Reviews of Aizle. (Restaurant) in Edinburgh (Edinburgh).
38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ, United Kingdom
Description
Information of Aizle, Restaurant in Edinburgh (Edinburgh)
On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.
This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.
Map
Open hours of Aizle
Sunday
5–9pm
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
5–9pm
Thursday
5–9pm
Friday
5–9pm
Saturday
5–9pm
Reviews of Aizle
E.Absolutely amazing experience, brilliant manager with front of house staff that have been trained to perfection.
We had the tasting menu with each dish described to us by the waitress & waiters. Each dish had delicious flavours, we were even lucky enough to have been to Noto earlier (a sister restaurant) to compare the dishes of both places. I have to say that although some ingredients overlap the flavours are different and are cooked differently.
Highly recommended this place for a fine dining experience, and tasting menu is a must!
Didn't get to thank the manager before we left, but thank you for your hospitality, an experience to remember.
C. M.Aizle is a very nice restaurant and is a lovely location to spend an evening in. I always enjoy tasting menus and theirs looks and tastes great. All of the dishes are really nicely presented, the bite sized moresels are packed full of flavour and the staff are really good at describing the dishes and wine pairings.
It's also worth mentioning that the staff are all extremely attentive, very friendly and leave you feeling well looked after. Although a couple aren't great at pouring a glass of wine.
The only real drawback for me was the small amount of wine that you get, less than you would expect in most restaurants and for the price of the night I'm sure they could stretch to fill your glass a little bit more to a normal level.
A. M.I thoroughly enjoyed my recent visit. Brilliant tasting menu and matched drinks, the staff were very welcoming and knowledgeable on the food and drinks they were serving. The food presentation was amazing and very artistic. Stuart Ralston himself served our cheese dish which was a nice touch. I look forward to going back and I would highly recommend.
M. B.The price of the set menu (£85 per person) might scare you off, but it is absolutely worth it! The setting is beautiful - a glass house style room full of plants - the staff is incredibly helpful and elaborate with every dish. The vegetarian options (you should notify them in advance) were superb, and with such special and local ingredients. They were truly pieces of art with incomparable tastes. Only star less is for that it may not be an affordable experience for all, but otherwise all my credits.
M. M.We had a wonderful evening at Aizel. Their 6 course tasting menu is seasonal, exciting and extremely tasty! The dishes were all innovative and well balanced.
Service was seamless from the moment we stepped in. Staff were knowledgeable and attentive without being intrusive. The meal perfectly paced which added to the relaxed and airy feel of the space.
The house made gin cocktail to commence the wine pairing was a highlight with Pickerings Gin and rhubarb. Not tasting alcoholic at all meant it was dangerous and deliciously refreshing.
Highly recommend. Our experience was enhanced by some of the unexpected elements and a number of personal touches that made our experience unique and memorable. Thank you.
C. K.Pretty great tasting experience. Flavourful dishes, generous servings. Palateable journey from beginning to end that connected relatively well between each course- even though they were not obviously matching in theme. Some of these dishes are honestly michelin level quality.
October 2021
N. M. (. M.Incredible food, lovely staff, absolutely agree with having no choice!! You get a set menu and, apart from allergies, there is no choice and it works! Amazing flavours you'd never ordinarily taste, carefully crafted menu with only seasonal ingredients including those that have been foraged.
G. K.Can't say enough about the evening we had at Aizle. Every dish was exquisitely crafted and the service was second to none! I had the wine pairing and my boyfriend had the juice pairing option, they were both beautifully matched to each dish. Thanks so much to the staff for making the experience special.
J. B.We went to Aizle to celebrate our anniversary and it was one of the best meals we have had. The venue was beautiful, the food was incredible and the staff absolutely made our night. The playlist was a great addition too.
The taster menu is based on a list of great fresh ingredients. The menu for me was perfect. My partner even said one of the dishes was the best thing he had ever eaten.
All in all a beautiful and relaxed environment but with 5 star service and fine dining.
Big thank you to Hamish the young waiter who made a special request happen for us.
To the chef and all the staff thank you and we look forward to returning in the future
R. M.Exceptional food in a wonderfully relaxed environment all delivered by superb staff. Best food in Edinburgh and well worth the cost.
A. B.This was truly an incredible dining experience with a fantastic team. Excellent explanations of the courses and the lack of menu made the courses even more exciting. Fabulous wine pairing and the food, well, that was out of this world. A truly fabulous dining experience all round.
C. K.This dining experience was out of this world. Each course was mind blowing. The wine pairing was perfect. If you want your world rocked eat here! Words really don’t do it justice. Go treat yo self!
T. H.One of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. Beautiful, interesting, and tasty. You get to try multiple unique dishes and portion sizes are designed such that by the end you will feel just right
A. F.Fantastic tasting menu. Great setvice. Need to visit again.
S. B.The food was outstanding. I loved every dish and the presentation was lovely too. Its perfect if you're looking for fine dining that isn't stuffy. I liked that the wine pairing included a cocktail to start with. The setting is great. Overall a wonderful experience and would highly recommend.
My only two small negatives are that the dishes are served a little too quickly. On a few occasions I didn't have time to finish my glass of wine before the next wine and dish were served.
The waiters were all lovely. But the explanations of the dishes were a little quick, with masks and noise, it was hard to catch all of it.
But these two small negatives didn't hamper our wonderful experience there.
C. S.Beautiful meal. Amazing knowledgeable staff. A night never to be forgotten! Highly recommended!
M. P.The food was good but the first two courses were served a bit too quickly. Some of the food was michellin standard but I don't appreciate service charges being included in the price, even though the service was good. I would have probably left more of a tip if I was left to judge whether to leave a tip or not.
R. G.One of the best tasting menus i‘ve ever tried!
Would definitely recommend going for the wine pairing .
The chef created a great menu all from locally sourced ingredients.
Dinner is a 3 hr experience and the quantity served is way more than we expected so go on an empty stomach :)
To add to that the staff was super friendly and informed on the different wines and dishes
All in all, a great experience!
H. B.Amazing tasting menu and staff were superb . Had the drinks pairing too every dish was superbly presented and tasted divine
M. M.Endlessly inventive, great tasting food. Top quality dining. Efficient but not formal. Some unusual tastes but in a good way. Recommended.
