A family-run restaurant that has been open for 28 years will close down at the end of the month.
Maison Bleue, located on Edinburgh's Victoria Street, will be serving its last meals this month. The restaurant, which is a popular spot serving Scottish, French and North African cuisine, is closing due to owner Dean Gassabi’s retirement.
The move comes amid “soaring operating costs” and a desire to protect the restaurant’s legacy.
In a statement released in the Edinburgh Minute, the team announced the closure, writing: “Maison Bleue, a landmark of Edinburgh’s dining scene since 1998, has announced it will close this month following the imminent retirement of its founder Dean Gassabi, and the subsequent sale of its iconic flagship restaurant, situated on Victoria Street.
“The move marks the end of a 28-year legacy for the much-loved, family-run restaurant. The decision to close the venue - famed for its distinctive blend of French, Scottish and North African cuisine - is driven primarily by the forthcoming retirement of owner Dean Gassabi after 31 years in the hospitality business.
“Dean began his hospitality journey as part of the famed Pierre Victoire franchise, then went on to open several other venues such as Boudoir, Massimo’s, the non-profit social enterprise Maison Bleue at Home, and the much loved Maison Bleue Le Bistrot in Morningside, to name but a few.
“While acknowledging soaring operating costs and the financial pressures facing the hospitality sector, Dean has stressed his desire to close on their own terms, protecting the restaurant’s legacy.”
Mr Gassabi paid tribute to the generations of diners who have supported Maison Bleue since its opening saying: “We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the loyalty the people of Edinburgh have shown us, particularly through challenging times like Brexit and the pandemic.
“This restaurant has been our blood, sweat and tears for nearly three decades, and we’ve been honoured to mark countless special moments with our patrons, from first dates and engagements to family weddings. That commitment from our customers is a treasure that will never be lost on us.”
The restaurant supported charity Social Bite, with Mr Gassabi highlighting the team’s pride in the collaboration.
With the imminent closure of Maison Bleue, Mr Gassabi emphasised that his first priority throughout the closure process has been the welfare of their staff and suppliers.
Maison Bleue’s final day of trading is set to be 11 January 2026. The building will then undergo a programme of refurbishment, with Slievemore Properties Ltd expected to reopen the site in spring.
In 2021 Maison Bleue in Morningside was shut down with staffing shortages cited as a key reason for the decision.
Despite seeing “great success” and “high demand”, Mr Gassabi was forced to dispose of the second establishment.
