The team behind the Michelin Guide for the UK and Ireland have announced the first additions to the 2026 guide, and one is in Scotland.
Every month the inspectors reveal the restaurants that have caught their attention and are worthy of inclusion in the Michelin Guide.
Sign up to our free Scran food and drink newsletter here
With new Stars and Bib Gourmands set to be announced next month at a ceremony in Dublin, the first additions have been added to the 2026 Guide from the inspectors who are on the road all year round, eating their way around some of the country’s best restaurants.
Only one Scottish restaurant made the January inclusion, and it’s from “one of Edinburgh’s most successful restaurateurs.”
Vinette is the latest addition to the Guide and the latest opening from Stuart Ralston, whose Lyla restaurant gained One Star in 2025.
Located on the former site of Fhior restaurant at 36 Broughton Street in Edinburgh Vinette is a Parisian bar à vin serving sharing plates and bistro style dishes with old world influences, while below is Vivien, an intimate cocktail bar.
Opened at the end of last year, the menu revolves around ingredient-led, seasonal cooking ingrained in European dining culture, while celebrating artisanal Scottish producers.
It has been designed to be paired with a constantly evolving by-the-glass selection, and the food offering is in line with Stuart’s elegant and flavour-forward style, but with more informal and playful undertones.
The Michelin inspectors had this to say about Vinette: “Stuart Ralston, one of Edinburgh’s most successful restaurateurs, has struck gold again with this take on a Parisian wine bar.
“The cooking is very much in the bistro mould, fusing French classics with Scottish produce and a few Mediterranean touches. The chicken roulade is a great example of what to expect, a simple yet well-crafted dish showcasing high-quality produce.
“Come at lunchtime for the best value, where the set menu includes wine. The atmosphere is cosy yet lively, while downstairs you’ll find Vivien, the team’s speakeasy-style cocktail bar.”
The opening of Vinette and Vivien came shortly after Mr Ralston closed his much-loved Aizle restaurant, and he described these new ventures as a “new chapter.”
Speaking ahead of the openings, he said: “Vinette and Vivien are about creating spaces that feel warm, social, and a little indulgent. I’m especially proud that I’m opening them with people who’ve been on this journey with me – Jade, who has been integral for more than a decade, and my brothers Scott and Calum, who are stepping into leadership roles.
“This feels like the group’s natural next project, but with the same commitment to quality we’ve always had. I will be doubling down on my efforts with Lyla and hope to improve ten fold but this allows people around us to continue to grow which is very important to me.”
Last year it was announced that Mr Ralston was taking over the rooms at Lyla as he strives for a second Michelin Star for the fine dining restaurant.
Find out more about all the new Michelin additions via the Michelin Guide website.