Stuart Ralston launches The Aizle Hospitality Group

Acclaimed Edinburgh chef and restaurateur Stuart Ralston has announced The Aizle Hospitality Group following the closure of his debut restaurant, Aizle.

The new group brings together Stuart’s existing restaurants - Michelin Bib Gourmand Noto and Tipo, and Michelin-starred Lyla - with upcoming Parisian-inspired openings Vinette, a bar à vin, and its subterranean cocktail bar Vivien, both due to launch in October.

From New York to Edinburgh

Born in Glenrothes, Scotland, Stuart spent much of his twenties working in New York, gaining experience under Gordon Ramsay and undertaking stages with some of the city’s most celebrated chefs, including David Bouley, Marcus Samuelsson, Terrance Brennan, Daniel Humm, Paul Liebrandt and Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

He later became chef de cuisine at the world-renowned Sandy Lane Resort in Barbados before returning to Scotland in 2014 to open Aizle, his first solo restaurant. Known for its blind tasting menu showcasing seasonal Scottish produce, Aizle established Stuart as one of the most ambitious chefs of his generation.

The success of Aizle paved the way for further openings: Noto, a New York-inspired neo-izakaya in 2021; Tipo, an Italian-inspired small-plate restaurant in 2023; and Lyla, his seafood-focused fine dining destination launched later the same year.

Read more: “It feels like my home kitchen” — Stuart Ralston, Chef and Owner of LYLA

A new chapter after Aizle

The move represents a significant next step for Stuart and his senior team. His long-time operations director and co-owner Jade Johnston will continue in her role, while his older brother Scott Ralston steps into the newly created position of group chef, overseeing Noto, Tipo, Vinette and Vivien.

Stuart’s younger brother Calumn Ralston will head the kitchens at Vinette and Vivien, while Stuart Skea continues to direct the wine programme across all restaurants.

Situated on 36 Broughton Street, the former site of Fhior, Vinette’s menu will revolve around ingredient-led, seasonal cooking ingrained in European dining culture, while celebrating artisanal Scottish producers.

Designed to be paired with a constantly evolving by-the-glass selection, the food offering will be in line with Stuart’s elegant and flavour-forward style, but with more informal and playful undertones. 

Read more: Stuart Ralston to open new Edinburgh bars on Fhior site

Close focus on Lyla

Meanwhile, Stuart will maintain a close focus on Lyla - which was awarded its first Michelin star in February 2025 - working alongside head chef Lewis Vimpany to further develop its reputation as one of Edinburgh’s leading fine dining destinations.

Stuart said: “Following the closure of my debut restaurant Aizle, it felt important to carry on its name and legacy through our hospitality group. Aizle Hospitality Group is just as much about the people as it is about the restaurants, and I am proud of the team we have built across all sites.

"This year marks a big next step for us as we open Vinette and Vivien, build on Lyla’s Michelin success and continue the good work at Noto and Tipo. It feels especially meaningful to be doing this alongside the key people who’ve been on this journey with me - Jade, who has been integral for more than a decade, and my brothers Scott and Calumn, who are stepping into leadership roles.”