Bistro Restaurants
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Café Burq
This convivial, retro bistro is always buzzing; book ahead – especially at weekends. Don’t come for the décor or the space, though; both are nonexistent.
reviewed
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Le Petit Léon
Tables are highly sought after at this soulful old-world bistro - the affordable arm of Michelin-starred big brother Léon de Lyon around the corner. But forget romancing here: the fascinating collections of old clocks, carafes etc are far too distracting.
reviewed
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Gran Kaffee De Passage
A mix of regulars and travellers staying at the adjoining hostel, Passage, give this candlelit, alternative Art Deco-styled bistro one of the best atmospheres in town. Its menu of hearty traditional dishes, such as stoverij (local meat in beer sauce) as well as filling tofu creations, is a bargain.
reviewed
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D
Chez Paul
As far as cinematic French bistros are concerned, Chez Paul gives nearby Paul Bert a run for its money. This is Paris as your grandmother would have known it: checquered red-and-white napkins, faded photographs on the walls, old red banquettes and traditional French dishes handwritten on a yellowing menu. Stick with the simplest of dishes and make sure you’ve booked ahead. Open to 12.30am daily.
reviewed
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E
Oh! Pino
One of the most authentic French bistros in town, the elegantly set Oh! Pino attracts a well-heeled, slightly older crowd that comes for tasty bouillabaisse, grilled filet mignon or roasted scallops in pear sauce with leek fondue; Oh! Pino also offers more than 20 different mussel dishes. The roomy terrace in front is a fine spot for people-watching. Thursday nights feature a live accordionist, to help give the place that Rive Gauche (Left Bank) feel.
reviewed
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Le Comptoir du Relais
Simply known as Le Comptoir (the Counter) among the in crowd, this gourmet bistro has provoked a real stir ever since it opened. The culinary handiwork of top chef Yves Camdeborde, it cooks up seasonal bistro dishes with a seriously creative and gourmet twist like fancy asparagus and foie gras salad.
Bagging a table at lunchtime is just about doable providing you’re here at 12.30pm sharp, but forget evening dining – more gastronomic than at lunch – unless you’ve reserved your table weeks in advance.
reviewed
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Ate O'Clock
A tempting menu of classic bistro dishes (sirloin steak, pork tenderloin, pan-fried duck breast) made with fresh Yorkshire produce has made this place hugely popular with locals – best book a table to avoid disappointment. Three-course dinner is £18 from 6pm to 7.55pm Tuesday to Thursday.
reviewed
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H
Bakehouse
This funky double-floored diner is tucked down an alley just down the street from the Chapel Street Brasserie. Seafood-lovers and veggies are both catered for, but it's the carnivores who do best: copious steak choices are partnered with your choice of sauce or spicy rub.
reviewed
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Beach Hut
If you can't get a table at Fifteen, head downstairs to the by-the-sand bistro at the Watergate Bay Hotel. It's similarly beachy in feel, and the menu's classic surf 'n' turf: fish curries, 'extreme' burgers and a different fresh fish dish every day.
reviewed
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Blue Olive
Big, hip bistro-bar with lampshades that have to been seen to be believed. Serves a good selection of pasta dishes, salads and typical bistro cuisine, and it has an impressive wine list.
reviewed
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Cameo Club & Bistro
Once a notorious after-hours drinking den, this private members' club is much more respectable these days, but it's still the hub for Cardiff's arts and media scene. Anyone can now partake in the delicious food offered in its effortlessly hip bistro, but the bar is members-only after 5pm.
reviewed
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Chaste
It's an unusual name for a bistro, but this place is far from coy when it comes to promoting Yorkshire produce – almost everything on the menu, from the all-day breakfast to the vegetable burger to the lamb chops with peppercorn-and-strawberry gravy, is either homemade or locally sourced.
reviewed
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J
Chez Toi
Minimalist furniture and technicolour trappings meet head-to-head in this zippy little lounge-bar, much favoured by the trendy Angevin set. All the dishes are named after friends to emphasise the chummy vibe, and the terrace is great for people-watching on a sunny day.
reviewed
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Di Vino
A intimate wine bistro that's big with the locals. A small chalked-up menu offers staples like goat-cheese salad, lasagne and vegetarian dishes.
reviewed
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Grain Store
The Brewery Arts Centre's eatery does a decent line in bistro grub and stonebaked pizzas.
reviewed
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Grants of Castlegate
Swish wine bar a short uphill walk from the market square.
reviewed
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Harbourfront
For good food and marina views, this cosy little bistro adjoining the Holyhead Maritime Museum is hard to beat.
reviewed
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JB's American Diner
The waft of hot-dog aroma as you push open the door, the shiny red-leather booths, the stars and stripes draped across the wall, the '50s soundtrack twanging in the background and the colossal portions of burgers, fries and milkshakes – in short, it's a hefty slab of authentic Americana teleported to the Brighton seafront.
reviewed
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Le Jardin
This cool little bistro has a snug, intimate atmosphere, especially in the evening when candlelight adds a romantic glow. During the day locals throng to the tables, enjoying great salads, sandwiches and homemade ice cream. A two-/three-course dinner is £9/13.
reviewed
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O
Le T'chiot Zinc
Inviting, bistro-style decor reminiscent of the belle époque provides a fine backdrop for the tasty French and Picard cuisine, including fish dishes and caqhuse (pork in a cream, wine vinegar and onion sauce). The proper, Picard pronunciation of the name is 'shtyoh-zang'.
reviewed
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Little Ginger Pig
The focus is on local produce and independent labels at this pleasant and frequently busy cafe, bistro and bar.
reviewed
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Lucy 4 at the Porthole
The homey old Porthole has been overhauled courtesy of Lucy Nicholson, of Lucy's of Ambleside fame. It boasts the same laid-back atmosphere, pick-and-mix tapas menu and wine-bar feel as the original Lucy 4, only this time steps from the Windermere shoreline.
reviewed
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Q
MI:AM
Upside-down Christmas trees (in midsummer) and popcorn-filled baubles give trendy MI:AM (as in YUM!) quirk factor. Waltz through the heavy velvet curtain or snag a seat on the street terrace for an apéro dînatoire (light casual dinner) or an appetising lunchtime tartine.
reviewed
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Old Post Office
This former post office is a tastefully restored restaurant with simple, honest homemade food, and four bright, contemporary B&B guestrooms (doubles €70).
reviewed
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R
Olive Shed
Another popular place for waterside eating, serving mainly tapas and Med food in a bright and attractive setting.
reviewed