About Chez Jules Bistro
Chez Jules is the definition of what it means to be hidden in plain sight. Nestled under the main sidewalk on Hanover Street, this French bistro is charming, cozy, and pretty much the ultimate 'if-you-know-you-know' spot for Edinburgh locals. Chez Jules sticks to the French classics, best suited for the diner who knows that when you have steak frites, you simply don’t need anything else. The dining room has a fair maison charm, with a chalkboard menu and red-checkered tablecloths that makes the space feel like a slice of France tucked underground. Enjoy a hearty 3-course lunch for just £15.90 or expect to spend within the £20 range if ordering a la carte.
Our Review
Is Chez Jules worth a visit?
My husband and I came in for a pre-scheduled Monday lunch at 12:30 pm, looking for a cosy midday break and some quality time over a casual meal.
We thought 12:30pm might beat the rush, but the local crowd clearly had the same idea. The dining room was already bustling and nearly full to the brim. Pro tip: we called the night before and snagged one of the few remaining reservations. If you’re planning a visit, definitely book ahead to be safe!
What really stood out to us was the charm of the place. If the tucked-in nature of its establishment is any indication, the interior certainly lives up to its reputation as a hidden gem.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a Provence-style picnic, Chez Jules is its indoor cousin. The menu is heartier than your average spread, but the decor leans into that rustic ‘art de vivre. Think sun-drenched yellow walls, wooden tables, and soft textures that evoke a French countryside escape. That same intentionality extends to the wine list, which favors fresh, fruity profiles specifically designed to cut through the more indulgent dishes.
As for the service, it's exactly what you want for a quick lunch break. The servers are efficient and don't hover, letting you enjoy your meal and your company.
The Must-Order Dish: Moules Frites
While Chez Jules is famous for its £15.90 3-course lunch, we opted for the £12.90 2-course version to stay true to our "no added sugar" New Year's goal. For a dish that embodies the generous, authentic spirit of Chez Jules, the Moules Frites is the star of the show.
I was served a 1kg pot of mussels that felt incredibly generous for a lunch set. While a stray shell or two turned up empty, it was impossible to care once I tasted the broth. It’s a classic white wine and garlic base, velvety and aromatic, with a sharp acidic kick that cuts right through the richness. My husband and I found ourselves competing for the last spoonfuls of the "soup" at the bottom of the pot. A communal meal for us to say the least, and deeply satisfying.
The Set Lunch Steal
Before we even placed our orders, we were greeted with complimentary bread with butter, a crisp side salad, and a small spread of meats and olives. It was an immediate and charming touch that engaged us from the moment we sat down.
Warm Goat Cheese Salad: My starter was simple and done right. The goat cheese was creamy and pungent, served warm over toasted baguette with walnuts and a peppery arugula base. The classic French vinaigrette gave it a bright, clean finish.
French Onion Soup: My husband’s choice of starter was the quintessential bistro staple. The French onion soup was rich, dark, and topped with that iconic melted Gruyere cheese. One taste was enough to make me immediately regret not having ordered my own.
The Steak Frites: This is the restaurant's calling card. While my husband noted that the steak was "solid, but not life-changing," the value ratio is unbeatable. You simply aren’t finding a clean, well-cooked steak at this price point anywhere else in Edinburgh. It’s honest food that stretches your pound much further than a standard high-street chain.
Dessert: Our eyes definitely wandered as the third course was delivered to neighboring tables. We saw pannacottas, sorbets, and chocolate mousse. A quick look at the online reviews confirmed that the mousse is a local favorite. We didn't regret sticking to our sugar-free guns, but at this price point, adding a third course is a low-risk, high-reward move for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The Final Verdict
Chez Jules doesn’t try to be "fine dining"; it tries to be a local's neighborhood meal of choice. You certainly wouldn't be disappointed by a visit here, provided that you know what to expect.
You shouldn't come in hoping for a steak that will knock your socks off, a private dining atmosphere, or a pot of mussels without the odd empty shell. Instead, you come for the rustic ambience, good ingredients, and a price-to-quality ratio that is increasingly rare in the city center. It’s a delightful, high-value lunch break that delivers exactly what it promises. Nothing more, nothing less.
Signature Dishes
Frequently Asked Questions
QIs the lunch deal really only £15.90?
AYes, there’s no catch here. A 3-course meal is currently only £15.90.
QDo I need a reservation?
AAbsolutely. This is a true local favorite so reservations at least a day in advance are highly recommended.
QWhat are the 'must-order' dishes?
AIf you’re going for the 3-course lunch, my picks would be the French onion soup, moules frites, and the chocolate mousse, but go with what your palate craves. This bistro is known for simple, comfort food, and you wouldn’t go wrong either way. If ordering a la carte, other reviewers recommend trying the lobster or the frog legs.
QWhat’s the deal with the salad, meats, olives and bread?
AIt is a Chez Jules tradition to bring out bread, butter, salad, and often a small plate of meat and olives when you sit down, free of charge. Don’t worry and dig in. They really mean it when it comes to value and hospitality.
QIs it good for dietary requirements?
AFor vegetarians, the set lunch menu options are limited to steak and seafood. The A La Carte menu is better, offering le macaroni deux fromages au comte- fromage de chevre, champignon et pesto, and even a vegan le chou farci. For gluten free diets, they are generally accommodating (for example steak with salad). Nonetheless, for any specific dietary requests, I advise calling ahead and making a note with your reservation.
QHow is the service?
AFor us, it was fast, no-nonsense, and perfect. The servers are also very friendly. If you’re looking for service with a long chat, you might be disappointed. But from my humble perspective, it’s the patron’s duty to recognize that they’re visiting a bistro, so you should expect bistro style service.
QIs it wheelchair accessible?
AIt is a basement restaurant accessed by stone steps from the pavement. The seating inside is tight, though the staff are very friendly and accommodating. Definitely call ahead with your reservation to check.
QIs it suitable for large groups?
AYes, we were joined in line by a larger business group with a reservation.