J. W.Ate here after trying Noto (their sister restaurant that is less expensive). And Noto is much better.
This restaurant is very beautiful. But the food was just okay for the price point. And the service was kind of robotic. Our main two servers were French, and we could not understand most of the explanations of the dishes. And the time between each course was incredibly long.
For a much better experience, go to Noto.
O. P.Couldn't have nicer things to say about Aizle.
The service is great. Very friendly, not stuffy at all and super knowledgable. They were very accommodating and had clocked the fact it was our anniversary.
We had a little note on our table thanking us for coming for a special occasion and they also gave us a glass of champagne, which was a great touch.
The food itself is outstanding. It's a regularly rotating menu, as it depends on what they have in. Every course was delicious and I enjoyed the little intro to each dish. It all tastes very fresh and the wine pairing was a definite good choice.
Personally, for what you get I think the value is excellent and would recommend it to everyone.
L. D.Excellent experience, great knowledgeable & friendly staff. Lovely setting and very safe covid measures.
Food was fantastic and they really accommodated specific dietary requirements. All courses were very tasty!
The brioche bread and rich butter was very moorish.
A. S. C. R.Amazing, best food ever, loved the tasting menu ! We went for my birthday and they had such a nice touch, little card and some chocolate at the end, absolutely recommend !
B. L.I have to say the food here is STUNNING. I'm so glad that I have found and chosen this place on my first trip in UK. I didn't expect food here can be so amazingly delicious with such a reasonable price! Also the staff are so kind and professional. The restaurant offers good atmosphere. I will definitely recommend people to come and enjoy your time. Personally I think it deserves the michelin stars for sure.
M. H.Managed to get a booking with my girlfriend for the set menu back in December. Started with a cocktail each, I went whisky with an absinthe spray. Unbelievably strong but very tasty. We had the vegetarian set menu each and it was a wonderful combination of local ingredients with an Asian influence. The best dish was a creamy soup with Jerusalem artichokes and Parmesan! We decided to have the cheese board as well which was amazing value for money, a while baked cheese with focaccia! The bill was also less than expected as vegetarian menu was £10 cheaper, this was a lovely surprise to end a perfect evening
C. L.This was a great tasting menu!
P. S.Relaxed, refined and good value. There's not much to say except this place knocks spots off some of the Michelin starred places in Edinburgh. And it has a way more relaxed atmosphere. Rather than having a menu, the food is based on a seasonal "harvest" of whatever is in season and fresh. Everything was superb. The sourdough with cultured truffle butter and port wine jelly was a sensation that I'll never forget. Just go. You won't regret it.
N. H.Excellent tasting menu, full of surprises and well executed. Pleasant and attentive service but not overly fussy. Overall super flavours and a delightful experience
A. L.Excellent seasonal 5 course menu with some exciting extra surprises. The starter tomato dish paired with a beaujolais is one of my top 3 dishes in 2019! Charming service and a cozy atmosphere.
A. K.Very unique tastes and excellent service
V. S.The food was fantastic and the staff were lovely. Would definitely recommend.
P. M.Great culinary experience, I particularly enjoyed the overall presentation of the dished and the main course of 3 different lamb cuts
M. A.Aizle is probably my favourite dining experience in all of Scotland. It is a 6 course tasting menu that changes based on seasonal ingredients. The most current menu is the Fall Harvest. Now, they say 6 courses, in reality it's more like 10. There are two small amuse courses at the start and a bread course (and they put chicken skin on the butter, heaven). My dining companions and I think of these as their own couses. Then there is the optional cheese course, and who says no to cheese?! It is very good value for the price. The plates might took small, but you leave feeling very full. Not to be missed.
T. Q.Very much enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Very unpretentious yet elegant food. The first few dishes were good but starters, main and dessert was fantastic. Would absolutely recommend and go again.
M. R.We did the 6-course tasting menu with the drink pairing. The food was superb and all the drinks perfectly matched the high-quality food. The service was great and the waiters were very attentive and knowledgable. Would definitely recommend and would love to come back soon.
S. g.What can I say about Aisle. Second visit in 2 years and for me it was better than the first. Great concept, great staff and reasonably priced for the sort of restaurant and food you get. For those who don't know the concept is seasonal harvest and you are not given menus just a list of ingredients. These ingredients then make up your 5 courses. I won't spoil Julys harvest for anyone going although it will have changed now but check the pictures. Pairing drinks too if you like your wines. It's no wonder they are 3rd on TripAdvisor. Go now as come January they are gutting the place and starting again. Experience the original Aizle while you still can.
R. M.Stunning. 5 course surprise tasting menu with matched drinks = food heaven for the adventurous. Some of the best food I have had the pleasure of eating ... ever. Friendly staff.
T. M.An amazing dining experience from start to finish. Friendly and knowledgeable staff, seasonal dishes and great wine pairings.
C. A.Food and service were excellent. Freshest and tastiest ingredients are used. Creative combination of ingredients. Loved the ambience too, not stuffy at all. Staff were excellent throughout except for one server at the end (someone with tattoo on his arm) who just abruptly left our desserts on the table with no introduction or explanation whatsoever.
P. A.Having been to Aizle a year ago in its past location and having had one of our favourite meals in Edinburgh there, we couldn’t wait to come back. The new space inside the Kimpton hotel is modern and light with a really professional feel. The staff were very efficient and friendly and we couldn’t have been better looked after by them.
Unfortunately however we were ultimately disappointed with the food compared to our first Aizle visit and compared to their sister restaurant Noto (which is great by the way). I think there was a slight lack of interesting/creative dishes in the end (there wasn’t the wow moment with any of the dishes like there was with the chicken bun at the previous incarnation of Aizle), the halibut dish was slightly overcooked for us, and the bread was just a bit plain to be honest. There’s a fair few fine dining places in Edinburgh now and we would have loved to have seen something a bit different from Aizle
I would say this review is overly critical however, as it’s a very solid fine dining experience but if I compare to top Michelin star restaurants (which may not be a fair comparison of course) elsewhere, it’s not quite there - whilst I would have said the previous Aizle experience was absolutely on par with other top end places we’ve been.
