The 39 best whiskey tasting experiences in Edinburgh

A very enjoyable and well-done experience for anyone interested in learning about Scotch whisky. The tour was interactive, informative, and thoughtfully designed—it moved at a great pace and kept things interesting throughout. Our presenter was friendly, funny, and engaging, which really added to the whole experience. The shop at the end is also worth a visit, with a great selection of whiskies to choose from. Definitely a recommended stop if you’re in Edinburgh and want to learn more about Scotch whisky in a fun and memorable way.

A lovely whiskey tasting experience, got to learn more about the rich history of whiskey production in Scotland and try some delicious samples! The guide was energetic, well informed and very friendly. If you love whiskey or want to try it i recommend a visit to this place! 10/10 highly recommend

What a fantastic experience! From the very beginning being greeted in a warm and welcoming way by our brilliant host Archie, we were taken through the history of whisky making in an informative and entertaining way by Archie. Then we were given the opportunity to taste 5 very different whisky styles from across the 5 regions. After that, we saw the Worlds largest unopened whisky bottle collection which was simply stunning! And to finish, we enjoyed a Scottish food tasting experience in the delightful Amber restaurant. The evening was a truly 5* experience! 👍👍

Excellent, immersive experience with the tour and tasting at the end. The Gold upgrade was worth it to not only get a bit more information but to try 4 different scotches from around Scotland. Their selection in the gift shop was great as well and our guide, Lorna, was fun and knowledgeable. Great recommendation to learn about scotch and the whole process!

A highly refined and entertaining show. Much more high tech than I expected. I went in knowing basically nothing about it and left feeling like I have some knowledge about whiskey making and different parts of Scotland that give you different flavors. That was actually pretty true. Also the alcohol offerings at the end are pretty reasonable and they have a really nice selection. The collection was also super impressive.

Well worth an obligatory visit whilst in Edinburgh, as a novice to whiskey I opted for the Silver tour just to tour and try the 1. Also visited the very nice Amber Bar downstairs that's worth a visit after if not too busy. The barman is excellent and will find you one to your taste.

We purchased the gold tour package and thought it was worth the cost. Our tour guide Bella was amazing, she was great in the story telling and the immersive experience was so well designed. I am not a scotch drinker, but still enjoyed the sampling. My husband who is a scotch drinker enjoyed tasting the different samples but what we mostly enjoyed is learning how this drink is made and how much work it entails.

We came across this bar after hearing a local guy recommending it to fellow diners on holiday from Germany. As we both like the odd tot of whisky we simply had to visit . The bar has a quaint olde worlde feel to it, with the narrowest bar tables I've ever seen. But for us the highlight is the knowledge and enthusiasm for whisky that the bar staff have. Their Malt of the Month is a great idea. After listening to my preferred tastes in whisky the barman recommended the Smokehead for me and the Ardberg Wee Beastie for my husband. Absolutely, spot on....the Smokehead was exactly the right choice for my palate. We enjoyed it so much we then recommended it to visiting Norwegians sat at our dinner table later that evening. Definitely a destination for whisky drinkers in Edinburgh.

Nice spot to enjoy different varieties of beer and whiskey! For me it was bar hopping day for beer and I enjoyed the atmosphere being at The Bow Bar! Great atmosphere to enjoy your drinks and chat with good people!

AMAZING service! Despite being in a touristy area, my local friend highly recommended it and it's obvious why - the bartenders explained so much to us about whiskey and let us smell several before choosing. A few great beers on tap too. Cozy seating, nice energy.

Tucked away on a really aesthetic street, this spot has such a great adults-only atmosphere—perfect for a couple of drinks. Prices are super reasonable too, which makes it even better. And honestly, the Scottish pies hit the spot after you’ve had one too many (haha). Definitely worth checking out!

Do not come here for the limited pie menu, come here for the beer and whisky and certainly the atmosphere. Great place to people watch. Fun to see the various people come and go. Nicely situated in a gorgeous area.

The best real whisky bar in Edinburgh as far as we're concerned. The tap beer selection is also incredibly varied, leading to some difficult order decisions! Been coming here for all least 15 years, and it just gets better and better. Dog friendly, which wasn't as common back in the day. The staff fussed over our elderly pug, which was lovely. We will keep coming back!

It was a very cool bar. They have different types of beers and also whiskeys. I haven’t tried the whiskeys, but the beers were so good but only thing they were all warm not cold.

Had a fantastic Gin flight here. Fantastic team explained all about the gins we had on our flight board. Friendly and informative, gin was a smooth juniper forward. Enjoyed trying all of flavours with recommended mixers. So good we left buying a bottle of our favourite.

We booked a whisky tour for the afternoon, and myself not knowing much about whisky found it to be absolutely full of facts and a with a few tasters was a great afternoon! Michaelin our tour guide was brilliant, animated and full of facts and kept us all engaged, a real asset to your company (and no she didnt pay me to say this! 🤣) well deserved praise!! I would definitely recommend a tour here if your visiting Edinburgh even for the day!!

On our recent trip to Edinburgh by husband and I went to the whiskey and chocolate tasting. Ours was led by Courtney and we had a delightful time learning about the distillery, the history of whiskey making in Scotland past and present and the different tasting notes during the guided chocolate and whiskey tasting. All around a great addition to our trip!

A must whenever you are in Edinburgh! Fantastic crew doing the tours, as attending the bar. Courtney was a brilliant guide with here warmth and great way of take us through the Destillery. Matthew & Michaelin made my visit a topscore. See you....not soon enough!

This relatively new distillery located close to the centre of Edinburgh, offers excellent guided tours and tasting experiences. I took a tour last week and enjoyed it very much. Our guide, Conor, was extremely knowledgeable, he clearly explained the whisky-making process and illustrated the different whikskies produced by the distillery. I also enjoyed the tasting session, with just the right amount of time to fully appreciate each whisky. Thank you very much for a wonderful visit — I look forward to returning soon!

I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of this distillery in Edinburgh. It provides with an excellent overview of the Gin and Whisky making process. They are also experimenting with different combinations of the ingredients which was interesting. A tasting was included and their gin and whisky were quite good.

It was amazing. Our tour guide (Michaelin) was very knowledgeable and entertaining. She could explain everything in great detail and also had no problem answering all of the questions asked. We were a small group of four which made the experience quite personal. We were greeted with a small welcome cocktail (their own creation which was amazing - they even gave me their recipe), tasted their gins and at the end also one of their whiskys. All in all I would definitely recommend the tour if you like whisky, gin and are also open for new spirits.

The spritz selection was fantastic. I had the Wee Berri Spritz. It was very tasty and refreshing. Our server knew the menu well and was attentive but also let us relax and enjoy the time. The only reason I gave a four star in food is because the chicken was a little heavy in sauce and had 1 mushroom slice in a dish advertised as roasted chicken with mushrooms. The salmon three ways was delicious and the dessert divine! Definitely get the whisky pairing with dessert. I would return for sure!

We stopped off here at the whiski bar and had a lovely meal for 2. We had the salmon fillet and the house burger. The salmon was a very nice treat, and the burger was top tier, the chips were very nice. I will say however the pepper sauce was £4 extra, which was a lot considering we already ordered a lot of food. Also I think some of the staff could have been a bit nicer and welcoming, as I sometimes found they didn’t even want to help us, and if they are including a service charge for a party if 2, you should at least make the customers feel like it’s deserved. Overall would recommend however

The steak pie was impressively nice. Love the flavour and have been missing it since then. Was here at the start of Oct. The place is slightly warm and stuffy. Personally would like it more if the place is more cooling. Of cause the warm maybe good during winter

We dropped in for a drink here after stumbling across it by chance and we are so glad we did. The venue is beautiful - inside and out and looks and feels super cosy. The decor is stunning too. The staff were so nice and welcoming, accommodating us without a booking. The drinks list is very good and reasonably priced for the area. We wanted to stay all night. The food looked amazing so we will definitely be trying that next time. Thanks for making us feel so valued - we will be back.

very fortunately just wait less than 10 min when I walkin. The service good, environment good. Just about the food, I order potato salmon soup, haggis and dessert. They show me haggis first before soup, I said it’s fine for me use starter and main together, but soup did get a bit cold by the end. And think the sauce in haggis might be a little bit overcooked cause the whisky taste bitter. But in any case, this was a very good meal.

We had dinner here on our 1st night in Edinburgh. The food was really great, and my drink was super tasty! The cranachan dessert was amazing! Definitely recommend this place for a good dinner.

Ella was a delight. Very personable & helpful with suggestions for our inquiries of places in Edinburgh. The Parmesan Truffle Chips were excellent. The atmosphere was very nice and we had a view of the Sir Walter Scott monument.

Absolutely amazing. Whiskies from all price ranges served in a beautiful bar by knowledgeable and kind bartenders (thank you Andrew!). Do not rob yourselves from having a chat with them about your tastes and what they do over there - its absolutely worth it. Most drams range from 5-15 pounds, but you can find anything over there. Food is also very fairly priced.

Excellent Food, the whiskies were great; huge thanks to the staff for helping me choose something to my tastes. Ended up going back and getting membership that day after I’d been in with a friend that is a member.

A must visit place, if you want to learn and try different Whisky. As an added bonus, they serve the best fish & chips in Scotland. Just try it!

Wonderful bar for some unusual whiskeys. If you’re open to adventure, I recommend getting a membership. Every dram is special.

Very helpful staff, kind and professional! Even though we're not members the treatment was royal. Extra kudos to Skye for serving us and putting up with all my questions!

Great selection of whisky, knowledgeable and pleasant staff, lovely atmosphere, just a delightful place. Go if you want to find more about whisky!

This SMWS location was an excellent start to our Edinburgh stay! We did the tasting menu, with one of us choosing the whisky pairing and another choosing the wine pairing. Everything was fantastic from start to finish. The food was delicious, drinks were well paired, and the atmosphere/service top notch. 100% recommend!

The Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience is a high tech whiskey novices experience. The tour itself is a fun, high-tech journey that brings the story of Johnnie Walker to life. Would love a more local hard to understand Scottish accent but the hosts enthusiasm and high energy was appreciated. The use of incredible technology, from multi-sensory rooms to engaging visual displays, makes the history and art of whiskey making feel modern and immersive. The entire experience is well-organized and a lot of fun. But the perfect way to cap it all off is definitely by booking a table at the incredible sky bar.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Johnnie Walker Whisky Tour. It's good value for money as you also get three different whiskies or cocktails included in the price! Our tour guide Julie was very informative and the story teller was very dramatic and kept your interest. The staff in the shop are helpful without being too pushy. I would highly recommend The Rooftop Lounge after for a nice relaxing drink and food, as the views from there are stunning. A definite must for any whisky lover.

