Every month the inspectors for the coveted guide reveal the restaurants that have caught their attention and are worthy of inclusion in the 2025 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 are Little Capo in Edinburgh and ‘lively’ basement bar Sebb's in Glasgow.
Sebb's, which opened a year ago, is part of the Scoop Restaurant Group.
The Miller Street venue — once a library, a warehouse and most recently a furniture shop — has been added to the Michelin Guide, placing it on the prestigious list alongside fellow Glasgow restaurants Ox and Finch, Ka Pao and Margo, which are all also part of the Scoop Restaurant Group family.
For managing director Jonathan Macdonald, the accolade marks a milestone in what has been more than five years in the making.
“As soon as Ka Pao opened in 2020, Covid hit and everything else was put on the back burner,” he said.
“Once we made the decision to push forward, it took years to design the place from scratch, making significant structural changes, and working through all of the associated paperwork that comes with it being a listed building.
“To be honest, there were moments when we thought about selling the space. People told us not to open in the city centre — post-pandemic things looked bleak.
“But we took a leap of faith, and I’m glad we did. The city centre is buzzing again. There is lots of excitement and a few like-minded operators have opened more great venues.”
In the kitchen is head chef Danny Carruthers, who started his Scoop journey as a chef de partie at Ox and Finch almost a decade ago.
His love of BBQ and grilling has shaped Sebb’s sharing-style menu, which takes inspiration from around the world — from Texas barbecue to Middle Eastern kebabs — all cooked over charcoal and changing regularly.
“Sebb’s is really a celebration of food from across the globe, served in a way that’s fun and unfussy,”said Jonathan. “Danny has been instrumental in shaping that. The team is everything to us, and people like him show what’s possible when you give great people room to spread their wings.
“We don’t take the decision to open new venues lightly, we take these opportunities organically. One of the key drivers behind it is creating new opportunities and providing longevity and career growth for our incredible teams.”
Of Sebb’s the Michelin inspectors said: “When a Glasgow restaurant belongs to the same stable as Ox and Finch, Ka Pao and Margo, you know you’re in for a treat. Sebb’s sits underneath the latter, in a vaulted red-brick basement that’s perfect for a party.
“The menu happily ignores international borders, offering up everything from Turkish lahmacun to Brazilian-style picanha steak, via tandoori trout and jerk-spiced pork belly. Each one bursts with flavour and generosity thanks to the skill of the chefs.
“Cocktails are a feature too, with an intriguing and enticing list including the likes of a miso and malt Old Fashioned.
While over in Edinburgh, Little Capo opened earlier this year to critical acclaim.
Of this ‘Italian-ish’ restaurant, the Michelin inspectors said: “With its bold salmon-pink exterior, it’s hard to miss this endearing Italian restaurant and bar on a prime New Town corner site.
“Inside, there’s a relaxed, on-trend feel with a supreme sense of style to both the décor and your fellow diners – who help to create such a good buzz. The handwritten menu comprises small plates and larger dishes to share, along with homemade pastas; everything is fresh and flavoursome, from the mackerel crostini to the caponata.
“The polite and caring service team have a charming confidence and will happily chat away if you sit up at the counter.”
Find out more about new additions via the Michelin website.
