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Welcome to C’est la Vie

C’est la Vie is a charming eatery located at 181 Commercial St, Lerwick, Shetland. Known for its inviting atmosphere and exceptional culinary offerings, it embraces a delightful fusion of French cuisine and local seafood. Diners consistently praise the warm ambiance, friendly service, and expertly crafted dishes, including standout items like the croque monsieur and a heavenly crème brûlée. While some may find it on the pricier side, patrons agree the experience and quality of food justify the investment. C’est la Vie is not just a restaurant; it’s an authentic gastronomic escape that truly embodies "such is life" through its delectable flavors.

C’est la Vie: Reviews & Ratings

Gilles Tijmes
Gilles Tijmes

One of the best lunches I have ever had. Lovely ambiance and friendly people. It was a bit on the pricier side (we are students after all), but good value for the money. Would 100% recommend!

Andy Smith
Andy Smith

Strangely in Lerwick there are very few good choices for food. However we found this place and as it’s my favourite saying (C’est la vie means such is life), we decided to give it a try. All I can say is it was a great choice. We had croque monsieur, which was excellent. The service was really good and the prices reasonable. If you want somewhere to sit down and have good meal, I would recommend giving this place a try.

Morven Greer
Morven Greer

Best meal I’ve had in Shetland. Warm ambience and beautiful food. Pricey (25 for mains) but really felt worthwhile for our overall experience (maybe easier to say as my folks paid!!). We had excellent seafood dishes and a creme brulee that was like a slice of heaven. I’d note that the customer toilet is not within the restaurant building - it’s across the road in a different building. I found this totally okay but maybe worth considering if anyone has bladder and/or mobility issues

Alan C
Alan C

Good food, drink and service. A little quirky, but that, too, was good. The price paid reflects our consumption that evening and was probably higher than ‘normal’. 5 people 16/6/26

James Naismith
James Naismith

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 creme brulee, 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 what you go for.

Lucy Jones
Lucy Jones

What a find! We had planned to have fish and chips but we were too late and they chippy had run out of fish! Luckily we got a late table for two here. The food was fabulous. The sauce on the scallops was perfectly spiced and seasoned and I’m still trying to work out the ingredients. For the main course my husband had the Mahi Mahi which was cooked in a spicy coconut sauce and was absolutely delicious. For dessert I had the chocolate liegeois as I had never come across it before and I wasn’t disappointed. The chef here really knows what he is doing. The other dinners were also fun and made for a great ambiance and a special evening. Thank you.

Janet Manuel
Janet Manuel

Lovely evening meal. Authentic, tasty French food. Lovely service. Superb wine. 100% recommend if you are looking for a great meal In Lerwick.

The Sonic Hedgehog
The Sonic Hedgehog

Our favorite restaurant in Shetland! We ate here three times and were warmly greeted by the proprietress despite our meager command of the French language. The food was perfectly prepared — we loved the haddock as well as the monkfish mains. The food is French with a Spanish (?basque) influence. The interior of the restaurant is charming. Wish we could have such a restaurant in our home town across the ocean!

Location

  • C’est la Vie
    181 Commercial St, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0HX, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 1595 697154

Welcome to the delightful culinary world of C’est la Vie, a charming eatery nestled at 181 Commercial St, Lerwick, Shetland. This hidden gem has quickly become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, and it's easy to see why. With a focus on elevating traditional dishes with a distinctive French twist, C’est la Vie presents a menu that captures the essence of “such is life” in every sumptuous bite.

Upon entering, you're greeted by a warm ambiance that invites you to relax and savor your meal. The restaurant is known for its friendly and attentive service, which adds to the overall dining experience. Customers have remarked on the lovely atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a special occasion. Despite being on the pricier side, many diners agree that the value delivered in taste and experience is more than worth it.

The menu showcases an impressive variety of dishes, with standout offerings such as the croque monsieur and expertly cooked scallops. Guests rave about the rich, flavorful sauces that accompany their meals, along with fresh seafood options that celebrate the surrounding waters of Shetland. The creme brulee has also garnered significant praise, described as "a slice of heaven" that perfectly balances crispness with a cool, creamy custard.

As you consider indulgence, the culinary passion emanating from the kitchen—a family affair with the chef at the helm—shines through each plate. Whether enjoying a casual lunch or an intimate dinner, every dining experience at C’est la Vie is marked by authentic French flavors and an appreciation for quality ingredients.

In summary, C’est la Vie is more than just a restaurant; it's a celebration of life and food in the heart of Lerwick. With its enticing menu and warm hospitality, it beckons to anyone seeking a memorable meal in a welcoming environment. So, make sure to stop by—after all, as they say, C’est la Vie!