Partners and wine experts Jonathan Heredia and Isla Mosquera have opened Chez Bernard, a new French wine bar and bistro on The Shore in Leith.
Positioned on the waterfront, the venue is the first French wine bar in the area and aims to offer a relaxed setting for everything from long lunches and afternoon grazing to evening drinks and celebratory dinners.
Chez Bernard is a personal venture for the engaged couple, who bring 15 years of combined hospitality experience to the new opening. The name pays tribute to Jonathan’s grandfather, Bernard, whose influence helped shape Jonathan’s lifelong appreciation for food, wine and gathering around the table.
Jonathan spent many summers near France’s Atlantic coast, where he developed a love of the traditional long, leisurely French lunch. That sense of continental dining is central to the Chez Bernard experience, with guests invited to settle in over good food, carefully selected wine and conversation.
The location also carries a special significance. When the waterfront space became available just off Bernard Street, Jonathan and Isla felt it was the natural home for their new venture and a fitting way to honour Bernard’s memory.
The menu has been designed for a range of occasions, from a solo bite at the bar to sharing plates with friends and family. Diners can choose from artisanal French cheeses and charcuterie, alongside seafood dishes including a salmon platter, dressed crab and fresh oysters. A selection of hot dishes and further sharing plates will also be available.
The wine list has been curated by the pair to complement the bistro’s French and seafood-led offering, with bottles available for a leisurely meal or a more informal evening visit. Guests can also stop in for a glass of wine, oysters, cheese or charcuterie at the bar.
Jonathan Heredia, co-owner of Chez Bernard, 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.
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“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 is now open on The Shore in Leith. For menus, bookings and further information, visit Chez Bernard’s website.
