Renowned for high-end designer boutiques and prestigious real estate, it's no wonder a Michelin-starred restaurant has moved from its former home in San Francisco to the heart of Stockbridge. Newly opened Avery promises an exceptional tasting menu across a gastronomic experience. Food consists of Chef Rodney Wages’ favourite dishes from his restaurant in California, which earned its first Michelin star in 2021, alongside new creations inspired by Scottish ingredients. So, you can imagine my excited curiosity one gloomy Tuesday evening as I hopped off the train at Edinburgh Waverley Station and met my equally as excited dad, before making our way to Edinburgh New Town.
Avery by Rodney Wages has been one of the most highly anticipated new Edinburgh restaurants in 2024.
As we approached what appeared to be the destination according to Google Maps, we were amazed by the subtly of the signage and the discreet entrance to the restaurant, down some steps on an unassuming Georgian terrace-lined street. Upon entering, we were met with simple yet striking interiors. Brought all the way from California, the intimate 20-cover venue showcases artwork by Wages’ friend and San Francisco-based artist Victor Reyes, along with American ceramics and furniture. I don’t think I’ve ever dined somewhere so stylish and luxurious before; a given, when you consider the restaurant is named after American painter Milton Avery.
But let’s talk about the main event. The 12-course tasting menu (£149pp) consisted of extraordinary dishes, each one truly a work of art. The Avery Edinburgh menu on our tables gave very little away, leaving a lot to the imagination. As someone who is incredibly indecisive, especially when it comes to eating out, there’s something quite thrilling about putting your trust in the chef to decide what you’ll have. Now, as much as I’d love to delve into the details of every dish, we’d be here for quite a while. I will, however, give a shout out to those that really stole the show and took our breath away. Alongside the food, we also enjoyed a carefully curated wine pairing to compliment our meal, with chef Rodney providing expert recommendations.
Has the Avery restaurant pulled off its move? We think so.
First on my list of top dishes, we have the 2nd course, which simply read "raw fish" on the menu. Although I am a huge seafood lover, I was a bit nervous about this one. However, I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. Beautifully presented, the delicate, sweet, and mildly briny flavour of the raw langoustine butterflies contrasted with the vibrant and tangy cherry vinaigrette - outstanding. Another dish that really packed a punch for my dad and I was the Æbleskiver, a Danish pancake with fresh brown crab, grilled broccoli and roasted garlic inside. Topped with thinly-shaved kombu, this moreish, bite-sized delicacy was bursting with flavour and the perfect intermediate course.
As I’ve already said, we're massive seafood lovers, so we just about squealed with excitement when the "bits and bobs from the sea" dish was presented to us; poached scallops and mussels in a chorizo broth and chive oil, topped with foraged coastal greens including sea aster, samphire, rock samphire, orach and wild spinach. I’m still thinking about it now. Our final standout, and the penultimate course, was the cheese tart. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but this possibly came out on top for us. A pecan tart infused with cognac and burnt onion, topped with cheddar, toasted pecans and wild heather honey, this was an absolute treat for the palette and an ingenious creation. While these were my highlights, the menu also encompassed caviar, haggis with a rich jus, perfectly pink venison, "wild Scotland", grilled beetroots, "farm egg" served in a teacup, tortellini in broth, and a custard dessert carefully decorated with strawberries and flowers - a true seasonal feast.
Overall, we reckon an Avery Michelin star is coming soon for their new Edinburgh location.
The DesignMyNight Digest
Michelin-starred chef Rodney Wages has crafted a culinary experience unlike anything I’ve experienced before, where his love of fine dining and (since he fell in love with Edinburgh and decided to move here) Scotland shines through. Certainly, the cost of the menu is considerable. But if you're in search of a truly decadent, innovative, and unforgettable tasting menu, then Avery provides an exceptional meal that you'll be raving about to friends and family for a long time to come.
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💰 The damage: £298 for two people for the multi course menu, plus wine pairing and service charge on top. 📍 The location: 54 St Stephen Street, EH3 5AL. 👌 Perfect for: Special occasions and gastronomy seekers. ⭐ Need to know: The menu changes seasonally, showcasing local and sustainable produce. |
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