This combined with some of the creativity we had at Noto and it would be unstoppable. 3 stars would be harsh hence given 4, but overall a 14/20
J. D.Probably, like a lot of people, we were not sure what to expect at Aizle. However, it was a birthday treat for me so we decided to give it a go. Thank goodness we did - it was fantastic. Unique combinations of flavors and very friendly staff. I would definitely return if I am back in Edinburgh.
L. Y.Everything is perfect!Highly recommend this place.
The raw material sourced from local is so fresh and well-cooked,will definitely come back to taste new seasonal menu.
J.Literally the best dining experience I've had for years. Make no mistake though, this is an experience and not your standard fine dining.
We had the drinks pairing with the tasting menu. This incredible fixed tasting menu had multiple courses drawing on a range of influences but with a strong contemporary Scottish vibe.
My partner had the standard tasting while I had the vegetarian ( be sure to let them know in advance). I was blown away at how strong the vegetarian version was and how closely it mirrored the meat version in parts.
It was also great to have specially tailored drinks for where the vegetarian dishes did differ.
The presentation was impeccable and the table wear (I never usually consider table wear) were beautiful.
Service was as perfect as the food with both dishes and drinks carefully described by the front of house team.
I'm not going to spoil the courses (although I'm sure they change them seasonally/ regularly), all I'll say is that this is a must for any foodie visiting Edinburgh.
k. g.Great cosy place. Food was an amazing adventure. Very friendly staff. Even hailed a cab for us in departure. Highly recommend.
I. P. G. M.There aren’t enough words in this world to describe how this, very simple, with no presumptions place in Edinburgh blew my mind. Absolutely from top to bottom INCREDIBLE. Timing, food, service were incredible.
T. A.A very special place. Perfect service, food on point, surprising and delicious, and very well selected wine pairing. Worth every penny!
P. B.The team at this restaurant deserve credit for all their hard work, we were well looked after and the 6 course tasting menu was superb. The pairing drinks included a soft drinks options for the driver, there were some very interesting and enjoyable pairings with each course. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit tonight, thank you. This restaurant is really worth a visit.
N. H.An amazing dining experience. Absolutely beautiful food for every course, fantastic drinks and lovely service from all the staff. I would highly recommend for an enjoyable evening, especially if you are a big fan of high quality and thoughtfully made food
P. C.Simple and unpretentious, but EXCELLENT! Highlight of all our meals in Edinburgh. After dinner at Number One Balmoral the evening before, we thought it was going to be hard to beat. But the team at Aizle blew it away. Location is simple and unpretentious. Almost like eating in a friend's dining room. Except the friend is a wizard in the kitchen. Don't let the "lack" of a menu put you off! They take seasonal ingredients and pull it all together. Heritage carrots with sweetbreads and an asian-inspired fig XO sauce. Who would have thought? Beef... done 3 different ways on a plate. Amazing.
Wine pairings also very well done. I don't believe they have an in house sommelier but it sure feels that way. There were certain pairings which initially raised an eyebrow but when sampled with the food, just delightful. After the second course, I just sat back and enjoyed myself!
Very glad we were here. I think the creativity and quality is comparable to some of the top restaurants in the world like French Laundry in Napa. In fancy digs and with expensive silverware, they could easily charge a lot more too. It's a bargain right now!
N. C.Always a lovely experience. Very highly recommended! Defo one of my favourite restaurants here in Edinburgh
l. d.I went to Aizle with my two adult daughters and we had a really enjoyable evening. The food was excellent and the service was relaxed and friendly but at the same time very professional and knowledgeable. The flavour combinations were exquisite. I would thoroughly recommend .
P. A.Highly recommend for a roller coaster of a food journey! Lovely ambiance too.
W. M.Excellent food, creative and delicious!
G. M.High quality ingredients, varied tasting menu, friendly service, relaxed atmosphere.
Just make sure you tell them beforehand if there is anything you specifically don't like as there is no choice. Perfect for the adventurous though!
D. S.Fabulous food and service in a great location. I was so impressed that they mentioned on their website that they will accommodate pregnancy dietary requirements, if given advance notice. They arranged this all perfectly and it made for a very relaxing and enjoyable meal. I'd definitely return.
C. B.Waiting staff were knowledgeable without being overbearing, the wine list was good, the food was great and the atmosphere in the place was pleasant and managed to avoid being stuffy. Great place to go if you enjoy fine dining without some of the more intense and snobbish quirks of other fine dining establishments.
L. G.Very interesting experience! A lot of research for the ingredients and dishes presentation. Amazing restaurant.
A. M.Absolutely amazing flavours and incredibly clever innovative dishes. Brilliant service from very friendly staff. Get yourselves in there and experience an adults (sweet & savoury) version of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory!!
E. R.Service. Food. Ambiance. It has it all. It is an exceptional restaurant. Be open to whatever chef is creating. You won't be disappointed
A. M.Incredibly well prepared modern Scottish cuisine. The staff are highly knowledgeable and passionate about the food they serve, as well as ensuring their guests have an enjoyable experience. Their consideration in catering to dietary restrictions is some of the best I have ever seen. One of the best meals of my life.
R. B.Amazing food, service and atmosphere. Would definitley recommend to everyone
C. C.Love love love! I've been to Aizle a few times now and each time it gets better! The service is always ace; the waiting staff are very laid back, yet very knowledgeable and friendly - it's not as stuffy as some fine dining establishments can feel. The food has always been amazing. The seasonal ingredients are written up on a board, and you are presented with a 5 course menu containing said ingredients. You won't receive a menu until the end. The paired drinks are always awesome, and I think great value too. It's not just wine, I've had beers, ciders and cocktails paired before. We've always added the cheese course and never been disappointed! Go!!
i. B. C.Fortunate to have been accomodated in their first week at the new venue, many years after a meal at the original. Stunning pescatarian meal. Genuinely one of the best I've ever had - the gnocchi is masterful. We paired with (quite) a few signature cocktails - which worked for us ! About the closest we came to a disappointment was the California husband (SF sourdough type) saying he found the homemade bread tasty but too fluffy for him, I explained it was probably a riff on the soft rolls of Scotland (?). Staff could not have been friendlier, more accomodating or informative and genuinely enthused by their offering. Amazing value, a total triumph (the whole stay at the hotel was pretty awesome too).
c. y. w.Top class cooking skills from the chefs,lovely serving staffs,11 out of 10.
