With the Edinburgh Festival Fringe fast approaching, there are few better people to ask for insider recommendations than Stuart Ralston. Not just a chef but a restaurateur of great skill, his fingerprints are all over this illustrious city. From the MICHELIN-Star Scottish seafood dishes at LYLA to the brilliantly affordable pasta at tipo, via global sharing plates at Noto, over the last few years he has helped shape the city’s restaurant scene. Here, he talks us through his own favourite places to eat, so you can enjoy Edinburgh like a local.
Where would you recommend for a romantic date?
Timberyard is a brilliant shout for date night. The space is stunning – loads of character and design – plus the food always delivers. The wine list is full of gems and they do some really creative drinks too. Just need to find a date now... working on it.Where do you go for a quick bite?
Ardfern is a top choice when I want something fast but thoughtful. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a bite that’s comforting but still has personality. Solid cooking, relaxed setting. They get it just right.
What’s your go-to restaurant in Edinburgh when you want to celebrate?
For a proper celebration, it’s hard to beat eòrna. The chef’s table setup makes it feel intimate and special, and the wines are always full of surprises. What Brian and Glen are doing there feels really personal and you can tell every plate has intention behind it.How would you characterise the Edinburgh food scene of today?
Edinburgh's food scene is powered by strong independents – that’s its real identity. You’ve got so many places built around personal vision, run by people who are really putting themselves into it. There’s depth, creativity and loads of heart here.
Are there any Edinburgh restaurants you feel a personal connection to?
I have to say my own places – those are the deepest connections I have. It’s not just the food, it’s the people: the teams I work with every day, the guests who come back time and again. There’s history, emotion, energy; they’re a huge part of my life.What are your favourite things to see and do during the Fringe?
I love the Fringe. I try to catch some of my favourite comedians – I’m lucky to call a few of them friends. Krystal Evans, Liam Withnail, Amy Matthews, Chris Weir and Stuart McPherson are all brilliant. And I’ll usually end up out late at something I didn’t plan to see, which is half the fun.Love all things MICHELIN?
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Which is your favourite Edinburgh neighbourhood and why?
Marchmont, no question. It’s where I live and it’s got a great feel to it. Loads of green space, proper independents where you can pick up anything you need, and that view of the castle from The Meadows never gets old. In summer especially, it’s calm, it’s full of life and it’s just a good place to be.How do you like to spend your free time in Edinburgh?
I keep active. I’m in the gym most weeks and I play in a Monday morning five-a-side league with other chefs. But my favourite time is with my two boys. Nothing beats hanging out with them.
If you had one day to show an out-of-towner around Edinburgh, where would you take them?
We’d start with a walk up Arthur’s Seat; the view from the top gives you the full sweep of the city – it’s unbeatable. After that, a pint in a Grassmarket beer garden, soaking in the atmosphere. Then we’d head for some incredible food. Somewhere like The Palmerston or Heron, both brilliant examples of what Edinburgh does so well: local ingredients, proper cooking and a strong sense of place.Related Articles:
Hero Image: Chef Stuart Ralston, known for Edinburgh restaurants LYLA, tipo and Noto. © Justin Rodrigues
