A French Masterpiece? Demonstrating How Quality and Affordability Can Harmonise in a Restaurant – Edinburgh

Taste – 6.9/10
Atmosphere – 8.9/10
Service – 7.3/10
Value – 10/10

The chaotic, frantic atmosphere of Chez Jules transports you straight to a bustling Parisian bistro. The tightly squeezed tables, waiters darting back and forth, and the lively shouting across the room all contribute to its authentic charm. If you’re prone to claustrophobia, you might want to give this one a miss, but the unbeatable prices will likely tempt you to brave it.
Vibrant chalk writing adorns the walls, candles flicker in wine bottles, and checkered tablecloths cover the tables – all that’s missing is a haze of cigarette smoke and waiters in black-and-white striped tops!

The unmissable lunch deal, a steal at just £15.90, includes a starter, main, and dessert. It kicks off with an amuse-bouche: a salad drizzled in creamy vinaigrette, accompanied by pickles, bread and rosette de Lyon (cured salami). While it doesn’t set the taste buds alight, it serves as a pleasant introduction to the meal.
For starters, I opted for the French onion soup and goat’s cheese salad. The French onion soup was a delight, especially on a dreary, rain-soaked Scottish day. It brought to mind the cosy charm of a ski lodge, where you’d sip hot chocolate as a blizzard rages outside. The soup was soothing and warm, with the rich tang of caramelised onions making it perfect. The goat’s cheese salad was nothing special. The goat’s cheese salad was quite underwhelming; it felt like something I could easily whip up at home in just 10 minutes, and probably make it taste better.

The signature dish arrived promptly after the starters: Steak frites! The chargrilled skirt steak was generously drenched in peppercorn sauce and accompanied by a hefty portion of chips. The steak itself was unique, thinly and raggedly cut, with a cooking range that varied from medium-rare to well done. There was no choice in how it was cooked—you simply received what was served.
The frites were a highlight, cooked to a perfect crispness. The steak had its moments, with some bites being tender and flavorful, while others were disappointingly chewy. The peppercorn sauce was intensely peppery, almost to the point of overpowering the other elements on the plate.

There’s always room for a little dessert, even though I was already stuffed. I chose the chocolate mousse, which was airy and smooth on the tongue, offering a strong finish to the palate, especially after the spicy peppercorn sauce.

To address any concerns about the photos, yes, the presentation might look like it was plated by a child. But remember, you’re not dining at a fancy restaurant—you’re getting three courses for £15.90! So don’t let this deter you. The overall experience was superb. Considering the price, there’s little room for complaint about what was served. The atmosphere, certain aspects of the food, and the service were all extremely enjoyable, offering a unique and budget-friendly dining experience.