M. C.We went to Aizle last night, during the Edinburgh festival, to celebrate my son's birthday and opted for the 6 course tasting menu with paired drinks. Having read previous reviews, we expected fantastic food and we were not let down. The combination of ingredients, complemented by cocktails and wines, resulted in an unique gastronomic experience. The service was spot on. Staff were friendly, knowledgeable and orchestrated the evening seamlessly. I have no reservations in recommending this restaurant.
N. H.The menu here is as good as you can hope to find; as well balanced as you would hope for as any leading modern European with the perfect wine pairings. You will not be wasting your time here and I would recommend the Inverurie Lamb as a must-try before anything else
J. B.Attended here to celebrate me and my girlfriend's engagement. The tasting menu was absolutely stunning, both in presentation and flavour. The staff were very personable and made our visit very pleasant - as it was our engagement they made it extra special by providing the bubbles and extra treats as well which was very nice of them.
All in all, I would recommend this place to anyone and would most certainly return myself.
K. F.Excellent food, but massively over priced drinks
M. B.Spectacular food, but couple things detracted from a 5-stay experience.
100mph description of course made it difficult to retain what we were eating/drinking
Hipster nonchalance demeanour worked against the experience also
L.Aizle! You have to come here.
From start to finish this was a wonderful evening. Front of house are welcoming, attentive and knowledgeable. The food was delicious with exciting and unexpected elements, the kitchen team delivered their wonderful produce to an excellent standard, everything was cooked perfectly and the attention to detail was outstanding. Whoever developed/delivered the pastry courses knows what's up, beautiful final courses showing excellent technical ability and a real understanding of how to play with texture and flavour, the chocolate and miso dessert was a very fitting end to the meal. The atmosphere and decor of the restaurant are very simple but stylish, a theme carried throughout the entire experience. Pace of service was spot on, the team at Aizle really understand how to deliver an excellent dining experience.
Great job!!
P.S if you visit this place, order the apple gin cocktail. Be careful though, they go down rather well and I ended up a little more merry than intended!
A. N.Best food I've eaten, laid back atmosphere and excellent staff. Far less pretentious than I expected. Couldn't recommend it highly enough.
A. B. C.Food experience wasn’t as special now as it was when I first went to Aizle shortly after they opened, many years back (and when the set menu was £35!). Perhaps it is a matter of the particular menu they had in December. I thought the dishes were ok but not great -as I was expecting before arrival. Definitely wasn’t worth the price from my point of view when I compare to other set menus in the city. If I ever go again I hope I’ll be more lucky with the ingredients.
Make sure you request a table far from the door, it gets cold every time it was opened.
R. O.From the to-die-for starter snacks, to the charming service staff, the deliciously light desserts and everything in between - this was a food experience I will never forget. I was going to post photos for reference, but part of the delight of the meal was being surprised by each plate, so I'll refrain!
I'd 100% go back, anytime. Thanks Aizle!
C. H.I've now been to Aizle once a month since it's opening and I have yet to leave without a grin on my face and a happy belly.
The greeting is always warm when you arrive, service is relaxed and friendly, plates are not only delicious but also beautifully presented, the cocktails are tongue tingling delights!
The kitchen can be very accommodating towards dietary requirements if you let them know ahead of time. Although last trip, I had to call them on the day to let them know one of my companions didn't eat shellfish, but they managed to make it work.
With a menu that is ever changing, I can't wait to see what my next dining experience at Aizle will bring!!
A. C.5 Stars because more people need to go here. Alas we were feeling a bit too fragile to try the drink pairing with the menu, but it looked like a great deal. The food was excellent and varied, containing a lot of flavours I've never had before, the staff attentive and professional, but most definitely casual. Personal favourite was burnt leek and mussels in the second course, and the ox tongue with the main. Not perfect though, some elements lacked the punch, and the pudding was tasty, but not nearly as creative as the rest. Without a doubt though most creative meal you can buy for the price
J.No menu, just that months harvest. A truly unique and intriguing dining experience.
I can't think of another restaurant quite like it. I imagine for the most part that diners turn up for the same reason we did, having been lured in by the fact that there's no menu, just a list on the wall of the 'harvest' for this month. So, it's a scrumptious tasting menu made from the ingredients on that list and at £45 a head it's considerably cheaper than some other tasting menus out there and for something entirely different. Highly recommended.
D. S.Perhaps the best restaurant I have ever been to.
The food was truly unique. The service was very attentive without being disturbing.
Special mention has to go to the way Aizle accommodated my dietary requirements. Most restaurants - even very good ones - will provide a weak substitute or even remove the offending ingredient without substituting it. This results in very bland food in comparison to my partner.
Aizle on the other hand clearly put as much effort into my dish as my partner's. A bespoke, equivalent and comparable meal was provided for each course. This allowed me to feel I was having as good an experience as anyone else in the restaurant, knowing I wouldn't feel ill afterwards.
I cannot fault the experience.
T. J.I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Aizle. I've wanted to go since it opened and find it a really interesting and exciting concept. They offer a set menu of 4 courses, plus appetizers, for £35 but you don't know what the menu is...they just have a list of ingredients which changes on a monthly basis. I thought each course last night was inventive and I certainly got to try some ingredients I've never tried (or heard of) before - like parsley root. A couple of the dishes I felt could have perhaps have had less flavours on the plate - some mouthfuls were a bit too much of a taste sensation! But the food was all cooked perfectly, with lots of interesting textures as well as tastes. By far, my favourite dishes involved fish. The starter was a lovely combination of Aura potatoes, Loch Awe Trout, pear, sweet cicely and Keta salmon caviar. The main fish dish was also excellent with a brilliantly succulent fillet of hake. The ambiance in the restaurant was very relaxed and friendly. If I had one minor change to make, I would have like a print out of the dishes as it was quite difficult to pick up/remember all the elements on the plates. All in all though, an enjoyable experience for anyone who enjoys being adventurous with their food and I'll definitely be going back to try a different month's ingredients.
G.Beautiful place. An indoor garden in a stylish hotel
O. M.Apart from the amazing food.... mine favourite being the cheese and truffle ball, my wife's was the risotto and asparagus starter.... or hostess Katie was exceptional.
