Bruntsfield in the heart of Edinburgh gets ready to welcome a culinary masterclass as the latest venue from Chef Tom Kitchin and his wife Michaela, KORA officially opens its doors on Saturday, 2nd July.

The team behind The Kitchin, The Scran & Scallie and The Bonnie Badger, have set out to create a neighbourhood restaurant and bar that puts locality at its very heart – a destination for locals and visitors to explore the very best of seasonal Scottish simplicity, where the finest produce showcases Scotland’s glorious natural larder.

A menu led by Chef Tom Kitchin, Chef Director Dominic Jack, and KORA Head Chef James Chapman, brings Scotland’s natural larder to the forefront, underpinned by a desire to continue a nose to tail cooking ethos.

Dishes evoke modern Scottish cooking with accents of global flavours in a collection of light bites, a la carte dishes, as well as a dedicated menu for children.

The restaurant puts the finest Scottish produce front and centre, sourced responsibly from Kitchin Group’s enviable team of dedicated suppliers, farmers, foragers, growers, gatherers and sustainable suppliers with whom Kitchin has built relationships with for more than 16 years since his first restaurant, The Kitchin opened in 2006.

The name of the venue comes from Greek mythology as the ‘Goddess of spring, flowers and vegetation’. It also represents chef Tom Kitchin’s passion for working with the seasons. The name is also a tribute to new beginnings, the significance of nature and using the freshest produce available.

Diners can expect a range of summer dishes from starters such as a fresh and vibrant Gazpacho starter made using locally grown tomatoes, Shetland Mussels, Thistly Cross Cider and Crisp Potato – in a twist on the traditional mussels with white wine, alongside Hand-dived Orkney Scallops ‘a la Grenobloise’.

Main dishes range from North Sea Cod with Seaweed Potatoes, Lemon and Samphire, which celebrates the arrival of the Scottish seaweed season, using seaweed foraged locally, while a Highland Wagyu Shin, Spinach, Green Peppercorn Sauce, and Koffmann’s Skinny Fries, heroes locally sourced Wagyu beef. To finish, diners can relish a Blairgowrie Gooseberry Fool with Scottish Oatmeal Granola or savour a Vanilla Panna Cotta with Fresh Scottish Berries.

With starters ranging from £7.00 – £21.00, mains from £16.00 to £25.00 and desserts at £8.00 – £14.50, alongside a range of seasonal specials, KORA has been designed to offer a local destination for impromptu drinks with friends, leisurely lunches and elegant evening dinners, and everything in between.

Candle lit intimate ambiance

Led by the creative eye of Michaela Kitchin, an effortlessly elegant entrance, where an impressive New York-inspired arched bar with artistic bespoke paintwork, greets guests on arrival.

Diners at KORA have an opportunity to linger at the bar before or after they dine, enjoying a carefully curated selection of wines, cocktails, local spirits, beers and ales, alongside a range of bar dishes and small plates.

The first glimpse of the elegant interiors, revealed a warm and welcoming dining room, punctuated by tones and textures of Scottish fabrics and wallpapers, brought to life with a gallery of food photography from leading local Edinburgh photographer Marc Millar.

The interior is cosy and homely featuring oak tabletops, brick walls and designer lighting. During the day, wide street-facing windows allow the natural light to stream into the bar and dining room, and as evening draws in, curtains are drawn and candles are lit, creating a more intimate ambience.

Snug corners are met with warm dusky pink banquettes and high tables, as well as a semi-private space to accommodate special celebrations, as diners come together with drinkers, creating a convivial ambience and genuine sense of gathering over great food and drinks.

A celebration of Scottish summer

Speaking ahead of the launch, Kitchin, the youngest chef in the world to earn a Michelin star at the age of just 29, explains:

“The development of KORA has been a genuine labour of love. Our fantastic team, our trusted suppliers, friends and neighbours have all helped to make the opening of KORA possible. We hope our diners feel as at home in the space as we do.

The menu at KORA presents a different offering to our other venues, though it reminds me of those early days of The Kitchin – a constantly evolving seasonal menu, with great, honest flavour at the heart of every dish.”

“We’ve been working closely with our suppliers, growers, foragers, fishermen, butchers and bakers so that the menu offers a real celebration of Scottish summer with a collection of fresh, light dishes and a big emphasis on summer produce.

“These are the kind of dishes we love to enjoy at home, rooted in Scottish cooking and produce, punctuated with accents of global flavours from the places that the other Chefs and myself have worked, lived and visited. KORA is all about cooking with passion and our aim is to ensure every dish surprises and delights our guests.”

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Guests can now make reservations at KORA by Tom Kitchin

The restaurant includes a 65-cover dining space and separate stylish bar area for those seeking to enjoy a drink or lighter meal.

KORA by Tom Kitchin, 14-17 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HN.

Open 4 days a week, Thursday – Sunday, serving lunch and dinner, as well as light bar plates