity in Edinburgh and worth ordering for the range it presents
- Daily prix fixe menu alongside à la carte: exceptional value in a well-established kitchen
Tips for visiting
- Find the entrance via North West Thistle Street Lane — it is easy to walk past the door on a first visit
- The prix fixe at both lunch and dinner offers excellent value; the set lunch is particularly well priced
- The cheese trolley is an optional course worth adding — ask the server to explain the Scottish selections
- The room is small and closely set; it becomes convivially noisy at weekend dinner, which suits sociable guests but may not suit those seeking a quiet meal
- Book at least a week ahead for Friday and Saturday dinner
Accessibility
Cafe St Honoré is on the ground floor of a New Town lane building. The entrance via the lane has a small step. The compact dining room may present some challenges for wheelchair users. Contact the restaurant ahead of a visit to discuss access.
Frequently asked questions
How do guests find Cafe St Honoré?
The restaurant is on North West Thistle Street Lane, a narrow lane that runs between Hanover Street and Frederick Street in Edinburgh's New Town. It is easy to overlook; look for the discreet restaurant sign at the lane entrance.
What is the cooking style at Cafe St Honoré?
Classic French brasserie cooking applied to carefully sourced Scottish ingredients. Expect seasonal fish, game, and meat prepared with French technique — sauces, reductions, confit methods — in a format that feels authentically Parisian.
Is there a vegetarian menu?
The menu changes seasonally and includes vegetarian options, but the restaurant's strengths lie in fish, meat, and game. Vegetarian guests should review the current menu and inform the team when booking.
Does Cafe St Honoré serve a Sunday lunch?
Availability changes with the calendar; the restaurant has historically operated Monday to Saturday. Check directly with the restaurant for current Sunday opening.