A guests cardigan had fallen from the back of her chair and two other staff members noticed it and ignored it. Katy quietly put it back on the lady's chair.
We flew in for one night only to visit Aizle and it was superb!
R. G.The very first thing to say about Aizle is that the food is truly wonderful... not just innovative and inventive in its choice and pairings of ingredients - which it definitely, often surprisingly, is - but the execution is top class, a true feast for the taste buds, and the presentation is often visually stunning too.
I cannot praise the food, or the ideas behind it, enough. Just can't. Truly magnificent and would certainly call me back again. So... why not five stars, you may ask?
Well, a couple of things. First, the welcome was hardly effusive, more cool, not in a good way. And the staff, very efficient and clearly knowledgeable, never strayed into becoming engaging, or thereby really welcoming. No food, no matter how stunningly good, is capable of smiling at you and saying 'we're really glad you're here, thank you for coming' or 'have you come far; how did you hear about us?' For that you need a personality running the floor and greeting guests, or perhaps, if you're determined on a different model to badge your different restaurant concept, staff who think of themselves as hosts and engage with warmth.
The restaurant is 'boutique', just two rooms slightly awkwardly laid out perhaps but making excellent use of the space and, rightly, really busy on the night we went. The tables are quite small, but that helps manage the space, clearly, and we quickly settled to being rather cosier than wonted and the fabulous fare soon had us worrying not a jot about it.
Much more problematic is the piped music... the choice of genres is merely a matter of personal preference and taste of course... my aunt thought much of it was execrable, and she may be right... I thought it merely modern in a quite pretentious way, but there's no excuse for it being so horribly LOUD that our waitress couldn't hear my asking her if the volume could be lowered. Ironic. My puzzle, and my experience, is that only very under-confident restaurants pipe harshly loud music. And Aizle is surely not that based on its fabulous food, so why remains a mystery. But dining in a night club is not my idea of how to spend over £100 per head, with service. High end doesn't fit with down market atmospherics.
In the end though, we adored the food and, for all my moaning, I could only bring myself to fine Aizle one star.
J. G.Aizle has no menu, just a list of ingredients that may or may not show up in your food, plus a chance to explain your dietary restrictions. The meal consists of five creative courses inspired by seasonal, local produce.
Aizle is getting 5 stars from me because every single course delivered. Each dish brought interesting flavors to my tongue - there were no duds, no fillers. Just tastiness. The second course involved perhaps the yummiest carrots I have ever eaten.
I opted for the drinks pairing, which included a beer, three wines, and a cocktail (all small servings). The beverages complemented the food well. The cocktail (a strawberry concoction, the type of thing I would usually avoid) was particularly delicious. I'm looking forward to trying some more of their house cocktails on our next visit, which will be very soon.
B. E. T. A.This was more of a journey and experience with food. You do not get a menu but on a chalk board is a list of ingredients that will be used. When each course arrives it is explained by the Waitrose or chef who brings it to your table. It is a fixed menu however they do cater for vegitarians which is great. At the end of the meal you are given the menu you have just worked through. This was a great experience in s great place.
T. S.No wonder why it is top-ranked in Tripadvisor! Serves to limited sets of tables on limited set of time. The restaurant is quite small and opening hours are very limited mostly only under reservations. However, the most important thing is, the food itself is unlimited!! Full 6-courses menus using the season’s best ingredients. Friendly staff members closely explain about dishes each. I was very fascinated and impressed by the creativity of food composition and usage of ingredients. 100% satisfied with the food and service.
j. b.Very very good
Great friendly knowledgeable staff
And wonderful food
So impressed
K. W.We've been to Aizle a number of occasions and each time we've encountered beautiful food and excellent service. Flavours are clean and wonderfully layered - but not overcomplicated - and the staff are attentive, and welcoming, giving Aizle a relaxed air. A favourite, for sure - we'll be back.
A. W.There is literally no dining experience like this in the city! Essentially you can't check out a menu beforehand because they don't really know what they'll be making until that day, so what you get instead is a list of all the locally sourced in-season produce they will be using throughout your meal, and you do not know which element will be in which course until they bring it to you. If you put your faith in the chefs, you will be rewarded. I had never tried Hogget before, and it was a revelation. I don't think my meager vocabulary can go to describing how good the food was, and the lovely lovely staff were very knowledgeable, not only about what they were serving, but drinks to match with it. Since my visit I simply cannot tell enough people I know how much they HAVE to go here.
H. W.Oh boy oh boy oh boy! Where to begin? Best duck I've ever eaten? Several sublime small courses? Bread and butter as a course? Are you joking? A double final sweet course that made perfect sense when combining both elements? Wild...it must have been utterly furious hake from Anstruther? Attentive, never fussy service? All for £70 over 2.75 hours? One of the top 10 meals of my life. I kid you not! Hats off to Aizle!!
S. M.This stylish new addition to Edinburgh's dining scene, has quickly become popular amongst food lovers in the capital and the experience did not disappoint!
The restaurant is small and friendly with nice, simple decor and quirky,sweet touches such as blankets being available at the tables for customers!
The menu is a fixed price, seasonal one, currently priced at £35 for 4 courses which comprises just of a list of ingredients they will use during the meal. However, I would be keen to point out that they are very willing to accommodate specialist dietary requirements; our group included a pescetarian, lactose/gluten intolerances and a dislike of lamb and cheese!
The food was all perfectly cooked, with an interesting balance of flavours and a great understanding of seasonal produce; all presented with a stylish flourish.
Will definitely be going back soon, and am keen to try their range of cocktails!
C. K.Excellent food, great service...
I. H.Anyone who has ever been there will confirm it is the best restaurant experience in Edinburgh. Modern, well run, cheerful and happy service and amazing dishes. Hang the cost, reservation required.
P. M.Great food. Definitely worth a visit. My wife let slip it was my birthday when ordering wine and we got a surprise treat at the end. Perfect service would recommend to anyone.
A. D. A. P.Cute, intimate and delicious place. Will definitely recommend it. We loved it!
V. Á. P.Great experience 👌
J. H.Wonderful rustic Italian, serving beautifully cooked fish dishes. Well the trek to get there as it's outside the main drag. Although the presentation is rustic, the food is amazing.
