Lyla had been open for about five to six months. It is Chef Stuart Ralston’s fourth restaurant, and it is located in a beautiful two-story Georgian townhouse at Royal Terrace in Edinburgh.
We started off in the bar on the second floor for an aperitif and snacks service. After the appetizers, we headed down to the dining area to start our ten-course meal, followed by some petit fours to end it off.
The appetizers were too large in size. The last one, a crostini with lobster topped with roe, could probably cause problems for some. You have to eat it in one bite; otherwise, tiny orange ping pong balls of roe would scatter everywhere.
These are details, but they stick. The same applies when you finish your meal and want to pay and order a taxi. The staff seemed uninterested, making you feel as if you were wearing Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak. We called it a “Wave and Pay” restaurant. Last impression, not so good.
Lobster – Kohlrabi – Sake
There were flaws in some of the dishes, for example, the deep-fried langoustine which was, by the way, excellent and tasty. It was presented on a small porcelain table, and you had to eat it with your hands. In this case, a plate and knife and fork would have been so much better to avoid the mess. Greasy fingers and Kataifi all over the table.
The last main dish, the Scottish Wagyu. Almost overwhelmingly fatty with components like goose liver, stuffed morels, and broth with bone marrow and fried sweetbread on the side. It was too rich to be the finale of the main courses.
Wagyu Beef -Morel Muschroom – Sweetbread (not in picture)
It is evident that Lyla has very high ambitions, and it is obvious that Stuart Ralston is aiming for a Michelin star. One thing is for sure: they are working hard on their Instagram, promoting the restaurant. Sometimes, that’s what it takes—money.
As for now, we have doubts. The fact that only two other tables were occupied on our evening also tells a story.
Second Floor
First time
End of April 2024
Dinner
Not yet
Spacious and airy
Good selection
Relaxing and calm
No
Maybe - Not sure.