Amid closures and challenges, Edinburgh’s culinary scene remains vibrant and dynamic, with each new venture adding to the city’s gastronomic allure.
In recent months, Edinburgh’s dining landscape has witnessed both closures and openings, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by the industry. Established favourites like New Chapter, Whiskers, and Bell’s Diner in Stockbridge have bid farewell due to rising costs and pandemic pressures. However, among these closures, new ventures are emerging, showcasing the resilience and innovation of restaurateurs.
Cardinal: Tomás Gormley’s Solo Venture
Renowned Scottish chef Tomás Gormley, previously awarded a Michelin star at Heron alongside previous business partner, Sam Yorke, is set to debut Cardinal in March. Located on Eyre Place, this intimate, 24-cover fine dining establishment marks Gormley’s solo venture. Teaming up with Ben Mansour as General Manager and James Aikman as sous chef, both previously at Skua, Cardinal promises a flavour-focused experience. With a 13-course tasting menu for dinner and a concise lunch offering, the menu will spotlight Scotland’s rich natural bounty, incorporating techniques like fermenting and pickling, and featuring ingredients cooked over a bespoke wood-fired barbecue.
www.cardinal.scot
Montrose: Timberyard Team’s New Venture
The team behind Timberyard, recipient of a Michelin star in 2023, has unveiled Montrose, a restaurant and wine bar on Montrose Terrace in Abbeyhill, Edinburgh. Housed in a historic late 1800s building, Montrose offers a cosy wine bar on the ground floor and an intimate dining room upstairs. Emphasising seasonal and locally sourced produce, including wild game and organic ingredients, Montrose presents a simple yet refined dining experience. The seven-table dining room offers a four-course set menu, while the bustling wine bar with room for up to 30 guests serves European-inspired small plates and a three-course lunch menu.
Both spaces at Montrose are open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, with lunch being offered on Saturday and Sunday.
www.montroserestaurant.co
Heron: Retaining Its Michelin Star
Chef patron Sam Yorke of Heron celebrates retaining its Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2024. Situated in Leith, Heron showcases the UK’s natural larder with tasting and à-la-carte menus, served Wednesday to Sunday for dinner and on weekends for lunch. Supported by a talented team, including Restaurant Manager Seoridh Fraser, Edgar Lumsden-Morris as Pastry Chef and Kate Cummings as Sous Chef, Heron continues to uphold its culinary experience.
At the recent Michelin Awards, there were no new entry one stars for Scotland however, Edinburgh retained their five Michelin star restaurants, with three of these in Leith. This means that Leith has the highest concentration of Michelin star restaurants per square metre outside of London, making it a foodie capital for the UK.
The full list of Michelin star restaurants in Scotland for 2024:
Heron, Leith, One Star
Cail Bruich, Glasgow, One Star
Condita, Edinburgh, One Star
UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers, Glasgow, One Star
Timberyard, Edinburgh, One Star
The Kitchin, Leith, One Star
Restaurant Martin Wishart, Leith, One Star
Loch Bay Restaurant, Stein, One Star
The Peat Inn, Fife, One Star
Glenturret Lalique, Perthshire, Two Star (New)
Andrew Fairlie, Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Two Star
www.heron.scot
RIO Brazilian Steakhouse Arrives
The iconic Assembly Rooms on George Street welcomes RIO Brazilian Steakhouse, offering a non-stop meats concept and authentic Churrasco dining experience. With an unlimited gourmet salad bar and set pricing, RIO provides a competitive alternative in the city’s steakhouse scene.
https://www.rio-steakhouse.co.uk/edinburgh
Eat Out Edinburgh: March Offerings
For those seeking more affordable dining options, Eat Out Edinburgh presents a month of incredible offers. From weekend brunch to business lunches, this initiative brings together friends and family to explore diverse cuisines while supporting the city’s hospitality sector. Participating establishments span Princes Street to George Street, offering a chance to discover both established favourites and exciting newcomers.
http://www.eatoutedinburgh.co.uk/
Exploring Eden Mill: A Taste of Edinburgh’s Newest Drinks Venue
Eden Mill’s first-ever city centre Edinburgh venue opened last month as ‘The Eden Mill Experience’; located in the heart of the Scottish capital, the city’s newest drinks venue offers two unique journeys through the spirits & flavours of Eden Mill.
Located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at Rutland Place in Edinburgh’s West End, the immersive drinks venue offers two interactive mixology experiences, Share the Love Gin (£30) and the Guard Bridge Masterclass (£35), giving drinks lovers the chance to explore the stories behind Eden Mill’s whisky and gin expressions through a range of delicious cocktails, one of which guests will learn to mix themselves.
https://www.edenmill.com/
