© Food & Drink Guide When La Garrigue restaurant opened in July 2001, chef and owner Jean-Michel had a vision to create a French restaurant with a difference. Arguably the most authentic French restaurant in town, La Garrigue is now one of the most popular venues for Edinburgh diners and, over the years, has won numerous awards and recognition amongst a local and international clientele. French-born Jean-Michel is passionate about serving French food, more specifically dishes inspired by the region of Languedoc, his home province. La Garrigue is the name given to the beautiful, arid land in the Languedoc region of France, which stretches all the way from the Cvennes to the coast and from the Camargue to the Pyrenees. As well as boasting a strong gastronomic heritage, the Languedoc region also produces some exceptional wines, due to its micro climate, excellent quality of soil, and variety of grapes. Languedoc wines are now getting the recognition they deserve, and youll find them on the menu at some of the countrys finest restaurants including La Garrique. The wine menu at La Garrigue remains a voyage of discovery, with Jean-Michel constantly researching new domains and producers, fuelling his own passion for wine and sharing this with his customers. In terms of food, classic French dishes including rabbit, cassoulet, daubes, fish soups and lemon tart are offered alongside more modern and unusual combinations, and everything is served with the unmistakable La Garrigue flair. The interior of La Garrigue is decorated in the French style, with a handful of Scottish touches, including beautiful furniture designed by Scottish-born sculptor Tim Stead. La Garrigue is also an art gallery, and youll find yourself surrounded by paintings by Scottish artist Andrew Walker. Even Jean-Michel is not too keen to part with these beautiful works of art, the majority of which depict his native village, Combret. While Jean-Michel is busy in the basement kitchen, Julie and her team of French-speaking waitresses will guide you through the menu and wine list; with a bit of imagination, youll be in the South of France before you know it.