Starched white tablecloths, a black-and-white tiled floor, and dimly lit interior: This hidden gem down a little cobbled alley in Edinburgh's New Town is the closest thing to an authentic French bistro you'll find in the Scottish capital—it's the Auld Alliance, the historic connection between Scotland and France, made culinary. Chef Neil Forbes is passionate about provenance, and a Slow Food champion who uses local ingredients to conjure up French classics with a Scottish twist for the daily changing seasonal menu—think coq au vin made with organic Perthshire chicken, or a rich Scotch beef bourguignon. It's cozy and classic.