Chef Tom Kitchin to close Kora in Edinburgh

Kora by Tom Kitchin in Edinburgh will close at the end of this month after two and a half years of trading.

On a post on Instagram, the Scottish chef said: “We have made the very tough decision to wrap Kora up at the end of this month.

“Our regular diners and our suppliers have been instrumental in Kora’s success. Our incredible team has really shown visitors to Edinburgh how incredible Scottish fare is and how proud we are to promote Scottish hospitality.

“We have every intention to bring the Kora concept back to Edinburgh one day, but there is no hiding that the current economic climate contribute to this difficult decision. We have no option but to exercise our lease break clause which is now due.”

Kitchin opened Kora with his wife Michaela in the former site of their Southside Scran venue in July 2022.

He described the 65-cover restaurant, named after the Greek goddess of flowers, vegetation and spring, as a “passionate celebration of Scotland’s land and sea”.

Dishes included Loch Etive trout, lemon and tarragon tortellini, root vegetables and shellfish consommé, as well as tempura of Scrabster cod, warm tartare sauce, crushed peas and Koffmann’s skinny fries.

The Michelin Guide praised the restaurant for its “nature-to-plate ethos, offering simply presented, reimagined brasserie classics”.

Kitchin confirmed all unexpired Kora gift vouchers will be honoured at sister venues the Bonnie Badger, the Scran & Scallie and the Kitchin, which holds a Michelin star.

“Thank you to everyone who made Kora by Tom Kitchin such a special, happy place to so many of us. Thank you Bruntsfield. The memories will always live on,” he added.