Harden's survey result
Summary
“Tasting menus can become a little tiresome” – not least when they’re semi-blind, with diners only told what seasonal ingredients might feature – but this refined, country-style venture “manages it with a magical touch”.
Summary
A three-year-old neo-bistro “with no fixed menu but a larder of seasonal ingredients that the chef plays with each night”; notwithstanding one bad trip reported, all other feedback on this five-course experience is of the ‘rave review’ variety.
Summary
This “different and quirky” two-year-old neo-bistro, in student land, is one of Edinburgh’s more interesting foodie fave raves. “There’s no menu”, but diners receive “a list of seasonal ingredients” starring on that night’s five-course set – the “food does the talking”, and it’s notably “lovely” (not least fish).
Owner's description
Aizle opened in Edinburgh in April 2014, offering Edinburgh its first neo-bistro. Co-owned by husband and wife Stuart Ralston and Krystal Goff, the 36-seater restaurant serves a set-menu dinner based on a monthly list of seasonal ingredients selected by chef Stuart. The dining experience begins with a few snacks. Dishes like ajo blanco or puffed beef tendon with smoked bone marrow and oyster leaf. Visually beautiful dishes with sophisticated flavour combinations, like heritage carrot with ox tongue and whipped buttermilk, or locally-reared chicken with Cevennes onions and XO sauce, and matcha tea craquelin with apple and celery salad. Aizle's customer, the open-minded diner, is rewarded with dishes they could not have dreamt of, and certainly won't have ordered before. In essence, the concept is about offering diners an enjoyable evening of interesting food in a relaxed environment.