Of all distilleries I've been to, this was the best! The interactive videos, lights, and guides were amazing. Making our own drinks were cool, as well as tasting the specials. And at the end, you get a discount on the store! Bought shorts, and whiskey glasses. Our guide Thomas was the best! He had humor and was spunky. Great entertainer. Definitely told everyone it's a must do when visiting Scotland. Oh, make sure you book online a day or two earlier, they sell out quite often, but have tours running almost every hour.

We had an absolutely amazing experience at the Johnnie Walker Tour! Our guides, Eilidh and Michael, made the visit unforgettable. Eilidh was super friendly and incredibly knowledgeable — she shared so many fascinating facts about whisky, how it’s made, and what makes Johnnie Walker so special. Then came Michael — his storytelling skills were out of this world! The way he brought Johnnie Walker’s story to life through theatrics, moving objects, and interactive screens was just spectacular. It honestly felt like watching a live performance while learning about whisky history. The whole building was stunning — modern, spotless, and beautifully designed. We even got to try three different drinks tailored to our personal taste preferences (and a few extra surprises along the way!). For only £30 per person, it was an incredible experience and absolutely worth it. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Edinburgh — even if you’re not a whisky expert, you’ll love every moment! 🥃

Despite not even being much of a Scotch whisky drinker, I thoroughly enjoyed the Johnnie Walker Experience tour at this location. They even sent me a flavor profile survey prior to the Experience to find out what I might like and then customized drinks based on that. The overall tour is really interesting and colorful. As others have said, this is really storytelling at its finest as you progress through different rooms and learn the many facets of Johnnie Walker's production techniques, history, and evolution. The tour guide even told us that the visuals were designed by someone who had previously done work for Disney (and it does have that "magical" feeling to it). There were moments I felt like I was walking through an art installation where you get served a few drinks. This tour was very well done and I was impressed. The gift shop has some nice takeaways too including some items (flasks, etc.) that can be customized on the spot to commemorate your visit. The staff and tour performers were all top notch.

A well-designed and engaging experience from start to finish ✨. It begins with a fun personality test that tailors the tour to your whisky preferences 🧭🥃. The visit covers the rich history of the brand and the legacy of the Walker family, all presented in a modern and interactive way. The only downside was the final tasting — whiskies mixed with soda, which didn’t fully capture the depth of their flavors. Still, a great experience for whisky lovers visiting Edinburgh. 🏰

What an incredible experience at the Johnnie Walker tasting on Princes Street! The opening show was pure magic!!! Ronna absolutely blew us away, it would be worth it just for that alone! Our guide, Archie, was exceptional: knowledgeable, funny, and kept the whole group engaged the entire time. We each got 3 full drinks, which was such a great deal and far more generous than any other tastings we’ve done before. The whiskies were all unique and delicious, making this the best tasting experience we’ve ever had. Highly recommend!

Great spot for both intimate dinners and big group hangouts. The bar strikes a cool balance between rustic and modern, and their whisky tasting flight is a fun touch—especially for anyone visiting Edinburgh. We had the duck, hake, haggis, and crab cakes. All were decent, though nothing mind-blowing. The crab cakes came out a bit cold, which was a letdown. Overall, the food was just okay, but the ambience and drinks made up for it. Bonus points for their wine list—the Picpoul was genuinely excellent.

We sat outside because restaurant was packed. It was chilly but quiet and very nice. Waiters were very good. The pork chop was excellent. The flat iron steak was supposed to be medium, but it came well done. The honey and buttered greens were excellent. Definitely recommend to come here.

Need reservation. Deepseek recommended me to try, so I did. Good service and good vibe (the vibe is like a nice New American restaurant in the US…). Good service and cool decor. The food was decent but I had high hope. The steak in particular was underwhelming. 😕 The lamb rump is super tender tho.

Gorgeous bar which you can find down one of Edinburgh’s history alleyways. Very busy, but we managed to get a seat by the bar fur drinks and bar bites. Food was lovely and very nice cocktails.

Our food was delicious. My husband had a steak (perfectly cooked) and I had the lamb rump steak. The real candles on the table add to the atmosphere, which takes you back to an Edinburgh of several centuries ago with the wooden beams and darker lighting in the restaurant. Service was a bit disjointed but we would still recommend this restaurant. It is located down Advocates Close, which adds to the experience.

Very cool spot for an afternoon drink. I had the Highland Horse and think it’s my favourite cocktail ever, would have loved to stay for another but we had a reservation to get to. The bar is lovely and location iconic

Absolutely amazing food and drinks, best Paloma ive had in a while. HOWEVER the service - nah so bad. Sam at the front desk was so RUDE like nah unbearable. We were 5 people without a reservation yea yea our fault but like we entered at 2 pm - rush hour was over and we even asked if they can split our table but as rude as she could be she said no. Understood 3 of us sat at the bar and 2 went up to the restaurant. Us at the bar had a lot of fun, bartender was amazing and whipping out some amazing drinks and the bar food was amazing too but the service as such a let down. Like do better guys. There were so many tables available give them for an hour and take them back in an hour but do better.

Amazing pub! We stopped by after a long day running errands and were met with a great ambiance. The beers on tap were delicious! The staff is frie day and polite. Amenities are clean. Love the decor, such a cool place!

The best pub in Edinburgh. We arrived and asked for help choosing a whisky, as we were newbies. The girl who was that night working (Monday night!) was so sweet with us and treated us like locals. We stayed there like if it was our home. The live music was incredible and we came back the night before our flight. I will miss this place with my heart!

Wonderful pub for drinks and hanging out with friends. Local music on Wednesdays. The bartenders are wonderful and they know their scotch!

Nice little pub. Joined their pub quiz which was a lot of fun. Prices a little high, but pretty much the same as other pubs in the area. Only thing is we reserved a table for 5 and we got a table for 2, but this is likely because they were busy due to the quiz. Definitely cozy!

The Black Cat is a gem! It's a really cozy spot with a fantastic atmosphere. We loved the live music from the lively lady singer—it made our drinks even more enjoyable. The bartender was lovely and welcoming. Definitely a great place for a relaxed evening.

Nice place. Bartenders are great at their job. Live music so elegant.

Popped by for a quick lunch and a matching pint. Ordering at the bar was easy, seating inside and outside seemed ample for the time of day.

This charming and comfortable restaurant inside the Scotch Whisky Experience is a wonderful place. Staff are friendly and welcoming, and service throughout our dinner was exceptional. Both my husband and I got a 2-course meal. We started with the sea trout, which was very fresh and perfectly cooked. It was served with a potato cake, and fresh peas with fennel and a lovely white sauce. The dish was beautifully composed and presented. My husband had a 15-year-old whiskey, while I had lovely craft whiskey cocktail. For dessert, I had the chocolate whiskey tart and my husband had the sticky toffee pudding. Both were excellent. A perfect dining experience.

This was the best dinner we had in our Scotland tour. Since it's very well known, I feared it would be some tourist trap. Far from it, we loved the decor and the service. The food was delícious, especially the rump steak. The meat was cooked to perfection as were the sides. We had a flight of whisky too. Memorable evening.

Had a fantastic meal before the Tattoo! Did a 3 course meal that was delicious, did a whiskey flight and enjoyed a few cocktails too. Would highly recommend!

My way to Billy was exceptional. It was a bit early for dinner so I have the tomato and carrot soup followed by the squash risotto. I also had a really nice liqueur since I can't drink whiskey directly anymore. The food was exceptional, the atmosphere was really nice, and I highly recommend this place. We do need a reservation!

Fantastic meal, pre Military Tattoo show. 'A Taste of Scotland', beautiful local produce, lamb, sea trout and haggis stuffed chicken, accompanied by single malt whiskys and wine. Including a whisky tasting session (3 single malts)led by the informative and knowledgeable team. Not just a tourist meal package, but really high end restaurant quality menu, with a enjoyable whisky tasting session thrown in - well worth a visit!!! Would highly recommend.

Excellent choice for food and whiskey tasting! Don’t be discouraged by google info on their closing time at 7:30 pm, the restaurant itself is open after 7:30 pm, just try to enter before 7:30 pm or call them after hours, the whiskey experience tour side of the building closes at 7:30 pm. We were very happy with food, drinks and staff! We were happily pleased that the quality was superb despite being in the heart of touristy area!

On 4th April 2025, my wife and I visited this restaurant for our lunch. All staff were very kind and good explanations about menu. All food were very good. My wife enjoyed very nice single molt whisky. We are looking forward to visiting again soon. Thank you!

Visited in autumn 2017 and the dinner was amazing! July 2023 it has turned into bar only? Either way; great selection of whiskies (2023) and I recommend going her for exploring your palate through tasting menus. Great bartenders! Also they stock rarities like Ardbeg Supernova.

Ask for a booth when you book! It's super cozy if you do get one (rocking chairs are amazing). The whisky list is huge and not very informative, but the food menu has some pairing suggestions in case you come unprepared. Food was great too by the way.

Very cool whisky bar with a great atmosphere. They have a big selection of whiskies, also some very rare ones, and the prices are actually very reasonable. The service was outstandingly friendly! We also ordered dessert there. +1 for the vegan key lime pie. Fantastic place, highly recommended!

Everyone has mentioned the whisky (the range is amazing and good prices) the beer (which was good ) and the amazing alcoves which are actually under the pavement outside and give the place a mellow atmosphere even when it is busy and worth a visit just for that. The food is also fantastic especially if you are a carnivore as I had the venison with chocolate dirt and I’ve never seen so much meat on a plate. My partner had the lamb and it too was a lot of meat with broad beans. The service has to be good with all the alcoves to attend to. Great place.

Best Whisky bar in Edinburgh. The selection on the menu is normally fantastic. Covering the various regions of Scotland as well as a selection from across the globe. The price points also suit a range of budgets. Interior decor is dark and comfortable. Seating options consist of: at the bar, a large table for bigger crowds, smaller tables or a series of "private booth" areas which are well integrated to the theme. Staff are usually chatty, very knowledgeable and eager to help you find the best whisky for your tastes. Organised tasting sessions can be organised on request.

If you are a Whisky lover this place is a must visit. Very friendly staff and a grand selection of some of the finest Malts Scotland has to offer. The staff behind the bar is serious about their love for Whisky so you'll be in good hands.

Visit to Usquabae Whiskey Bar was our highlight in Edinburgh. Great selection of whiskeys and amazing food. Extremely knowledgable staff. We also really enjoyed cheese and whisky tasting.

Great place just down the road from our hotel and what a great way to while away our last night in Edinburgh. Eclectic decor and years of history in this family owned pub with exceptionally friendly and efficient staff. I went for the whole seafood experience with deliciously silky smooth scallops to start followed by an excellent seafood platter. Cavier and rollmop herrings were both new to me and were both delicious, pickled fish what’s not to love!!!! The risotto was also highly praised by my better half!! Overall the dining experience was excellent , the cheese board at the end delicious and the house dram, “The Golden Drop”, a lovely easy drinking Speyside style scotch. Loved this place - give it a go you won’t be disappointed!!

Had an excellent experience at this restaurant! From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Special thanks to Mariusz and the team for making the evening so enjoyable; their friendliness and attention to detail really stood out. We went with Mariusz’s recommendations, and every dish was spot on: beautifully presented, full of flavour, and perfectly paired. You could really tell how much passion and care goes into both the service and the food. It’s dog friendly as well so a winner in our books. A fantastic place all around - great food, great people, and a lovely vibe. Can’t wait to come back!

Went for the proper Sunday Roast. The inside is charming, and the staff was warm and welcoming. We’re on holiday and had the best time! One of our favorite meals!

Great pub with amazing sea food and vast whisky selection eclectic decor adds to the ambiance

Recommended by our Airbnb host….it did not disappoint. Probably a pub more locals use than tourists. The food was exceptional and the service was excellent. Interesting decor and felt really warm for a pub that is 100 plus years old. Highly recommend.

I was really disappointed with this restaurant. The portions were tiny, especially for the price, which made the whole experience feel like poor value for money. The place has the atmosphere of a pub, but none of the hearty, comforting pub food you’d expect. Instead, most of the main dishes on the menu were cold options, which was really underwhelming for a dinner out. Overall, it was overpriced for what you get, and I definitely wouldn’t recommend it.

Amazing restaurant. Lovely environment. Every dish was delicious.

We didn’t have a reservation and walked into this pub. We were very happy with the atmosphere , service and the food! Beef pie and the Skink soup we had, both were excellent. We finished with caramel bread pudding and it was delicious. I wish we had more room in our stomach as the fish and chips in the table next to us looked delicious as well.

Very nice location, nice decoration and vibes spot on. We've been served by Jack (I believe it's the name, sorry if not) and the nice lady with red hair. The food was lovely, I got the salmon and my partner got the chicken dish, the haggis roll spring were amazing and the plum sauce was to die for, so was the whiskey flight 6 experience. 100% recommended for a Scottish experience.

Welcoming, quick service, clean and great atmosphere. Nicest cocktails I had in Edinburgh and the steak pie was delicious. It would be good to have the choice of mash as an alternative to chips. They have live bands each evening but we came to eat early evening.

The staff is very friendly and the food was nice. I personally would prefer some more veggies, but the taste was on point. The live music was very entertaining and excellent service for serving the right whiskey.

Fantastic service and atmosphere. We stopped in at Whiski Bar on Friday afternoon after leaving another nearby spot that really wasn’t what we expected and I’m so glad we did! From the moment we walked through the door, the staff were warm, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. Even without a booking, they found us a lovely table right away and made us feel completely looked after. The service was brilliant. attentive without being over the top and there was just a really nice buzz about the place. Everything felt relaxed but still professional, and it reminded us what good hospitality should feel like. The drinks were great, the food smelled amazing and the whole experience just had that effortless charm that makes you want to stay longer than planned. Huge thanks to the team for turning our afternoon around. It’s rare these days to find somewhere that gets both service and atmosphere so right. We’ll definitely be coming back soon.

Great Sticky Bread Pudding!!! Popped in for dessert; they were pretty busy, but the staff hooked us with a table and very welcoming! The Sticky Bread Pudding did not disappoint!

It was a place we stopped by to rest after getting tired while walking around, so we experienced it during the day. The interior design is quite nice and carefully done; it has a retro style, enriched with some local motifs as well. These touches give the place a unique character. Overall, the service was good and the staff was attentive. We tried a traditional Edinburgh dessert called cranachan, and a traditional drink called irn-bru and they were both quite tasty. We learned that there is live music in the evenings, and it looked quite enjoyable from the outside. The evening atmosphere probably adds even more charm.

We had a great time at the Albanach. The pie was delicious and the staff was very friendly. Our dog was welcome and everyone loved him. We would definitely recommend this place!

It was my first time in Edinburgh, and while strolling along the Royal Mile, I came across this pub and decided to stop for lunch. I absolutely loved the place — the atmosphere, the service, and the overall vibe. We ate here before heading to the airport, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. A young and charming gentleman with curly hair served us, and he was very attentive and friendly. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. The side salads were generous and fresh, and the roasted peppers were a fantastic touch. The highlight, however, was the dessert — the sticky toffee pudding. I’m still thinking about its taste! I would highly recommend this pub for both food and drinks.

Our hotel recommended Albanach as a Scottish restaurant to try, and we're glad we followed the suggestion. We walked in for lunch and were seated right away. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the food was excellent. We had the Steak & Ale Pie and the Salmon Patties with chips- both were delicious.

When visiting Edinburgh from the US, we more or less settled into this pub more than any other, the ales were awesome and the food was good most of the time. The atmosphere is very nice and has a lovely dinning room in the back, the staff were very kind and accommodating when the staffing was in order and not short staffed. The locals that we encountered here were simply amazing people, thank you for sharing your country and city with us. Can't wait for a frosty Level Head next time. My heat will ever be captured by Edinburgh.

Delicious little pub! Our server Teagan was INCREDIBLE! All the food was delicious and their beers were cold. Couldn’t ask for anything better!

Great bar at the heart of the Historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh. Had a couple of locally brewed pint 🍻. Loved the vibe, loved the atmosphere. 🤌🏽

A great pub on the Royal Mile with reasonable prices for beer and appetizers. Jack and crew were wonderful and great sports. Stop by and have a pint from the wood!

First time in Edinburgh and first time eating at Teuchters Landing. Reservations cannot be made, you just walk up to see if they have space, which they did in our case. We were a party of 8. You order and pay all your food and drinks through an app. It’s also possible to order and pay at the bar. Food was brought out pretty quickly and the service was friendly. All in all a very good experience.

Our first meal in Edinburgh and it’s so incredibly delicious. Possibly the best beef stew I’ve ever had. The seafood was really well handled as well. First time trying a Cullen skink, so good! There’s also a great variety of drinks to choose from. Additionally, the location was really lovely, the staffs were friendly and the food was served pretty fast.

As an independent estate and letting agent, I love to support the businesses in the local area I work. Teuchters Landing is an excellent example of a local business that attracts locals, those working nearby and tourists too ... and for good reason. The food and drinks are excellent, the service is great and the general atmosphere is welcoming to all. Highly recommended and one venue I regularly recommend to people moving into the area.

Absolutely fantastic local venue. The food, drinks and atmosphere are fantastic every time, the staff are super accommodating for a walk in venue and have always managed to find us a table. They are also super dog friendly which is a huge bonus. The outdoor seating under the fair lights is wonderful and they have heaters and blankets for the winter. The spicy margs are also amazing!

Very good local pub with friendly staff. The food is great, tasty with huge portions, and served really quick. Lots of different rooms and big outdoor space.

Leith area does not offer much to see but some good venues to visit. We were lucky to find this restaurant&bar just before their kitchen closed. The waitress pushed us to be hurry but we choose two of the best foods from their menu which were calamari and fish&chips. They don't offer various beer options so we choosed 2 different IPAs which were good enough. Atmosphere is really nice to spend time with your friends. Prices are similar to most of the Edinburgh bars.

The food was excellent! We had the mussels and the fish & chips, and both were absolutely gorgeous. The only small thing we would have loved even more is if the tartare sauce with the fish & chips had been homemade — that would have taken it to the next level. But overall, everything was excellent, and the service was just as good. Highly recommended!

Really nice pub! We were staying in this neighborhood and ended up coming back to the abbey pretty much everyday. The drink selection is great (great options of gin and scotch). The sticky toffee pudding is to die for, literally the best one I had in Edinburgh. I ended up going back daily for it even when we didn’t have dinner at the Abbey. Service was also super nice ! The pub is not super busy but the atmosphere is great!

What a great traditional bar, with something for everyone. Wide menu choice, good food, beer, wine, cocktails and a huge selection of whisky, some of which are beautifully displayed in a glass cabinet along the back wall. Also liked the atmosphere and thought the bar staff were particularly good at their job.

The Abbey is the perfect pub for us! The service was fast and super-welcoming, the food is amazing and the pub is the nicest! Will definitely come back when visiting Edinburgh again!

Eating and drinking at the Abbey was a huge highlight to our stay in Edinburgh. We made a reservation for Sunday roast and it did not disappoint. They made us tourists and whiskey novices feel very welcome among a very local crowd. The Across the Regions flight was 6 drams of various types (all fantastic). They gave us small bottles of water to try adding a drip or 2 to enhance the flavor. We had so much fun experimenting. Dinner can get busy, make a reservation. Thanks for a great time!

Stopped by for some whisky tastings and also had some beers. Great atmosphere to have some pints. Awesome customer service from the bartenders. Recommend while in Edinburg.

Had a lovely veggie breakfast and a local IPA 🍺- coffee was included with the breakfast how it should be 🤘🏻 And if you happen to be a whiskey lover- this is your place to be!

Food is great. Home cooked, fresh and very reasonably priced. Specials defo worth a look. Thanks to Steve for sorting a table last minute. Great service from start to finish.

First time trying Haggis and absolutely love it! We ordered both versions, the classic one and the princess Diana one, wich was my favorite, excellent spot to try it, good drinks and very nice and cozy atmosphere at the restaurant.

If you want to try haggis and whisky, this is the place to go! The haggis was incredible - a generous portion, packed with flavour, and perfectly cooked. I added the whisky sauce which was definitely the right call, well-seasoned and served at just the right temperature. I also tried the cranachan, a traditional Scottish dessert made with oats, whipped cream, raspberries and whisky. It had a really unique and interesting flavour profile though the whisky can come through quite strong if you don't mix it well! Service was excellent, quick, attentive and genuinely friendly. They have a wide selection of whiskies from different regions, and the staff are super knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations. Will definitely be back!

The Princess Diana haggis was really delicious. Smoked Scottish Salmon Bites and Scotch Eggs did not disappoint. Prompt and friendly service. Good whisky range.

I was hoping for arcade games as the name suggested that but that's not the case. However they have great variety of scotch whiskey to choose from. The server Amy was so very helpful in recommending me to a delicious tasting scotch. Friendly, informative and attentive is how I'd describe the service. Keep up the good work. (Side not get an arcade game or two.) Lol!

A cosy spot just off the Royal Mile, Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House is perfect for a proper Scottish bite. Had Robert Burn’s famous haggis and the haggis-stuffed chicken — both hearty, flavourful, and done right. Warm pub atmosphere, friendly staff, and the kind of place you’ll want to linger after exploring Edinburgh’s old town. Ideal for tasting some of the best haggis in the city.

Best haggis in Edinburgh! We also tried the salmon/haddock fishcakes, also very nice. Friendly staff and nice atmosphere.

Small restaurant with lots of heart! I had the Hagis with Whiskey sauce which was a generous portion and great flavour. 10/10. My parter (who is a vegetarian) had the Halloumi burger which she really enjoyed, and said there was a good selection of vegetarian options. Friendly service and nice ambience. Definitely worth a visit if you’re after Haggis

We told some of our friends that we wanted to try good haggis, and this was a recommendation. It tends to get busy after lunch and into dinner so I recommend you make reservations. The staff is incredibly helpful and can answer any questions about the menu and great drinks. The food was incredibly flavorful and filling.

Popular and busy pub. The food was a definite step up from pub grub. Highly recommend the haggis neeps and tatties. Great selection of draft beer and whisky. Sometimes tough to get a server’s attention but they were always helpful and correct.

Delicious food. Fair prices and good portions. Lots of drink options. Atmosphere was cool upstairs and also in the bunker. Great spot to catch a game or hang out with friends. The desserts were okay but all the other food was excellent.

Nice atmosphere and great food. There is a gluten free menu, I tried the gluten free fish and chips and it was great and the warm sticky toffee pudding was amazing !! We absolutely loved it ! Friendly staff too !

I really liked the place - their fish and chips and Cullen skink soup were some of the best I’ve had. I’ll definitely come back next time I’m in Edinburgh.

Local joint that is a freehouse (independently owned) so it’s the real deal when it comes to the Edinburgh pub experience. Can be jam packed, especially during broadcasted football matches. Felt at home, and made several new Scottish mates— fantastic time.

We went to Teuchters Bar for dinner on a Friday night, and they went above and beyond to accommodate us and our one-year-old son. The food was fabulous — hearty, flavorful, and everything you’d hope for in a Scottish pub meal. The atmosphere was cozy and authentic, exactly what you dream of when imagining a classic pub experience. We only wish we’d had time to go back again!

Absolutely gorgeous - both the views and the whisky. If you're on the fence about whisky, or you're not sure if you'll enjoy it or not, this is a place where you'll be able to find out definitively whether you're a whisky drinker or not. Plenty of others have raved about the views here already, which to be fair are absolutely gorgeous, but I'm going to stick to the whisky for this review. As a novice in the ways of whisky appreciation, I wasn't sure what I would make of the place but I'm definitely glad I came! Our server, Louise, was incredibly nice and knowledgeable, taking the time to answer all of our questions and offer some suggestions & recommendations based on our preferences. The only thing I really knew going into this experience was that Highland Park 16 was the first whisky I'd ever truly enjoyed, but with just that information Louise was able to offer a glut of information on other whiskys I might enjoy. I decided to splurge on some rarer whisky, and I'm still not sure if I'm glad I did or not, because I'm not sure if I'll be able to get any bottles of what I tried and loved - with the one exception of the Dailuaine 17, which can apparently only be had at 1820. For that alone, I might need to come back here soon! However, my favorite was definitely the Mortlach 21 - at cask strength it started off with a bit of spice almost like a smoked cayenne, then transitioned into a slightly tart apple flavor before finishing off with a light licorice bitterness. After enjoying it straight I added just a tiny splash of water which softened and rounded all of the flavors a bit without diluting or muting any. As I slowly sipped, the spice and tartness stayed but the end note began to sweeten a bit more, almost like shifting from black to red licorice. Upon swallowing, the spicy tingle seemed to abruptly end at the back of the tongue, leaving a rather cool and dry feeling in the throat with nary a burning sensation to be found. I think my friend Gerry was right, and I probably am a proper whisky drinker now.

The views over the Edinburgh skyline, with the castle in the distance, are simply breathtaking. It's the ideal spot to relax with a cocktail or a dram. Highly recommended! Thought this was better than the whiskey tour as you can get a pana cotter and food coming out looking tasty as. Good Guinness on tap and selection of cocktails, wines and whiskey.

After completing the tasting experience, we ventured up to the rooftop to see if we could grab dinner before continuing our exploration of Edinburgh. We were not expecting to have one of our favorite meals in the city here! The highlight was definitely the old fashioned and chicken thighs, but everything we had was delicious. Also there were great views of the city and we were able to time our dining with the sunset.

OMG this place is amazing. The views, the atmosphere, the drinks and the food. It is a "must do". Its not overly expensive, but for once dont look at prices just enjoy your self. You wont regret it. The portions could be a bit on the small side but perfect. We ordered 4 different dishes between the 2 of us and it was enough.

I come back here every time I am in Edinburgh. Relaxed atmosphere, amazing views and good service. Also the prices are so reasonable considering the location and the view. The menu option goes way beyond whiskey

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I heard we were going here. Part of me feared a soulless, corporate setup - but the 1820 Rooftop Bar turned out to be a genuinely lovely experience. The views are absolutely worth it, we went at sunset which was a great time to go. Having the money they do, they have a great location, and have elevated things beyond that into a great experience, with warm hospitality, a solid drinks list, and quality food. Definitely recommend booking in advance to make sure you get some time here. They have a full menu, and while I spent much more of my time in Edinburgh trying to explore smaller, local whiskey makers and establishments - I will remember my time here. I enjoyed my Blue Label with a view, and had a great time grabbing some photos with the Johnnie Walker statues, soaking in the skyline, and have to admit that the vibe of the establishment surprised me in the best way. If you’re an actual or wannabe influencer, or just want a cool photo for your Instagram attached to a fun time, this place is definitely worth it.

Perfect for watching the sunset over the city skyline. The ambience is stylish and relaxed. Limited indoor sitting in case of bad weather. So I would recommend booking prior to visiting. Great spot for drinks with a view and definitely a worth visit if you're in Edinburgh!

Panda & Sons is such a fun spot with incredible vibes — the speakeasy entrance, décor, and overall atmosphere make it worth the visit on their own. It’s a great place to hang out, and the staff were warm and welcoming. That said, while I loved the experience, the cocktails themselves didn’t leave much of a lasting impression. They were creative but a bit forgettable compared to the energy of the space. Still, I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a cool, unique night out in Edinburgh.

Atmosphere: 7/10 Located in Edinburgh’s New Town, Panda & Sons hides behind a barbershop façade on Queen Street—a classic speakeasy entrance. Once inside, the space splits into several small rooms with mostly table seating. The bar itself isn’t the visual centerpiece, and the backbar feels underwhelming compared to the lively buzz in the space. The vibe is vibrant and fun, though the music volume crosses into too loud territory, making it harder to fully relax. Drinks: 7.5/10 Recommendation: Panda Martini The menu is creative and structured into chapters by drink preparation method. Conceptually strong, but execution doesn’t fully live up to the idea—flavors are low in complexity, and balance could be improved. Glassware and garnishes are basic, while coasters and menu design show some creativity. Presentation overall feels restrained for a globally recognized venue. Service: 7/10 Water is served on arrival. Staff are friendly, but service is on the slower side—likely due to the fragmented layout and not enough staff covering each room. The team is approachable, yet professionalism and attentiveness vary depending on where you sit. Reservations are recommended; pricing is average for Edinburgh.

Great unique cocktail place. Sort of a speakeasy feel, but go there for the friendly staff, great mixologist, cool atmosphere and unique drinks. If you have a standard in mind, you can do that but ordering off the chill menu provides the best experience. The drinks are expensive but worth it for where you are. The aesthetics are great and the details, like the cryo frozen fruit, on the drinks is wonderful.

Fun space with creative cocktails. Some of them weren’t a hit but with the size of the menu, you are guaranteed to find some you love. Our second round choices were all amazing. The staff were super friendly and helpful. A fun spot to try with friends.

We got reservations but didnt feel like we could have needed them. Place is beautiful. Themed throughout but elevated. They are currently on an ice cream trend but all the cocktails we tried were super well balanced nothing too sweet or creamy. Just perfect. Service was great and the fastest in EDI.

They don’t serve food, but the drink menu deserve 5 stars! The prohibition speakeasy ambience makes it super exciting. The bar is cozy and elegant. I was at the bar, chatting with the super talented and friendly bartenders!

The concept of this bar and creativity is pretty awesome! However I feel the drinks unfortunately are not that amazing. Pretty interesting experience and for that alone it's worth a visit. If you are in the area check it out.

From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted by a warm and elegant atmosphere that immediately signals quality. Our guide took the time to understand my preferences and recommended whiskies that truly impressed me. Hope we can come back! To our wonderful guide hope you get the chance to taste high coast whiskey from Sweden Greeting from the north

My cousin and I, not new to whiskey, ordered the highest and second-highest flights. We asked them to favor things we probably wouldn't find outside of Scotland. They came through for us amazingly. We learned a lot and we had a great time. Expensive but absolutely worth the money. Let them know where you're coming from in terms of your experiences and interests and they'll put together something special for you. Huge thanks to Ross from Jonathan and Joe.

About a week before my flight over to Scotland (From USA), we emailed and were able to make a reservation. We had multiple recommendations to do the Whisky Experience "A Journey Around Scotland" that is inside The Balmoral hotel at the Scotch Whisky Bar. It was worth every penny and it also was a great kick-off to the start of our road trip around Scotland. The doorman had no clue what we had a reservation for but once we found the proper location inside we were set. Fraser was our guide. He did a great job. The breath of my knowledge is in deep into Bourbon, so it was nice to learn more than the basics I know of Scotch drams. He was a trooper and answered a lot of nerdy questions. The pre-selected pours luckily were from brands Ive had but not the collections picked. I would have felt bad if I had a bottle on my home bar that was already pre-poured. If you are a seasoned whisky drinker maybe let them know ahead of time what is on your home shelves so you get all new experiences. My friend who is not a whisky drinker did enjoy a few of the drams... and I had to sacrifice and complete what she didn't like but 3 out of 5 she liked. There was no dress code, however we did feel like under dressed tourist. In the future, will change and freshen up. We did tip in cash, as the staff was so kind and worked hard to make the experience elevated. They were kind to offer beer and cider too, which was great for my friend that isn't a whisky drinker. At one point I requested a Ginger Ale. For a whisk(e)y snob, or newbie. This is a great time. Something I will return for. Also Fraser recommended a few great locations that we ended up going to in other cities in Scotland. We kept going where the Scots recommended and it was a 10/10 trip!

Determined to discover a whisky I enjoyed, my challenge to the bar staff of the SCOTCH Whisky Bar at the Balmoral Hotal was to find one I liked on a budget of £20. This was a tall order as I definitely wasn't a fan of whisky before, but the delightful staff rose to the challenge with patience: asked me a few questions, listened to my thoughts and brought out two options for me to choose from out of the impressive selection on display. Ladies and gentlemen, they well-and-truly delivered and I sat merrily in the chic but cosy bar with my wee dram and polished off the lot. What is more: it got better with every drop! The pepper crisps and dark chocolate buttons were a great addition and brought out different 'notes' in the whisky which was fascinating to experience. This is a great spot for a fabulously authentic evening in the heart of Scotland. Even if you think you don't like whisky, give it a go and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. At the very least, you'll get a bowl of chocolate buttons. I 100 % recommend!

The bartender is a lot more than a bartender. He’s your guide into the whisky rabbit hole. Both guys are very passionate, knowledgeable, and patient. The hospitality is way beyond my expectation. I would highly recommend this place if you are looking to explore and learn more about scotch whisky.

* A note on grades, I rate outwards from three stars. * An absolute highlight of our trip to Scotland. Called ahead to ensure seating availability and enjoyed both before- and after-dinner drinks in the cozy room with excellent service.

Did the rare and ghosted scotch tasting and had an amazing experience. I'm sorry to say my memory fails me on who did the tasting for me, but he selected whisky's that I was unlikely to have had or could get in the states and all were exceptional. We visited later the same evening and he again assisted us with selecting whisky that met our preferred taste profiles. I'd give them 10 stars if I could.

What an experience! We had some time to spare on our Tuesday in Edinburgh, and stumbled upon this place. We are so glad we did because it was excellent! We were greeted as we walked in and were able to see our tour options straight away. We opted for the gin and chocolate pairing and it was the best decision we’ve made here. Holly was our tour guide and she was bubbly, knowledgable and overall fantastic. The tour itself was excellent, learning the history and process of Edinburgh Gin, involving all the senses. We were able to delve into the process of how it is made and understand the flavours they incorporate. We then moved to the star of the show - the tasting and pairing portion! Everything was so well thought out and we were surprised with the pairings and flavours we enjoyed the most. There was a wide variety of flavours, each bringing something unique to the experience. It felt well timed, with Holly guiding us through each step of the way. We were encouraged to try the gin in multiple variations, alongside the chocolate and it truly made for a wonderful experience. We would absolutely recommend this for anyone who is a gin lover, or someone who might want to learn more about it. My husband and I are fans of gin, but have come out with a renewed love for the spirit. An absolute must in Edinburgh, very well worth the money! Thank you for a wonderful experience. I would give 6 stars if I could!

We had a great time on the gin & chocolate tour! My guests from Canada love gin & really enjoyed how interactive the entire experience was. Simran, our guide, obviously loved her job and was brilliant at it! She really made our time extra special. I will definitely be back in future with other guests (probably for the gin & cheese tour!).

Absolutely loved it! My partner is not a fan of gin but he really enjoyed it too. We booked the gin tour but wished we had opted out for one of the longer tours. Our tour guide Finlay was very informative and knew his stuff, he made the tour fun and we learnt a lot about the gin history and making process. Finlay was able to answer all of our questions and we never felt rushed. The premises is bright, colourful and very new looking. There is also an option to grab a drink at the bar at the end of the tour and I recommend one of the yummy cocktails. Word of caution, eat before you go as they are not mean with the tasting experience and my partner and I did leave with a little glow! Not only is this experience amazing, its reasonably priced and you also receive a tour discount for items purchased in the shop. Definitely 5 stars from us! All the staff were friendly but a huge shout out to Finlay who we felt made the experience! Thank you Finlay!

It’s no secret that Mr Smartie and I are big fans of Edinburgh Gin. So not a huge surprise that we went on the Classic Tour & Gin Tasting at their super-smart distillery in the centre of Edinburgh. Our tour guide welcomed us to the tour with a gin and tonic. As we enjoyed this, we watched a great audio-visual presentation that provided a background to gin, tonic, and the history of Edinburgh Gin. From there we moved to an area of the distillery where we explored the ingredients that go into London Gin, flavoured gins, and gin liqueurs. This was followed by an overview of the stills and distillation process. Our tour concluded in a private tasting room, where we sampled several gins created by Edinburgh Gin. Being a small group – eleven people in total – this part of the tour led to a lot of chat and laughter between us, as we discussed flavours and preferences etc. After the tour was over, Mr Smartie and I decided to try a little more gin at the distillery’s beautiful bar, followed by a visit to their shop before leaving. It was a great tour and a brilliant afternoon. Thanks to Edinburgh Gin and their staff for making it so memorable. We’d highly recommend this tour and a visit to the distillery to residents of, and visitors to, Scotland’s capital.

We really enjoyed the Edinburgh Gin Distillery tour. Holly was our guide and she was fantastic — funny, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience fun and easy to follow. The behind-the-scenes look at the gin-making process was fascinating, and the tasting at the end was a great way to try a variety of flavors. Definitely worth doing if you’re in Edinburgh!

We did a chocolate and gin tour, as people who never really cared for gin, and walked away with a new acquired taste for gin! Loved our tour, our tour host and had a lovely time! Would highly recommend. Beautiful and clean distillery!

I visited the Distillery yesterday (27/09/2025) and what a fantastic time we had on the tasting tour. We had Sam as our guide and he was absolutely fantastic, really engaging and funny as well. Will definitely be back!

This distillery tour was a blast on a busy Saturday afternoon! The group was not too big and our tour guide, Marina, was so fun and knowledgeable about all things gin! I highly recommend visiting the distillery and learning how gin is made and how to pick out the different flavor notes.

Had a fantastic tour & gin tasting at Summerhall Distillery. The tour was fun & interesting. Our guide was warm & friendly as well as knowledgeable. And the gin was excellent! It was also nice to get out of the core tourist area & check out another part of Edinburgh. Highly recommend this experience.

This gin is very tasty and the Navy strength is amazing I love the increased flavor profile. We went on a tour of the distillery. They give a few samples which makes the experience that much more enjoyable. The tour guide Marina was amazing. She did a great job of blending history of Gin and the distillery. I would recommend her tour. Summer hall has an amazing vibe it’s worth checking out.

As a gift to my gin loving wife (Fiona) we both looked forward to the tour. I never realised it was such a small operation. Our tour guide, Alyssa, was so informative about the origins of Pickering's gin to the present day. As it was only my wife and myself the tour felt rather personal experience. The chat between us was great, so relaxed. I'm not a gin drinker, more a whisky man, however, I feel I'm liking gin more. We hope to be back to your future gin events. Thank you so much for Alyssa being such a knowledgeable tour guide.

I had a fantastic tour of the distillery! Our guide Marina was absolutely wonderful – highly knowledgeable, warm, and with a great sense of humor. She explained the gin-making process in an engaging and easy-to-understand way, making the entire experience both exciting and entertaining. You can tell she’s truly passionate about what she does. The distillery itself may be small, but that’s exactly what gives it its special, family-like charm. A visit I can wholeheartedly recommend!

Marina was the best guide I have ever had! She is so passionate about her job and tells the story of the distillery like a fairytale. Lesson learnt : If you believe in your product, dreams really do come true! Highly recommended!

So much! The gin is exceptional learned so much but the best part was the tour guide who made the experience so fun, informative, and something my mom and I will always remember! Will definitely be back the next time we are in Scotland!!

Located in Old Town on the Royal Mile, Cannonball Restaurant and Bar is one of my favourite restaurants in all of Edinburgh. This historical landmark was originally built in the 17th century and has unique views of the castle with an old meets new interior. The restaurant is clean and offers a relaxed atmosphere which offers comfort food meets fine dining experience, and plenty of seating options on three different levels – bar, restaurant and private dining area. We happened to stop in after a visit to Edinburgh Castle and I am so glad we did - this place is a gem! We were greeted and seated immediately upon arrival. The customer service was 5-star with friendly and attentive staff. The price was very reasonable for what we got: the portion sizes good, the presentation amazing, and the food was fresh and prepared to perfection. They offer a comprehensive menu with different dining options and were able to accommodate a reduced salt diet. Everything on the menu that we had was incredible delicious including: fresh homemade bread and whipped butter, creamy potato soup, smoked trout with creme fraiche, battered haddock with hand cut fries, pan seared cod with spinach and Beurre Blanc, Chocolate Cannonball and crème brulée. They also had an extensive bar and selection of wines to choose from. Two unique features of this restaurant are the cannonball lodged in the wall, the namesake of the restaurant, and an old school desk and ode to its history as a schoolhouse and the resident ghost they call “Alice”. It is also wheelchair accessible with entrance from the courtyard, a lift that accesses all levels including the bathrooms, and plenty of seating options that can easily accommodate a wheelchair. Overall, we were extremely satisfied with the food, service and experience. I highly recommend this restaurant and will return to it time and again!

A group of four of us had lite bites and cocktails here before attending The Military Tattoo, as part of The Drummer tickets. The staff were superb, very welcoming and friendly. The food and cocktails were great. A very relaxing start to the evening, as they even escorted us into the Castle grounds for the performance.

Restaurant is located in a picturesque corner of the Edinburgh Castle entrance. We had one of the best seats in the house with a beautiful view of the castle in the evening. Three different menu options in terms of portions and settings, all of our dinner choices were excellent, and nicely prepared, and nicely presented. The restaurant was not terribly crowded in January, but the staff is very pleasant and it was an enjoyable experience. Being so close to a major tourist attraction one would’ve expected a hurried in and hurried out atmosphere, this was just the opposite. Lovely fine dining experience.

A perfect event, all made with a lot of love. The 3 course-menu in the Scottish Cafe & Restaurant joining the pre-Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo dining was as its best. Thank you very much to the whole team, the service was excellent and very professionell. Celebrating the very best and fresh produce from all over Scotland. Amazing and hopefully not the last time there. Best regards from Switzerland Patricia & Yves

Highly recommended! Very nice place. Fancy chill and good food. Had a wonderful night with families and friends. Definitely will come back one day.

Great visit here today! Haggis balls and the fish & chips were more than excellent. Service was very, very good.

My partner and I visited this restaurant while on our way to our castle tour. Situated literally right next to the castle it was a lovely bright space to enjoy our meal while watching the busy street below out the window. We went for a lunchtime special that they do. My partner got the soup as a starter and was given a freshly baked roll to go with it. I couldn't resist the haggis. Both were fantastic but the main course was even better! Pork belly for my partner and I had fish and chips. The fish and chips was enormous but really good. The pork was on another level. Perfectly cooked and beautifully presented Service was outstanding. We were made to feel very welcome. We let the waitress know we were in a bit of a rush and they made sure we could leave on time which we did. We will be back!

We had the set lunch menu the food was beautifully presented and the flavours were wonderful The waitress was very pleasant and attentive All in all a 5 star experience!

Nice dimly lit space that works well for small groups as well as couples. Came for the Sunday roast; got the lamb shoulder and veggie Wellington. The hash brown starter was delicious.

This was an impulse visit and when I saw how busy it was, I was prepared to not get a seat. But they squeezed me in. Service was brilliant - my waiter didn't seem to rush, he smalltalked with everyone, but he was paying so much attention to everyone and everything going on around him. Food was perfect. It was so good that I had to order an additional dish. I was just peckish, so I only did the small starters: rabbit, salmon and beef. Everything was balanced and the rabbit, especially, was just brilliant. It had capers, so I feared they might dominate, but it was so beautifully balanced 🤩 Would definitely visit again!

I enjoyed the silver fox drink, the schnitzel was ok and the dessert was the right choice for my lunch. Nice and quiet.

Enjoyed the dinner tonight especially the red wine Syrah from France. I forgot the label of the Syrah though, appreciate you can share the details of Syrah that is served by glass at the Bon Vivant Edinburgh. Thanks much. 👍🏼

We had a lovely family Sunday roast yesterday and could not believe how good this was. The Service was outstanding as was the food. Portion size didn't disappoint and in fact defeated one of us. What a lovely restaurant with a great interior that was made for a cozy dining experience. Again, the service was outstanding. We would come back just for this.

One of my favorite meals of our entire trip! After some time in Edinburgh, we quickly realized that the New Town side was more our speed. Bon Vivant is a combination of a chic gastropub and local gathering place—I loved hearing lots of Scottish accents at the tables around us, quite the difference from Old Town. The food was outstanding, with the chef and staff elevating local goods and flavors in each dish.

Tucked away down a random street, it didn’t even look open! But it was! And I enjoyed 1/2 pint of Edinburgh’s finest draft beer…Pentland IPA. Very quaint, cozy spot. Anthony Bourdain put it on the map for me, and it didn’t disappoint. RECOMMEND!

Fantastic pub a must go place to drink friendly atmosphere bar staff know there stuff and will be back on my next trip

Classic old school bar with the added bonus of it's Rebus connection. Great pint and friendly barmaid. The back room's lost a bit of it's ambience due to being covered in artwork for sale that definitely doesn't fit with the location. Maybe Steve Megson could consider doing some 'Old Edinburgh' or Rebus related artwork. It'd fit in great and probably sell really well in what has to be the No. 1 destination for many Rebus fans.

To be clear this is no frills old school pub where you can have a friendly pint with experienced staff and has the advantage of being linked to the Rebus novels - that I haven't read - but I hear they are quite good.

As an Ian Rankin fan this was always going to be a must see. I had no expectations so was happy just to visit. To hear Ian visits and staff so happy to see a fan (I did bring 5 other friends along) I was very happy with my visit. Easy to find and well worth the visit. Highly recommended if you a Rebus fan.

So glad we visited the little pub. It is small and very peaceful in the middle in busy Edinburgh. We visited it as hubby is a Rebus fan. But it's not commercialised at all. It is actually just a regular, local, tiny bar, with a very friendly barman. It was lovely to sit in the quiet and have a couple of pints. All that tells you it is linked to Rebus is a few photos tucked away in an alcove.

Great old-fashioned bar with great beer, lovely real fire and a wonderful welcoming atmosphere. The Rebus connection is a big bonus but this is NOT a tourist trap. It is lovely and an authentic old pub.

Very cool place! The best Haggis in town!! Actually it was my first time ever trying haggis, so I don’t have a lot to compare it to, but it was delicious. It was a special that day and it was deep fried with a whiskey sauce. Very tasty. I also had the fish and chips and the tartar sauce was something I have never had before it was so tangy and tart. I guess it must be the way a real tartar sauce tastes, back home in the US I have never really liked it much but now I know why, just delicious. Their local beer is flat just FYI kind of weird in the beginning. Very very good.

Just starting from the style, the furniture, the design, this place is very very good. Fish and chips very well prepared.also the Scottish eggs were deelicious. During the lunch the place is a lot less crowded than during the dinner.

Absolutely not recommended！絕對不推薦！ This place completely ruined my plan to enjoy some traditional Scottish food in Edinburgh❤️‍🩹💔👎🏻 No one acknowledged us after we entered, so we had to approach the bar ourselves. When we finally found a waitress, her attitude was terrible — she looked annoyed the moment we made eye contact and just went back to what she was doing. The restaurant was so noisy we couldn’t even hear what she said, and still, no one bothered to help us. If you want to experience awful service, this is the place to go.

My wife and I had a great lunch there. It was a lot more chill than any other pub on the Royal Mile. A+ would go again

Wow! Honestly blown away by this place. The steak pie was absolutely phenomenal. Perfectly cooked with an optimum filling to pastry ratio. Food was clearly freshly made and I have no complaints. My wife had the fish and chips and she was very pleased. And she is difficult to pleased. Trust me. And the best part was the excellent service. I would like to give Cheryl a special mention for being so attentive and friendly. Overall I would highly recommend this place.

Absolutely loved our visit to The Malt Shovel! The location is brilliant, right in the heart of Edinburgh, & easy to spot even during the busy Edinburgh Festival. The staff were super friendly, especially when they helped us pick the perfect drinks to go with our meal. The food was amazing, considering the kitchen is tiny! We tried the Malt Shovel Burger & the Fish & chips, they were packed with flavour. Even though the place was buzzing & full, the team handled everything so smoothly, we didn’t feel rushed at all. Shout-out to the manager, who was waiting our table to make sure we were happy, small touches like that really make a difference. Definitely one of our favourite spots in Edinburgh now!

Plenty of places to stop around here, but we picked this place...not disappointed. Super fast friendly service and some of the best mussels I've had in a long time. Decent pint in a good old school pub setting. Very pleasant place to spend some time and the service was above and beyond when it came to friendliness.

I didn’t try any food or drinks inside, I just went for the jazz concert. So, I can’t say anything about the menu, but the vibe is really cool! It’s a small venue where everyone sits to enjoy the concert, and after the show, it turns into a nightclub. They clear some of the chairs, and then everyone starts dancing, it gets pretty wild! It’s a great bar if you want to enjoy live music and dance afterward. The entry fee is £10, but it’s definitely worth it.

I was here two nights in a row — one night I played piano at the jam session, and the other night I came to catch a big band concert. Both nights were just amazing. The cats I played the opener with were super warm, supportive, and chill — the kind of players who let little mistakes slide and turn them into teaching moments. The vibe in the room was also great: nice and spacious, not crammed full of tables and chairs, and the crowd was mostly young, which really surprised me, since in a lot of countries jazz bars are packed with older listeners. Even the guy at the door was a total gentleman. All in all, everything was perfect.

great vibes!! seating depends on the show— one had tables and one we were standing. the espresso martini here was so good.

Absolutely loved the Tuesday Jam session! 5 hours of music delivered by undiscovered talents. Quirky bar, lovely atmosphere. The only thing that spoiled the night were people having loud conversations. People, if you want to scream on the top of your voice, go to a normal bar! Your loud conversations are disrespectful to the musicians and annoying to the audience...

This is a small bar in a basement (of course!) that plays jazz every day of the week. My wife and I spent 3 very enjoyable hours on a Saturday night. We arrived at around 9.30 and got in no problem and found a space at the bar. Later on we were lucky and got some seats / table when other people left. The drinks are delicious (try the ginger beer with sloe gin), service OK and the music was good.

We had a great time at The Jazz Bar. The band playing that night was fantastic, and the whole place had a warm, welcoming vibe. It’s a cozy spot and perfect for live music lovers. Make sure to make a reservation. They don’t serve full meals, just snacks, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. Would definitely come back!

We saw the amazing Nick Harper perform a one hour, packed set this evening. Fantastic early evening set, so tempted to return one of the next nights he is on. All part of the Edinburgh Fringe...Worth every penny. Nick, chip off the old block X 100 !!

One trip has put this spot at the top of our permanent vacation spot. This hotel is absolutely above and beyond and well deserving of its 5 stars. From the moment you pull on the grounds you’re greeted with the most incredible service that pair right along with the breathtaking grounds and estate. Everyone on staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful day and night. We felt catered to in every way. The hotel itself is literally beyond description and something you cannot come to Scotland without experiencing. We even canceled plans after arriving just to have more time to enjoy all it had to offer. There’s nothing and no one here not absolutely deserving of its Michelin status. We cannot wait to come back again.

I am genuinely lost for words to describe how wonderful our stay at Prestonfield House was. The staff were outstanding – attentive, knowledgeable, and responsive to every need. The food, as expected, was truly exceptional: ambitious in its creativity, sourced from the finest ingredients, and presented with perfection. The house and gardens were maintained to the highest standard, showcasing the owner’s bold and imaginative interior design talent, which made the entire experience even more memorable. We cannot recommend Prestonfield House more highly and very much look forward to making it a regular destination for us. A very special thanks to James for making our stay extraordinary.

A lovely and beautiful venue! We had a lovely experience last weekend for our wedding dinner. We felt incredibly looked after and received impeccable service from Katherine to help plan the dinner and Adelina who looked after us on the day. The Stuart Room and the Leather Room were beautifully decorated and the food was lovely! Thank you for making our day so special.

I would like to share my recent visit to Prestfield House. I had been there before with colleagues, and the atmosphere, curated by Christa, was truly amazing. However, my most recent visit completely changed my opinion. I had planned a quiet morning with my husband, hoping to enjoy tea and a peaceful escape while our son was at school. We were warmly welcomed by the lady at the front door, who kindly let us choose our seating. Initially, we were just going to have tea, but my husband suggested breakfast, and I agreed. I ordered an omelette, and my husband chose scrambled eggs with salmon. Unfortunately, the service was lacking. The lady attending us did not check back to see if we needed anything else or if we were satisfied with our food. At one point, we even felt like we were disturbing the staff. Now, the quality of the food: for a 5-star hotel, it was frankly unacceptable. My omelette was dry, poorly prepared, and missing cheese. My husband’s scrambled eggs were equally disappointing. The presentation was unappealing, and the overall quality did not meet the standard one would expect at a luxury hotel. For £35 per person, the breakfast we received—just an omelette and a shared tea, without juice, scones, or any other items—was not worth the price. When the bill arrived, it was £70 plus a service fee. I requested the service fee to be removed, as the service did not justify it, and the staff never offered to discuss it beforehand. In summary, the combination of poor food quality, lackluster service, and overpriced breakfast made this visit very disappointing. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day—it sets the tone, provides energy, and should be enjoyable. Prestfield House, unfortunately, fails to deliver this experience. If I could give advice, it would be: avoid breakfast here. Perhaps staying overnight could offer a better experience, but for a morning meal, there are far better options in town with excellent quality and service.

I absolutely loved this place. The atmosphere was so peaceful. The food was wonderful and delicious. The staff was very attentive and accommodating the staff was also super friendly. I needed a peaceful get away and staying at this hotel served my purpose of peace it's luxurious and calming environment

The staff were outstanding – attentive, knowledgeable, and responsive to every need. The food, as expected, was truly exceptional: ambitious in its creativity, sourced from the finest ingredients, and presented with perfection. The house and gardens were maintained to the highest standard, showcasing the owner’s bold and imaginative interior design talent, which made the entire experience even more memorable.

The staff here are incredibly kind and attentive. We arrived fifteen minutes after breakfast was supposed to be done being served, but they set us a table and treated us like royalty. The food was literally the best I’ve had in Scotland. The scone was fabulous, the bacon incredible, the omelets perfectly prepared. They spoiled us! Can’t recommend highly enough!

Always call in for a few every time we visit Edinburgh. Super friendly staff. Seems a good mix of locals and tourists. Always seems to be a good vibe if live music too. No complaints at all, love this place!

Drinks are typical but the atmosphere is poppin'! Live music that are covers of songs from mostly the US but all high energy. People are into it and I'm into it.

Love that they have outside bit where you can watch people. They do live music which is very loud inside but it seems like people love it. They don’t serve food though. The drinks are a bit pricey but worth the location.

We were walking by this place and were drawn in by the live music. Stevie was playing all kinds of good energetic songs. We popped in for a beer and stayed for a few more. Staff was efficiently serving drinks even though they were pretty busy. Met some friendly people. Had a great time!

Great experience! Very friendly staff. Live music was good too. Worth visiting this place. A safe haven if pathetic bars or security prevent you from visiting. This is truly a shelter for those facing any kind of bad scenarios or situations in Edinburgh.

I had one of the best nights of my life here. Entered in the evening with my wife just for a couple of drinks, left close to the dawn after hours of singing, dancing and drinking plenty of great whisky with lots of new friends. My favourite place in Edinburgh.

Good atmosphere, good music and good drinks. What more can you ask for? Stop here after a full day of walking, felt tired, but after a couple minutes, a smile on my face and foot stomping!!

Lovely little bar. Staffs are very friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately they stopped doing food so not had the chance to try. I will be back just cos I love how quirky the bar is.

Bennets Bar is a storied old Victorian pub with loads of character. Excellent selection of local cask ales and Scotch whiskies, all served in a warm and lively atmosphere. The crowd is diverse, making it a great spot to soak up local energy. Bartenders are attentive and friendly, and it’s just a short walk from the Haymarket transit hub—perfect for a pint before or after exploring the city.

Must visit place - one of the oldest bars in Edinburgh. Comfortable and cozy not in the front and back parts. It’s super interesting to be reviewed interior while having a pint of beer - many tables still have original picture (maps) and the entire bar cabinet is original one, from the 18th (?) century.

Amazing place. The beer is great and the atmosphere is unique. Such a lovely place to have a couple of pints after visiting the old town

This is a fun old pub. Interior is classic and rustic with tons of history which you can see on the walls, on the floors, on the bar. Solid cask ale selection and some tasty haggis bonbons. There's a second room in the back but it was pretty quiet in the main room when I visited. Some folks started trickling in after I arrived and quite a diverse range of ages. A classic pub a bit hidden by the construction but these are the places that you remember and hope to never disappear.

Loved every minute being there. The staff were super friendly and absolutely knew their Gin and Whiskey. It is such a lovely authentic location that I absolutely can recommend.

I have wanted to visit this pub for a long time due to the private little room with its own hatch to the bar. The service was top notch and the food was beautiful, we ordered pizzas, (homemade) garlic bread and chips.

Visiting from Texas and was so delighted with the excellent service and great pub food you would expect. I've been there twice now and enjoyed the sausages and mash and the haddock and chips. I needed to get take away each time, and though they were busy, they took care of me right away, bringing the food in no time! My wife had a couple of varieties of salad with chicken breast, each were delicious! The atmosphere was very relaxed and comfortable for groups. One of my favorite places! Great value too, generous portions. I highly recommend!

Unfortunately this is no longer the place I will be visiting or recommending to any of my friends. I use to come very often as my sister stays really close, and this place used to be good. Past 3 visits were very disappointing. On the website it said last order can be taken at 8:45. We arrived at around 8:30 prepared to make order only to be told that Kitchen was closed earlier which was disappointing. I understand this could be due to various reasons but without any warning that Kitchen is closing earlier is not professional service. Last visit was also average. We've been told we need to wait 45 minutes for food and we understood of course as it was busy. But after an hour we had to go and ask an update as noone was keen to update us on order and then eventually food was brought up without any forks or knifes which we had to get ourselves. It was disappointing as I felt lack of customer service and that care. Overall prices are good and drink choices are good, nice outside area too.

I hadn't visited here until a couple of years ago but had been past very many times. Have since popped in every time I'm in town, it's all pub grub but it's freshly made and decent quality and a reasonable price. Not too busy either, and good car parking and bus links. The staff were friendly and helpful even when the till wasn't working properly they were doing their best to work around!

I have been coming to The Hunters Tryst on and off for 8 years. Drinks mostly. Good rarely. Would like to eat here more as it is very local. However the food is and service is very hot and miss. I have definitely had more bad experiences with regards to food. My biggest complaint is that there is more often than not an issue with the menu ie not able to choose what is listed due to ‘supply issue’. Example - not able to get the three choices of meats for a Sunday roast option is very poor. In addition this evening, the gammon dinner (gammon being the only choice left) was poor. The only really hot item was the roast potatoes. The mixed greens were cold. Gravy like warm, gammon cold, Yorkshire pudding nice but cold, carrots cold. Overall for the price very poor. My pint of Guinness was good though.

Sorry to say it, but Hunters Tryst has went down in my expectations. Food was not great..had Steak pie...hard pastry ?Shop bought, mashed potatoes, not great, and veg....well that was grated lettuce. Same went for the Pork belly...The sweet wasn't much better. Has the chef/management changed? It's a shame. Quite frankly, disappointed.

Review update Oct 2023. Unfortunately back to poor experience. Our last two visits were very disappointing. The staff at the bar is friendly but the overall management is wrong. Waited 1 hour 30 min for our food… lots of table were served before us even though arrived 30, 40 min after us. Poor kitchen management. Our local spot. We've been regularly visiting for the last three years. We noticed a significant improvement over the last few months. We like the food options, great prices, good kids' menu. It's a family-friendly pub. It's spacious and cosy. They did redo the interior, and looks even better now. We also enjoy the outside terrace. Spacious and sunny. Free parking on site. They organise quizzes and live music.

Loved everything about this place I got a medium rare rump steak and it was cooked to perfection and the food quality in general was fantastic highly recommend and also the staff were very friendly especially one in particular who gave me bubbles as requested :)

Casual setting combined with fun atmosphere and excellent burgers. The staff are fun and engaging, the music is an eclectic and fun mix and the topping choices on the burgers... Well they're fun too. (Mac & cheese on a burger, for instance). For a casual (yes, and fun) spot for a meal or a drink. Give it a go.

Absolutely amazing burgers. Great food, good choice of beer on tap and great atmosphere. Busy at dinner. Don't be in a rush. The food is worth it. We are from Texas and the beef on the burgers was top notch. The chicken on the nachos was great as well. Thanks for a great meal.

The food was a little hit or miss but service was excellent. I had The Future burger, which was decent if unspectacular. I meat was tasty enough and the bacon crisp as promised but the chips were pretty average and my partner's Mac 'n' cheese was pretty dry and disappointing. Nice atmosphere inside and it's close to the Foot of The Walk tram stop

Absolutely love this gem of a place! The staff are lovely and service is always brilliant! It gets busy but definitely worth the wait - the chips are epic, loads of tasty dips (the sweet chimichurri is to die for!), and the burgers are amazing. I actually cant wait to try the halloumi burger and the veggie black bean burger! They look so tasty.... so far the G-Funk Smash and Get Smashed patties have been awesome. They will even serve them sans-bun in lettuce leaves if you're low-carbing or gluten intolerant. The toilets are fab, the cocktails are yummy, and reasonably priced - I just can't praise this place highly enough. They sell eteaket teas, served in lovely Churchill china (I had the Bollywood chai, a personal fav!), and coconut milk is available as a milk alternative. The coffee here is good, too... I love the fact that it is clearly a neighbourhood restaurant and loads of ppl bring their kids in, so lovely, laid back friendly vibes. Highly recommended!!! 💖👏🏼 I can't wait to come back x

Make sure to come with an empty belly because you’ll need it. Had the behemoth and it was a delicious burger and the cocktails were absolutely amazing. If you want great drinks and delicious food, highly recommend this place. Staff were top notch, and very friendly.

The Lioness of Leith is one of the best pubs for a pint in Leith and the go-to destination when in the area. It offers a great selection of beers and spirits, along with a very relaxing atmosphere. Regarding the food, there is room for improvement. Despite the good quality of the ingredients, especially for a pub, the final outcome tastes rather average, and the cooking execution leaves something to be desired. I found my burger to be very dry. The nachos, on the other hand, were good with nothing particularly noteworthy. In general, the reviews of the food at our table were mixed, so it's definitely worth a visit to form your own opinion. This pub comes highly recommended in the area and in Edinburgh as a whole.

Unfortunately I did not have a great experience here. We ordered the home cut chips and I have never been served anything less like a chip and told that that's 'just how they are'. They were very dark in colour but looked very oily, they were completely limp and not crisp and when I turned one over it wasn't cooked properly on one side. It was like they had been cooked previously and then reheated in a microwave, we had to send them back which I rarely do but to be told that's just how they come had me wondering if the Lioness were at all familiar with the concept of a chip. The thin fries we got were better, but the home cut need to be taken off the menu until improved. Sincerely, a chip fan!

Tucked away in a subterranean hideaway in Edinburgh, Bramble is a true sanctuary for cocktail lovers and a masterful example of a modern-day speakeasy. This isn't just a place to grab a drink; it's an experience in craftsmanship and atmosphere. The moment you find the entrance and descend the stairs, you're transported to an intimate, dimly lit space that feels both cozy and sophisticated. The buzz is quiet, allowing for genuine conversation, and the decor is understated yet incredibly cool. It’s the perfect spot for a date night, a catch-up with a close friend, or a quiet solo drink. The real star of the show is, of course, the drinks. The bartenders here are artists. The menu is a fantastic blend of original, inventive concoctions and perfectly executed classics. I highly recommend trying their namesake, the Bramble, which is a beautifully balanced and refreshing masterpiece. Every drink is made with meticulous care, fresh ingredients, and a clear passion for the craft. The service is exceptional. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable without being pretentious and are always happy to offer recommendations or talk you through the complexities of a cocktail. In a city with no shortage of great bars, Bramble stands out as a genuine hidden gem. It’s a place where quality, atmosphere, and a perfect drink all come together seamlessly. It’s an essential stop for anyone who appreciates a world-class cocktail experience.

Bramble completely lived up to its reputation. I was impressed by how well-crafted every cocktail was — we tried three very different ones, and each had balance, depth, and its own distinct character. The menu feels fully thought-out, with something for every palate, and the cozy setting with moody lighting makes it the perfect spot to settle in for the night. A must-visit if you appreciate great cocktails in an intimate atmosphere. Pleasantly surprised by their whisky cocktail aura ! A++

Cutest hidden bar in a great center al Edinburgh location. Great selection of drinks and kind staff, prices are high but not too bad considering it's so central. Very busy but was Saturday night.

From reviews, I had high expectations. They did fall a bit short. Drinks were good but seem to fall short of what I think they should be. The balance of ingredients wasn't excited very well. Overall it was more a meh experience. I would like to say however, I'm a cocktail snob and have had many from all over the world so it's a high bar to stand out.

This place looks like a dive bar, but the drinks are really elevated. Classic flavor combos, plus some really unusual and creative options. The space is dark but clean and comfortable. It’s an easy place to hang out for a few hours. We sat at the bar and had a great time chatting with the bar tenders. Neither of us had an empty glass all night.

Cool underground vibe with amazing bartenders. Cocktails were really unique, innovative, and tasty. Recommend!

Adore these speakeasy type of cocktail bars. Great bartenders and an interesting menu. Really well made cocktails and great atmosphere.

For the Edinburgh leg of our Scotland tour, my husband and I are staying at the Bonham. The hotel is beautiful and our room is very comfortable.Be aware there is no air conditioning, but they do provide Dyson fan that worked perfectly to keep our room a comfortable temperature. There is something I can't put my finger on that feels a little off about the staff both in the hotel and the restaurant - like good service is forced - however, the service we received is definitely acceptable. I would definitely stay here again when (noticed I said when and not if) I come back to this beautiful country!

Perfection! The most adorable boutique hotel a little off the beaten path so you are away from the hustle and bustle. Absolutely amazing customer service. My daughter left her phone in a taxi and the hotel worked with the taxi service and actually got it back. Nice breakfast. Beautiful bar area.

Outstanding hotel! We had a beautiful room on the third floor with a nice view of the quiet city neighborhood and little park across the street. Great location close to the center of town, but still a very quiet residential neighborhood. Service was excellent.

We had the most amazing stay here, the service was unbelievable and everyone was so incredibly nice. It was the best dinner we had the entire time we were in Scotland. Beautiful breakfast as well! Highly recommend this hotel.

We absolutely loved our stay! The location could not have been more ideal — a quiet, charming street just steps away from great coffee shops, restaurants, and all the must-see spots like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. The atmosphere of the hotel is simply stunning. We were traveling with our one-year-old son, and it truly could not have been a more perfect setup for us. Our room was beautiful, thoughtfully designed, and incredibly comfortable. One of our favorite parts of the trip was spending cozy evenings in the hotel’s library by the fire with a drink in hand — such a special touch that made the stay unforgettable. We would 100,000% come back and can’t recommend it highly enough!

We stayed in room 100 from July 22-25, 2025. On the day of check-out we found a slip of paper on the floor with handwritten notes calculating our cash. We ignored it at the time, but after returning home we discovered that $1,000 was missing from our backpack. During our stay we never opened that cash. The in-room safe was broken — after five attempts it only showed an error — so we had to keep all valuables in our luggage. We reported the theft and asked for an investigation. The hotel replied that only housekeeping staff and the head housekeeper had accessed our room. To me it is obvious that the theft was committed by hotel staff. This is absolutely unacceptable for a hotel of this level. Even worse, management refused to investigate properly. We will never return. This hotel damages the reputation of the country in which it operates.

The staff in this hotel are thieves! We stayed in room 100. On the day of check-out, we found a small slip of paper on the floor with handwritten notes calculating our cash. We didn’t think much of it at the time and simply threw it away. Only after returning home did we discover that $1,000 was missing from our backpack, even though we had never opened that cash during our stay. The in-room safe was not working. Even after five attempts it showed only an error, so we had no choice but to keep all our valuables in our personal belongings. We reported the theft to the hotel and asked for an investigation. However, the hotel responded that apart from their own staff — a room attendant and the head housekeeper — nobody had entered our room. To me, it is obvious that the housekeepers were responsible for the theft. I find such behavior from staff absolutely unacceptable for a hotel of this level. Even worse, I find it unacceptable that the management did not consider it necessary to properly investigate the situation. We will never stay in this hotel again. This hotel damages the reputation of the country in which it operates.

The hotel is in a lovely building, but be prepared to carry your luggage up a narrow staircase. Even the hotel entrance has stairs. There are no lifts and no ramps of any sort. Our room was adorable but tiny. There was no closet (just some hooks on the wall at the entrance), which is unpleasantly messy. The bathroom was also very small, with a spacious shower and toilet crammed into a space so small that a tall person would find uncomfortable. The sink was placed in the bedroom itself with no counter space at all. For a single, short, and fit individual with no luggage, the room would be great. It was charming but not comfortable for us, two tall individuals with significant luggage for our 2 weeks of travel around Scotland! The staff were very nice. Maya, the receptionist, offered to help carry our luggage up the two floors to our room. She was very sweet. The location is very quiet with a most convenient bus stop in front of the hotel. The restaurant was great too! I'm sure they must have bigger rooms.... Bottom line: check the details of what you're booking!

A ways from the Royal Mile, but this hotel cannot be beat for service and amenities. The front staff was friendly and accommodating. No request was too small or too large. My wife and I felt welcome and appreciated from the get go. Our hosts had a wealth of information on local opportunities and options. The room was spacious and incredibly comfortable. Highly recommend this top notch hotel. It was the best of our 12 day stay in Scotland.

Just enjoyed a 2 night, excellent stay, at the Roseate. We were greeted on arrival by Alexander, which just kicked off the 5 star treatment we received throughout our stay from all staff. Nothing was too much trouble for any of them and they couldn't do enough for us, some going above and beyond. The room, in the main building, was comfortable and clean with all you could need, hairdryer, iron & ironing board, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar, safe. There was plenty of hanging space for clothes, plenty of plug sockets and even charging points for phones. We had breakfast both days at the hotel, experiencing both the cooked and continental breakfasts.... both were delicious. The hotel itself is perfectly situated, with a bus stop right outside, where you can catch a number 26/31 straight into the city which takes no longer than 10 minutes. In the other direction, you can find Murrayfield Rugby stadium, home of Scotland and Edinburgh team, just a 10 minute walk. Definitely recommend staying here and we will most certainly be back. Thank you all for a wonderful stay.

One of the most beautiful hotels I've ever seen. I work in France as a manager in a 5-star hotel and I'm very, very demanding. The Roseate was a hotel I'd wanted to try for a long time, and the result was INCREDIBLE! The service was impeccable, the cleanliness impeccable. I recommend this intimate hotel where perfection rhymes with conviviality.

I can’t say enough good things about The Roseate and our stay there. We had just eloped in Glencoe and headed back to Edinburgh for our last few days in Scotland and chose the Roseate as our last accommodation. Upon arrival, we were greeted and treated like old friends. When we told them we were just married, they gave us some complimentary and celebratory glasses of prosecco from the bar as we waited for our room. They also put some nice little nibbles for us in our room which were delicious! We stayed here three nights and took full advantage of the restaurant inside — full Scottish breakfasts, a tea, and a dinner. Every staff member was personable and by the end of our stay, we felt like it was a home away from home. The amenities are perfect with heated bathroom floors, a great soaking bath, and fantastic interiors. There is also a bus stop right outside to connect you to the rest of Edinburgh so it’s a very great location. We cannot wait to stay here again on future anniversary trips!

We visit Edinburgh twice a year as our daughter and family live here. Wish we had known about this hotel sooner! Beautiful location, views are wonderful. Every member of staff we dealt with were warm, friendly and couldn't do enough for us. Definitely will be back!

We booked the Roseate Edinburgh as the base for our wedding weekend, and it was absolutely perfect. From the very start, the team took on board every detail we requested, and by the time the big weekend arrived, everything felt seamless. We hosted three events at the hotel—a cocktail party, family dinner, and BBQ—and the service was outstanding throughout. Every one of our 60+ guests commented on how friendly and attentive the staff were, and nothing was ever too much trouble. Special thanks to Alexander, Edward, