The group is composed of Ralston’s Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants Noto and Tipo; the Michelin starred Lyla; and Parisian-style bar à vin Vinette and its subterranean cocktail bar Vivien, which are due to open this month.
It marks a significant moment for Ralston, who recently closed his debut Edinburgh restaurant Aizle after 11 years trading.
“Following the closure of my debut restaurant Aizle, it felt important to carry on its name and legacy through our hospitality group,” he says.
Ralston will lead the group alongside his long-time operations director and co-owner Jade Johnston, and his older brother, Scott Ralston, who will be stepping into the group chef role to oversee Noto, Tipo, Vinette and Vivien.
Calumn Ralston, the chef’s younger brother, will take on the head chef role at Vinette and Vivien, while Stuart Skea will continue to oversee the wine programme across all restaurants.
Together with head chef Lewis Vimpany, Ralston himself will continue focusing on his seafood fine dining restaurant Lyla, which received its first Michelin star earlier this year.
“Aizle Hospitality Group is just as much about the people as it is about the restaurants, and I am proud of the team we have built across all sites,” Ralston continues.
“This year marks a big next step for us as we open Vinette and Vivien, build on Lyla’s Michelin success and continue the good work at Noto and Tipo.
“It feels especially meaningful to be doing this alongside the key people who’ve been on this journey with me - Jade, who has been integral for more than a decade, and my brothers Scott and Calum, who are stepping into leadership roles.”
Ralston’s CV is impressive and includes a stint working in New York under Gordon Ramsey, and stages with renowned chefs David Bouley, Marcus Samuelsson, Terrance Brennan, Daniel Humm, Paul Liebrandt and Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
He opened Aizle, which served a blind-tasting menu revolving around Scottish produce, in 2014.