News you can trust since 1817
While the Michelin Stars for 2023 were revealed in March, some new restaurants made it into the latest guide.
Deciding where to go for dinner can be very tricky these days as there are just so many great spots to choose from all over Scotland.
There are plenty of guides and lists online to help you choose, but if you don’t want to scroll through hundreds of reviews and prefer an expert opinion, the Michelin Guide is an ideal place to look for recommendations.
The full list of new stars and the complete guide for 2023 was revealed in March, but some new Scottish restaurants have made it into the guide for the first time.
So far only a few have been revealed, with more to come in the next few weeks as we gear up for the big event.
Here's the latest restaurants in Scotland that are in the 2023 Michelin Guide.
Dean Banks’ first ever pub The Forager in Dollar is the latest new addition to the latest Michelin Guide.
Dean said of this recognition: “I am incredibly grateful that Michelin has recognised my pub. I focus on sourcing the best produce and preparing everything in house - it’s cooking done my way, always.
"The Forager is a pub at heart but definitely has a real gastro side to it for all foodies and tourists in the area.
"Everything comes from the heart, from the steak pie inspired by my grandad to favourites from my other restaurants but with a premium pub twist.
"It really is a look inside what I love and how I like to spend my time – it’s very personal so this means a lot.”
The Forager is a beautiful old country pub in peaceful Dollar, and Dean takes inspiration from the countryside around them – for example, picking wild garlic by the river and using it on the menu.
This Italian in Edinburgh is another new addition to the guide, which had this to say about the venue: "Named after the fine Italian '00' flour that’s used for making pasta, this relaxed and comforting restaurant could quickly become your go-to in Edinburgh’s New Town.
"British, Mediterranean and Italian cuisines have all influenced the menu, which provides plenty of flavour and value for money. It’s the seriously good homemade pasta that will catch your eye, but don’t ignore the selection of small plates or you’ll miss out on wonderful dishes like sea bass crudo."
Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish, which opened in July 2022, has been featured in the 2023 Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.
Describing Amuse, Michelin Guide said: “Kevin Dalgleish is a well-known chef in Aberdeen and his restaurant occupies the spacious basement of a granite townhouse, in a quiet residential neighbourhood yet just minutes from the city centre.
"Kick off with a drink in the bar or by the wood burning stove. The kitchen use prime Scottish ingredients blended with French techniques to create good-looking dishes that deliver on flavour.”
North Port in Perth is another new addition and has been described by Michelin as: "located in an end of terrace cottage dating back to the 18C, this appealing restaurant blends its characterful, dark oak panelled walls and ceiling with a bright, contemporary look.
"Unfussy, modern cooking proudly name-checks Scottish ingredients and comes with plenty of flavour. Be sure to try their delicious homemade haggis."
Shucks, a new seafood restaurant in Glasgow's west end has also made it into the guide for the first time.
The Michelin team said: "This smart, contemporary, nautically themed restaurant champions the best of Scottish seafood.
"Start with some snacks and a glass of champagne from the trolley before tucking in to neatly presented dishes with complementary flavour combinations and the occasional Asian touch. Specials might include Scottish lobster or fish cooked on the bone."
This dining concept by Michel Roux Jr is available at Inverlochy Castle.
Seasgair, which is the Gaelic for warm, cosy and comfortable, launched in April last year and has caught the eye of the Michelin inspectors.
Of it, they said: "Begin with an aperitif in the Grand Hall, accompanied by a harpist. Once seated in one of the elegant dining rooms, the 5-course set menu is served to everyone at the same time.
"Dishes are refined and full of flavour, and Michel Roux Jr’s influence sees a few French touches added into the Scottish mix."
This is the Scottish outpost to London’s 'Sessions Arts Club' and Michelin said it "exudes a charming, bohemian vibe. It is set in a delightful walled garden within the 16-acre grounds of a beautiful Georgian mansion and much of the seating is on a covered terrace.
"The concise menu delivers a range of unfussy, European-influenced dishes designed for sharing, with some ingredients coming directly from the gardens."
The latest restaurant from Tom Kitchin is a new addition to Michelin's recommendations.
The team said: "Named after the Greek goddess of Spring, this bright and colourful neighbourhood restaurant is set in the buzzy Bruntsfield area on the south side of Edinburgh.
"The menu follows a nature-to-plate ethos, offering simply presented, reimagined brassiere classics, which are inspired by the seasons. The well-drilled, friendly team help create an enjoyable dining experience."
One of the newer restaurants from Dean Banks, which is also due to open in Glasgow, has made this year's guide.
The Michelin Guide said of Dulse: “Make it an occasion by starting with a cocktail in the ground floor wine floor before heading upstairs to enjoy terrific Scottish seafood.
“Traditional flavours, in dishes like Arbroath smokie tart and St Andrews lobster thermidor, sit alongside those boasting more of an Asian accent, such as Singapore-style mussels or crab with red Thai curry; whichever style you prefer, the quality of the fish and shellfish really comes through.”
The bar and restaurant in the Gleneagles Townhouse on St Andrew Square has caught the eye of Michelin.
The Guide said this of The Spence: "Until 2017 this was the Royal Bank of Scotland, and the restaurant now occupies what was formerly the banking hall.
"All the grandeur is here, from the granite columns and the exquisite plasterwork to the magnificent cupola which allows natural light to flood in. The Scottish larder is the focus of the accessible menu, with the kitchen showing a keen eye for presentation."
This city centre restaurant is another new addition to the Michelin Guide.
The inspectors had this to say: "Given the name and the look of the place, you might have expected to find all the time-honoured French bistro classics, but the cooking takes a more creative and contemporary approach.
"If you want the full experience, go for the tasting menu; they also offer a separate vegan menu."
In the 2022 Guide there were 10 Michelin Star restaurants in Scotland, including new stars, which include five star hotel dining rooms and an island restaurant - plus another star for Glasgow.
These are: Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Condita, The Peat Inn, The Kitchin, The Cellar, Cail Bruich, Restaurant Martin Wishart, Loch Bay, Glenturret Lalique, Unalome by Graeme Cheevers.
