AFTER a decade in business, one of Edinburgh’s Michelin-starred chefs has made the decision to close the doors to his restaurant, saying that “the time feels right”.
Chef Stuart Ralston, who heads up three other restaurants in the city, has decided to close Aizle, sharing that it was a difficult decision to make.
The blind tasting menu restaurant was the chef’s first eatery, originally opened on St Leonard’s Street before moving to the Garden Room at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel.
Having opened back in 2014, customers have graced their doors for more than a decade.
Speaking on the news today, Stuart said: “When I first opened the doors on St Leonard’s Street in 2014 as a young chef, Aizle was born out of a desire to build something different, challenge me as a young chef and provide a place people would choose to work.
“I wanted to work with producers who really care about what they grow and make people happy with our food.
“Over the past 11 years, we have moved homes, met brilliant people along the way and grown into something to be proud of. We achieved what we set out to do.
“The decision hasn’t come easily, but the time feels right to close Aizle, and for me to put even more focus on Lyla, Noto and Tipo, as well as our next project.
“I want to give a huge thank you to the incredible, dedicated team, past and present, the wonderful farmers, fishermen, winemakers and all the people in between.
“I look forward to continuing to work with you.”
Aizle focuses on produce from the Scottish larder, serving guests a delicate washi paper menu detailing a list of ingredients from the current harvest.
The last time to visit will be 21 September 2025.
Lyla, Stuart’s newest restaurant, recently received the Best Restaurant in Scotland award at the National Restaurant Awards and obtained its first Michelin star earlier this year.
Lyla, Tipo and Noto will remain open.
