Scotland's best restaurant is Michelin star spot with lunch menu that 'won't break the bank'
Scotland's thriving foodie culture boasts 13 Michelin star restaurants and many other eateries offering quality, reasonably priced food.
Edinburgh's culinary scene is buzzing, with a restaurant opened in 2023 now officially named the best in Scotland at the 2025 National Restaurant Awards. Lyla, located in the shadow of Calton Hill, has had a remarkable 2025, also earning its first Michelin star in February.
Lyla champions Scotland's natural larder, sourcing line caught fish and shellfish from the Scottish islands, alongside organic meats and vegetables, Scottish Daily Express reports.
Scotland, renowned for its exceptional produce, boasts a thriving foodie culture with 13 Michelin star establishments and a host of other restaurants offering quality food at reasonable prices.
Lyla's rise, finishing 17th in Britain overall on a list topped by London's The Ritz, highlights this burgeoning landscape.
What makes Lyla stand out even more is its accessibility; unlike many featured restaurants, a visit here won't necessarily "break the bank."
A five course tasting lunch is available on Fridays and Saturdays for as little as £65, while a ten course evening tasting menu is priced at £165 per person.
Guests at Lyla begin their experience upstairs, where they are presented with a bespoke selection of aperitifs and Champagnes, along with snacks.
From there, diners can enjoy stunning views stretching out to the Firth of Forth before heading downstairs to the main dining area. Here, an open kitchen provides a captivating view of the meal being prepared.
VisitScotland recently revealed a significant trend, noting a 58 percent increase in online searches for "Michelin star Scotland" over the last three years. Lyla is a prime example of this escalating demand.
Stuart Ralston, Chef owner at Lyla, commented on the flourishing scene: "Scotland has a wealth of great produce, from both the sea and land, and our dining scene has been benefiting from this for years."
He continued: "Now more than ever, there is an increased number of fine dining restaurants that are building on this and highlighting the abundance of Scottish produce, making Scotland an exciting place to dine."
"Historically, trade increases during the summer months with holidays and the Fringe Festival, but it is important to maintain momentum throughout the year," he explained.
"The current culinary spotlight means that we are seeing more visitors throughout the year, which is important to keep business going.
"Luxury dining supports hospitality and food production sectors as a whole it's about bringing more visitors to Scotland who will then spend money and invest in our economy."
Lyla's website proudly states its culinary philosophy: "LYLA creates a menu utilising the best line caught fish & sustainable shellfish sourced from the Scottish Isles."
The restaurant also emphasises collaboration: "We collaborate with the UK's top farms to procure organic meats and vegetables, while also maintaining cherished relationships with local foragers and growers."
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Lyla is located at 3 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh. You can discover more about this award winning establishment on its website.
Full list of Michelin star restaurants in Scotland
Andrew Fairlie, Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire (two stars)
Glenturret Lalique, Crieff, Perthshire (two stars)
Cail Bruich, Glasgow
UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers, Glasgow
Avery, Edinburgh
Condita, Edinburgh
Timberyard, Edinburgh
The Kitchin, Edinburgh
Restaurant Martin Wishart, Edinburgh
Heron, Edinburgh
Lyla, Edinburgh
The Peat Inn, St Andrews, Fife
Loch Bay Restaurant, Isle of Skye, Highlands
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