J. M.Excellent food and service.
L. R.Everything about our experience here was superb. I had been browsing the internet for a nice restaurant in Edinburgh for hours when I stumbled upon a review for Aizle, watched their short video and was completely sold. Although we had made reservations online, they were so flexible when we asked to change our reservation and I was so impressed to even receive an email with the new reservation just minutes after changing it :-)
Need I say more than michelin star food?! The "menu" is so fun as it simply lists their monthly harvest, giving you an idea of what to expect, you basically leave it to the chef to work their magic - and that they do, indeed! Each course (of 5) is so delicate and well-thought out, each flavour is so complimentary to the others, my dinner here was hands down, the best meal I've had (and I like to consider myself a "foodie!"). Krystal served us and carefully explained each course, she was attentive to us and my husband and I completely adored her and everything else about our experience. The ambiance inside is simple and lovely. I already can't wait to go back when we visit Edinburgh next - and this time, I will definitely try the paired drinks!! XO
D. O. L.Love this place. Presentation and taste are equally excellent. Very knowledgeable staff who made us feel comfortable from the first to last minute. We spent 4hrs over dinner but felt like less than two. Brilliant evening out.
B. E.We took a friend here for her birthday and every morsel, every drink, every description of what we were about to eat and every moment during the meal was amazing. Personable staff who know what they're talking about. Can't wait for our return visit!
D. H.Stunning food and great service.
A. G.Amazing experience here. Every course as good or better than the last. Can't fault them at all. 👏👏
E. N.Excellent food and service. We went to Aizle for my mom's birthday and they gave her a lovely note and dessert for her special day. The staff were very nice and took their time to explain every dish being served.
B. S.Booking
I booked via email for a Thursday night only a couple of days in advance. I would advise to call or email at least a week in advance for a table of 2 or more though.
I got a reply directly from Krystal (one of the owners) very rapidly and was asked if I had any dietary requirements, which was already a great sign of the level of their standards.
At the restaurant
Warmly welcomed by the front of house, I was soon shown my table and presented the list of ingredients and wine/cocktail list. I'm far from a wine expert but could tell the selection could easily please with wines from the old and the new world. I ended up going for a cocktail though. It was definitely refreshing but I think I'll go for a glass of wine next time.
Now onto the serious stuff!
The food: a succession of dishes each more delicious than the one before. What was really striking to me was the delightful smell of each course. Not only were they all spot on in terms of flavours, the portions were perfect, the presentation was impeccable (minus the dessert - poached rhubarb with lemon meringue and yoghurt mousse - which was perhaps a little tricky to eat) and the combination of ingredients worked great.
My favourites? I won't spoil the surprise by unveiling most of the menu but my top 2 were most definitely the lamb ragu in an eggshell and the Loch Etive sea trout, asparagus, keta and crème fraîche.
Service and atmosphere
Very efficient and pleasant service. I didn't feel rushed at any time, even after spending over an hour and a half there.
The members of staff were all lovely (I was slightly taken aback for being called Madame a couple times… but hey nothing major) and the main waiter taking care of me was kind enough to ask a few more details to the chefs for me about the provenance of a few ingredients.
The decor in itself was quite simple and fresh, a lot of wood and clear paint and a lot of light coming in from the windows, which give onto St. Leonard Street and Holyrood.
Price and overall rating
£35 for the surprise tasting menu (drinks and tips to add on top)
Very affordable for the quality of the entire experience, food and service.
Definitely worth going!
K. G.I've heard mixed reports about Aizle, but personally I had a lovely experience. We went for the (surprisingly-affordable!) tasting menu, which was just beautifully presented. The whole place has a very relaxed, down-to-earth vibe but you can tell they've put a lot of thought into it.
O. M.Simply my favourite restaurant in Edinburgh, such a lovely experience and amazing food. I love the staff, they are so attentive, Been there three times with different people and each time everyone has been impressed. Can't wait to go back.
M. Y.Went on the night they opened after lockdown. Would never have known. Slick service, great food. Definitely recommend
S. F.Definitely one for the meat/ fish eaters. We booked 4 weeks in advance and advised that I was vegetarian but on the night the 'veggie' courses were a mish mash of the meat and fish dishes (minus the meat and fish). My main course was 5 baby carrots with some butternut squash puree. shaved radishes and crunchy onions. I thought this really lacked any imagination and I was still hungry afterwards. Great value if you eat meat and fish but more thought needs to be put in to the courses for those with special dietary requirements.
R. H.Amazing food in a set menu style. Managed to accommodate our allergies fairly well. Matched drinks, although expensive, are well worth it for a special occasion!
K. D.Absolutely amazing meal. A set 6 course tasting menu that was exquisite coupled with a super wine flight.
Recommend isn't strong enough!!
W. B.Fantastic food and setting would thoroughly recommend to anyone.
Q. C.Fantastic food, presented in a casual setting with friendly personal service. Great value for what it offers. If you like great food then go here.
L. G.Fantastic. Food was delicious, drinks paired perfectly, staff were knowledgeable and attentive. Go now before it gets the Michelin star it clearly deserves and the price doubles!
J. H.This wasn't my first taste of Michelin guid food but it was one of the best and I got it on company expenses too :)
W. m.Great tasting menu, original food, high quality ingredients and excellent service. Shared a wine pairing between 2 which was perfect for a school night
A. D.Brilliant restaurant with amazing food. You don't pick your food, but then you don't need to....It's all taken care of by the amazing chefs in this place. If your thinking of booking, just book....It's well worth it.
L. S.Amazing winter menu. We need to come back and try the matching wine menu. Definitely worthy to try
C. I.Delicious tasting menu with great attention to detail and wonderful flavours. Some great cocktails and lovely staff. Would definitely recommend.
l. p.Had our anniversary here and was the best choice ever. Food was heavenly.. i mean felt like in heaven and staff and environment were so nice and cordial.. Would definitely recommend to anyone
S. T.Lovely staff, sublime food and a great wine pairing. If you get the chance to add cheese, do so without hesitation!
J. W.Aizle is always a treat. Modern Scottish cooking with a Nordic twist. They are hugely accomodating of dietry requirements with advance notice.
S. B.Absolutely delicious. I loved the idea of a set tasting menu and the alternatives for those with a fish allergy worked really well.
C. T.Very nice. Love the way just the ingredients are listed on the wall. It's fun to try and guess what will be used in the next course and how.
They must be close to getting a Michelin star.
S. S.Amazing concept but my wife and I were underwhelmed by the majority of the food served. Getting the drink pairing is a must if you go, but it is pricey on top of an already costly meal.
J. L.What a brilliant evening we had at Aizle, lovely food and very attentive service. The ingredients they use are first class! Loved it and would definitely go back!
R. R.Scene of a recent date night. Loved it. No menu, high intrigue, scrumptious plates of food. Simple decor and step back in time in the '90s toilets (I'm sure they're next on the refurb list).
A. B.Fantastic restaurant and really good service. I went there with my family and had a really good meal, wine selection also very nice.
G. G.Sheer art with food. Amazing. My girlfriend was completely in ecstasy about the experience and food.
D. F.Inventive, tasty, professional, but in a casual and informal style. Loved it.
A. I.One of the best meals I've ever had. Loved the experience, fine dining without too much fuss
G. G.Just perfect. Dont miss
B. R.Amazing as ever! Never miss an opportunity to dine here! Always amazing & just gets better & better!
M. B.Not your averag Scottish restaurant. Set menu exquisitely made of only the local produce. Amazing service.
B. C.Truly amazing food, pairing wines were an education
L. M.Lovelovelove! This is a special experience. The quality of the food/cooking is beyond exceptional. It's pricey folks and it's totally worth it!
A. F.Probably the most delicious food I have ever eaten in my life!
h. b.Favourite place to eat in Edinburgh. I just l love this restaurant.
C. M.outstanding, best food in Edinburgh and best service. I came back a second time to see if it was a one off, it wasn't.....I'll be back without a doubt.
E. Z.Went there about a year ago. Excellent food, well presented and tasty. Very nice place overall. Thank you
D. H. M. E.Enjoyable but maybe expected a little bit more considering the price point.
G. C.The best restaurant in Edinburgh.
Imaginative and delicious tasting menu. The drinks matches are a must.
S. L. (.Had a fab fab time! A set menu for £35. Dinner only. Great service and fantastic food. What more could you want?
L. V. E. R.My favourite restaurant in Edinburgh. The food is always impressive, tunes are great and staff are welcoming and friendly.
P. S.Really good, great service and menu was excellent. Fully recommend.
R. C.This is an amazing restaurant. We were well looked after with a superb tasting menu.
a. L. G.Un amazing dinner, lots of flavours, and great staff! Definitely will go back!
L. V. E. R.My favourite restaurant in Edinburgh. The food is always impressive, tunes are great and staff are welcoming and friendly.
W. m.Great tasting menu, original food, high quality ingredients and excellent service. Shared a wine pairing between 2 which was perfect for a school night
S. L. (.Had a fab fab time! A set menu for £35. Dinner only. Great service and fantastic food. What more could you want?
R. H.Amazing food in a set menu style. Managed to accommodate our allergies fairly well. Matched drinks, although expensive, are well worth it for a special occasion!
J. M.Amazing meal!
S. P.Wonderful food but I personally need bigger portions 😬
R. C.This is an amazing restaurant. We were well looked after with a superb tasting menu.
N. S.Consistently outstanding. Absolutely my favourite restaurant and has been for several years.
R. S.The food was absolutely delicious. No hesitation in recommending this place if you are looking for a good food experience.
N. S.Consistently outstanding. Absolutely my favourite restaurant and has been for several years.
S. S. (.Modern but still somehow traditional cuisine emphasising seasonal products. Always worth a visit!
S. P.Wonderful food but I personally need bigger portions 😬
A. M.Fantastic pairings of food and wine, truly the best pairings over ever had with food.
C. L.Great food, good value for money, friendly environment. Would go again when they change the menu
M. E.Amazing food and drink pairing. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff
C. M.Incredible dining in a superb setting 👌
C. G.Celebrated an early Valentine's here and the staff was so nice and the food was outstanding.
M. S.Fantastic experience with great food and service. A restaurant like no other in Edinburgh.
A. S.The best food i have ever eaten, if i could give 10 stars, I would! Thank you!
J. J.As good as the reviews claim. Reservations required. Dont be put off by decor.
N. B.Lush
G. M.A lovely evening with my wife, would come again and again. Excellent service and food
D. B.Stunning food, immaculate service, interesting delightful evening, will definitely be back for more
P. O.Stunning food, lovely atmosphere and excellent staff. I'll be back!
D. W.Good food. Busy place. Staff informative. Price reasonable.
P. G.Fantastic fruit and really friendly staff would recommend this place 100%
S. D.Just the perfect spot for a date, great service, amazing food wow
d. b.Informal fine dining. Nice experience
K. H.Unbelievable doesn't scratch the surface of how amazing this place is...❤❤
z. t.Gastronomic experience definitely theatrical
R. C.2nd visit and did not disappoint. A must visit if you're in Edinburgh
M. W.Good beer selection, but nothing special and quite crowded.
J. B.Lovely place to meet friends
J.Set menu, utterly delicious, must go for anyone in Edinburgh!
M. H.Incredible tasting menu.
M.Amazing food and friendly staff
L. A.You won't be disappointed, truly excellent experience all round
R. W.One of the best restaurants I've been to
K. W.My favourite restaurant - such a treat!
M. A.Fantastic, Very friendly staff,good food, excellent
B. B.Awesome food and great service!!!
G. A.food is top notch once a month treat
g.Literally lovely food. Highly recommended.
C. D.Amazing service and food! Thanks
A. S.Amazing food in a friendly atmosphere.
A. M.Amazing food and great staff
T. C.Incredible meal. A real eye opener.🤗
A. P.Lovely food and atmosphere.
M. G.One of Edinburgh's best restaurants
程.The food is great and beautiful.
J. L.Clean place.
T. Y.A bit too fancy.
J. M.Amazing meal!
Z. N.Fabulous Food!
J. M.Good food
C. D.Amazing food and service
D. A.So good. So damn good.
J. S.Brilliant!
S. R.The most amazing food
N. D.Lovely food.
D. A.Great
M. B.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
P. Z.Fantastic food
S. C.Frugal thanks
G. C.Immaculate
D. A.(Translated) We wanted to try a more sophisticated cuisine in Edinburgh. This restaurant is recommended on the famous Michelin Guide so why not? The climate is not evil, candlelight, even too suffused. One tasting menu at $ 55 excluding wine. Very nice ideas with regard to the first tastings, both as regards the combinations and with regard to the setting. Excellent combinations, above all original. I did not like the second course of meat personally, in terms of consistency. And also the fact that each course was served by a different waiter. Good wine list. Recommended for sure.
(Original)
Abbiam voluto provare una cucina più sofisticata in quel di Edimburgo. Questo locale è segnalato sulla famosa Guida Michelin quindi perché no? Il clima non è malvagio, lume di candela, perfino troppo soffuso. Menù degustazione unico a 55$ vini esclusi. Idee molto carine per quanto riguarda i primi assaggi, sia per quanto riguarda gli abbinamenti che per quanto riguarda l'impiattamento. Ottimi abbinamenti, soprattutto originali. Non ho apprezzato molto il secondo di carne personalmente, a livello di consistenza. Ed anche il fatto che ogni portata venisse servita da un cameriere differente. Buon assortimento di vini. Consigliato sicuramente.
L. (.(Translated) Surprise menu, full of discovery ... only downside, it's a bit long (2h30 the meal). Other than that, it's very good !!! Do not forget to book.
(Original)
Menu surprise, plein de découverte... seul bémol, c est un peu long (2h30 le repas). À part ça, c très bon !!! N'oubliez pas de réserver.
A. C.(Translated) I don't know if this is the best restaurant in Edinburgh, but indeed Aizle can provide a delightful menu. I'm not a person who has studied too much about the ingredients themselves, but the taste of each dish does have layers. If you want to describe it, Aizle's food is exactly what it is called. You can find surprises and fireworks in every dish. It is not the kind of complex and super-fine Michelin cuisine, but it does feel the intention of the cook.
The environment is comfortable, there is no exaggerated pomp, and there are not many locations in the store. It is recommended to book in advance.
(Original)
我不曉得這是不是愛丁堡最佳的餐廳，但確實Aizle能提供一份令人愉悅的菜單。我不是個對食材本身有太多研究的人，但每一道菜餚的味道確實都層層疊疊。如果要我形容，Aizle的食物恰如其名，你可以在每一道菜裡面找到驚喜和花火，不是那種繁複的超級精細米其林料理，不過確實可以感受到做菜者的用心。
環境舒適，沒有誇張的排場，店內位置不多，建議提前訂位。
k. G.(Translated) It is a shop that offers a creative course menu. Is the menu every week? monthly? It seems to change, but when I went there, many of them used Japanese ingredients. The speed at which it was served was rather slow, and although there were still two courses left, I was full and desperate to eat until the end.
All of them look unique and you won't get tired of them. The taste is ok and I think the tastes are different.
(Original)
創作コースメニューを出すお店です。メニューが毎週？毎月？変わるみたいなのですが、私が行った時は日本の食材を使ったものが多かったです。出されるスピードが結構遅めで、コースがまだ二品残っていましたがお腹いっぱいになってしまい、最後まで食べきるのに必死でした。
見た目はユニークなものばかりで、飽きはしないと思います。味はまあまあで、好みが分かれると思います。
M. M.(Translated) Great restaurant to treat yourself to an exquisite meal!
Good selection of seasonal ingredients, very finely prepared and nicely presented. Perfect for curious and culinary open-minded people.
I would eat there again!
(Original)
Super Restaurant um sich ein exquisites Essen zu gönnen!
Gute Auswahl an saisonale Zutaten, sehr fein zugerichtet und hübsch präsentiert. Perfekt für neugierige und kulinarisch offene Personen.
Ich würde dort wieder essen gehen!
4. K.(Translated) Creative Scottish restaurant.
There is no menu, only one type of course according to the time. However, if you contact us in advance, they will respond to disliked ingredients and allergies in detail.
It is largely influenced by Japanese and French cuisine, serving and cooking in a French way, and seasoning and some ingredients are Japanese.
Take off the hat for a chef who has raised Scottish cuisine to this level.
The price is not cheap, but it is worth it. If you want to enjoy the best dinner in Edinburgh, decide here.
(Original)
創作スコットランド料理のレストラン。
メニューはなく、その時期に合わせたコース1種類のみ。ただ事前に連絡すれば嫌いな食材やアレルギーなどに細かに対応してくれる。
日本料理とフランス料理の影響を多分に受けており、盛り付けや調理法はフランス的、味付けや一部食材は日本的。
スコットランド料理をこのレベルにまで高めたシェフには脱帽。
お値段は安くはないが、それだけの価値はある。エジンバラで最高のディナーを楽しみたい時はここで決まり。
F. S.(Translated) Original concept of a unique menu unveiled at the start only with the list of ingredients, elaborate and excellent dishes
(Original)
Concept original de menu unique dévoilé au départ uniquement avec la liste des ingrédients, plats travaillés et excellents
S. B.(Translated) 6-course for £ 55. Fresh, regional, creative cuisine. Everything freshly prepared. No à la carte. There is what there is. Ingredients can be found on the homepage. Great dining experience. Reserve a few weeks in advance as it is always fully booked. Can be done online.
(Original)
6-Gänger für £55. Frische, regionale, kreative Küche. Alles frisch zubereitet. Kein à la carte. Es gibt was es gibt. Zutaten sind auf der Hompage zu finden. Super kulinarisches Erlebnis. Einige Wochen im Voraus reservieren, da immer ausgebucht. Kann online gemacht werden.
V. R.(Translated) A very imaginative tasting menu with good flavors. The restaurant and the service are also up to scratch. Highly recommended.
(Original)
Un menú degustación muy imaginativo y con buenos sabores. El restaurante y el servicio también a la altura. Muy recomendable.
C. E.
R. S.(Translated) Sensational, six-course sequence, I loved the Ram ... !!!
(Original)
Sensacional, sequência de seis pratos, adorei o Carneiro...!!!
C. X.
P. D.Contact
Photos
