Where Stuart Ralston actually eats in Edinburgh
chef-owner, Lyla (Edinburgh) · 13 picks
Where does Stuart Ralston eat in Edinburgh? Stuart Ralston has named 13 places in Edinburgh: Ardfern, TIMBERYARD, Yamato, eòrna restaurant, The Palmerston and 8 more. Each one is listed below in their own words, with the source.
Stuart Ralston is the chef-owner of Lyla, the Michelin-starred seafood restaurant in Edinburgh, and of Noto and Tipo, both Bib Gourmands. These are the places he eats when he is not cooking, in his own words to the MICHELIN Guide, Fine Dining Lovers and TopJaw: a Sunday roast at Ardfern, otoro at Yamato, a £5 sandwich at Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao.
Ardfern
Ardfern on a Sunday is up there with the best places to eat and drink in the city. It’s relaxed but dialled in.
Said on Fine Dining Lovers · read
order: sunday roast
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.
Said on Michelin Guide · read
TIMBERYARD
If there’s venison or aged beef on, that’s where I’d go. Their wine list is really impressive and you feel so well looked after.
Said on Fine Dining Lovers · read
order: venison or aged beef
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.
Said on Michelin Guide · read
Yamato
I’ve gone back here for years because it does what it does – real quality sushi – properly and always delivers.
Said on Fine Dining Lovers · read
order: otoro
eòrna restaurant
There’s no unnecessary noise on the plate, just flavour combinations that make sense and cooking that shows restraint.
Said on Fine Dining Lovers · read
The Palmerston
both brilliant examples of what Edinburgh does so well: local ingredients, proper cooking and a strong sense of place
Said on Michelin Guide · read
L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar
This is what French cooking is actually about: respect for ingredients, technique that exists to support flavour, and sauces with body and depth.
Said on Fine Dining Lovers · read
MIRIN
One of those places chefs really love, with bold flavours, sharp execution and no dilution of character.
Said on Fine Dining Lovers · read
Hey Palu
Hey Palu is one of the best drinking rooms in the city.
Said on Fine Dining Lovers · read
order: negroni
Heron
both brilliant examples of what Edinburgh does so well: local ingredients, proper cooking and a strong sense of place
Said on Michelin Guide · read
Dogstar
Incredible products are cooked with heart by chef James Murray and the cocktails are a great reason to go in themselves.
Said on Fine Dining Lovers · read
The Last Word
Best for cocktails, Last Word Saloon. This is a very cool spot to hang out.
Said on TopJaw · watch
Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao
Most outrageous value, Pablo Eggo. £5 for a sandwich, hash brown, sausage, fatty American cheese.
Said on TopJaw · watch
order: sandwich with hash brown and American cheese
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Published 2026-09-22 · updated 2026-10-14