Partners and wine specialists Jonathan Heredia and Isla Mosquera have opened Chez Bernard, a new French wine bar and bistro on The Shore in Leith.
The neighbourhood venue officially opened on 1 August at 38 Shore and combines a French-inspired food menu with an extensive wine selection.
Heredia and Mosquera bring around 15 years of combined hospitality experience to the business and have developed Chez Bernard as a destination suited to both longer lunches and informal evening drinks.
The concept takes its name from Heredia’s grandfather, Bernard, and draws inspiration from summers he spent near France’s Atlantic coast.
Those experiences helped shape Heredia’s appreciation of extended French lunches and the role of food and wine in bringing people together.
The location also provided a connection to the restaurant’s name, with its waterfront premises situated close to Bernard Street.
Chez Bernard’s menu is built around French bistro dishes and sharing plates.
Artisanal French cheeses and charcuterie feature alongside seafood including fresh oysters, dressed crab and salmon platters, supported by a selection of hot dishes.
The owners have developed the food offer to work across different occasions, from a glass of wine and oysters at the bar to longer lunches and evening meals.
Wine forms a central part of the concept, with Heredia and Mosquera using their industry experience to develop a broad list intended to complement the restaurant’s French and seafood-led dishes.
The venue describes its approach as centred on simple food, wine and time spent around the table, with the design and service intended to create an informal neighbourhood atmosphere.
Heredia said: “Chez Bernard is deeply personal for us. It’s a tribute to my grandfather and to the simple moments that shaped my love for food, wine, and the table.
“I spent many summers with my grandfather, which is where my love for a long, leisurely lunch began.
“When this beautiful space became available just off Bernard Street, it felt like absolute fate for both of us.
“This is our way of keeping his memory alive, and Isla and I want to bring a little of that continental warmth to The Shore.
“We want this to be a welcoming place to share good food, enjoy wine, and spend time around the table with the people you love.”
Chez Bernard joins a well-established food and drink scene around The Shore and expands Leith’s independent hospitality offer with a dedicated French bistro and wine-led format.
The restaurant is currently open from noon until 11pm Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
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