Every month the inspectors for the coveted guide reveal the restaurants that have caught their attention and are worthy of inclusion in the Michelin Guide for the UK and Ireland.
While new stars and bib gourmands were revealed in Glasgow in February, the inspectors are on the road all year round, eating their way around some of the country’s best restaurants.
The most recent Scottish additions to the coveted Guide are in Leith in Edinburgh and Crieff, and include a fish restaurant that opened in February.
These are: Barry Fish, Dùthchas, which opened in early 2024 and The Coorie Inn in Crieff.
Barry Fish is the permanent restaurant of Barry Bryson, and opened earlier this year to rave reviews. Ahead of its opening, Mr Bryson said to The Scotsman: “I am beyond excited to launch Barry Fish in February.
"To see it go from pop-up on an industrial estate in Leith to collaborations with other restaurants and now into its permanent home where it all started in Leith feels such an achievement.
"I have had a few years to think about the style of cooking and restaurant concept that I might one day have but you never really know if you will get there. For me though the wait has meant I have much clearer intentions, now I can’t wait to get cooking with Robbie Johnstone who will run the kitchen alongside me.”
The Michelin inspectors visited and had this to say about the restaurant: “Yet another terrific eatery in the foodie haven of Leith, this instantly likeable restaurant unsurprisingly offers a fabulous feast of fish.
“From whole sole to the signature sea trout pastrami, the cooking is fuss-free and cleanly executed to show off the natural flavours of the ingredients. At lunch, share plates from the ‘Big Snacks’ selection, which at dinnertime become starters to be enjoyed before larger offerings such as a half lobster with smoked fish agnolotti. The team are one of the most welcoming around, so you’re sure to be well looked after.”
While over in Dùthchas the inspectors had this to say: “Blink and you could easily miss this diminutive restaurant in an unassuming parade of shops. Given what a lovely restaurant it is, we therefore recommend walking through Leith with your eyes wide open. Inside, it’s a cosy six-table operation where the enthusiastic chefs deliver satisfyingly original dishes as either a tasting menu or a fixed-price à la carte.
“Sit back and relax as the team proudly walk you through seasonally changing creations, such as their clever take on prawn toast. Go for the wine pairing, which offers an enlightening selection of lesser-known bottles.”
The Coorie Inn, which seems like an ideal place to visit on a cold autumnal day, also made the list this month with the inspectors calling it a “lovely” place to eat.
They wrote: “There’s a lovely blend of the old and the new at this former 18th-century coaching inn.
“Original features from beams to brickwork sit side by side with modern comforts and contemporary chic, all united by a lovely rustic style.
“The menu contains some flashes of Scottish pride, largely in the quality seasonal produce fashioned into fresh-tasting dishes such as North Sea crab with cucumber, apple and chives. Comfortable boutique bedrooms are available, making a glass of single malt whisky in the cosy bar all the more appealing.”
You can find out more about the new additions and Michelin Guide via their website.
