C’est la Vie — Restaurant in Scotland

What I loved: The food is excellent. The décor is a whimsical delight. The server (a young gentleman) is lovely.

What I hated:

There is no toilet nor sink for customers. You have to go to another business to use the toilet, and if said business is closed, then you are tough out of luck and have to eat your meal needing the toilet the whole time, which is really unpleasant. There are public toilets a walk away, but for someone with a mobility issue (like myself) that was an unreasonable distance.

They charge a service charge, which is not customarily done in the UK.... AT ALL.... but most certainly is not done when it is the owners who are serving you.

As I thoroughly loved and appreciated the décor, I took some photos to show my son when I got home, who would be delighted as well. The owner made a snide comment to me that I should have asked her permission.... what restaurant in the UK doesn't allow pictures? Most business owners are over the moon at a chance to have a bit of social media attention. If this is a problem for the owners, then there should be a sign saying, "no photos please," which I would have respected. In any case - why decorate a place in such a manner and then be offended that your customers would like to take a photo? It's just asking for a problem. I live in a building that people constantly photograph, although it's a private residence. Do I go out shouting at the tourists not to take photos? Of course not - I shouldn't live here if I have a problem with that.

I was very upset by this, and it basically ruined my day, so I did what we all do... read the negative comments to see if it was me who had been horrible or the owner. It would seem the panned reviews are mostly owing to the emotionally unstable character of the owners. The food is generally considered excellent, but you might be the unlucky one that they decide to treat horrible. They have a bit of philosophical issue in that they seem to view their business as their home - one in which you are a guest. Except guests in one's home generally get to use the toilet!!

If you are the sort of person who can dish out attitude when it's needed, then you'll be fine here. Enjoy the cuisine! If you are - like me - someone who instantly feels apologetic dread and examines themselves for any wrong they could have done, then avoid this place. Never in my life have I experienced something like this, yet they have many accusations of being unwelcoming and rude. What's the common denominator? One should not feel on edge in a restaurant. It should...

Hi All, I am deeply regretting it to say that I was discriminated in this restaurant today by a female staff member. I went in and saw the menu. As it was my first time in a French restaurant, I ordered a hot chocolate. The female staff member said rudely and with disgust that I shouldn't come to a restaurant especially a French restaurant for a hot chocolate. She was also hesitant to give the password for guest Wi-fi and ended her responses with verbal abuses. I thought that the UK was a multicultural country especially Shetland, which is a land that respects all cultures. But unfortunately, among a few bad experiences, I can add this to the list. I am sad to say that the female staff member was rude with a discrimination and racist behaviour. I had to leave the restaurant with a deep regret that there are still people who live in the dark ages and still consider that my countrymen or people are beneath their feet. If this happens again, I will call the police for such remarks and behaviour. I would like to remind the owner that we all live in the 21st century and such ongoing behaviour from your organisation will not be tolerated and will be reported to the respective authorities.

Kind regards, A humble customer who was discriminated and verbally abused by your female staff member...

This was the most interesting and best meal we have had in Orkney and Shetland. It’s a family affair, Monsieur cooks, Madame is front of house and I think son is waiter. I had the scallops to start, cooked to perfection, the sauce was rich and delicious. My partner had the crevettes grille, tasty sauce and cooked to perfection. We had the dry Spanish white wine which was perfect for my taste (dry not floral). For main I had cazuela, a basque sausage bean casserole moderately spicy. I thoroughly enjoyed it, rich and flavourful. For my partner, the chef did a special gluten free crab and rice dish. She loved hers. We shared the excellent crème brûlée, crisp still hot and the custard cool but not frozen. My partner had the tea and I had pastis (I know it’s an aperitif), very smooth. We ordered our meal in advance. Total £156. There are places with more fawning service, but this is France or at least authentically french, it’s about the food. Perhaps to UK or US ears, service a little brusque. However, I can’t speak highly enough of the cuisine and after all this is...