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Noto
★ 4.0(1 review)Restaurant
minimalistintimatebuzzing
About the Vibe
Chef Stuart Ralston's Bib Gourmand small-plates spot on Thistle Street is where Edinburgh's food crowd goes for bold, Asian-accented dishes served in a stripped-back, no-fuss setting. The menu changes regularly, the wine list champions small producers, and the bill adds up fast—but the cooking is some of the most exciting in the city. Go with someone you like sharing with, because that's the whole point.
Why it's worth it
Bib Gourmand small plates with Asian accents from a chef who trained in NYC—bare walls, bold flavors, and a wine list that actually cares.
Highlights
Bib Gourmandsmall platessmall-producer winesharing
Before you go
Book well ahead—Noto fills up fast, and the bill adds up quickly when ordering multiple small plates, so plan for 4-5 dishes per person.
Known For
- •Asian-accented small plates
- •Bib Gourmand cooking
- •small-producer wine list
- •chef Stuart Ralston
Best For
date nightsdinner with foodie friendsspecial occasion dinners
1 review
City InsidersEditorialMarch 30, 2026
Clever small plates in a stripped-back New Town spot
Noto proves you don't need a Michelin star to serve exceptional food—just a talented chef with a clear vision and the audacity to take risks. Chef-owner Stuart Ralston channels his time in New York into a menu of small, Asian-accented plates that arrive as and when they're ready, encouraging a relaxed, communal style of eating. The food is anything but simple: a trio of croquettes oozes cheese under a snowdrift of parmesan, while a potato dish transforms the humble spud into dense, golden rectangles crowned with crispy bacon curls. Even the cheese course is a work of art, plated to resemble a coral reef.
The space is unassuming—bare plaster walls, sanded-down wooden tables, and pendant lighting create a calm, almost minimalist backdrop that lets the food take center stage. Service is sweet and knowledgeable, and the wine list focuses on small producers, which pairs beautifully with the bold flavors on the plate. Dishes like crab and pork belly earn particular praise from regulars, and the menu rotates often enough that no two visits feel the same.
The bill can add up quickly if you're ordering multiple dishes, but it's worth every penny. Just be prepared to share: Noto is at its best when you're dining with someone and working your way through the menu together. Book ahead—this 47A Thistle Street spot fills up fast, and for good reason.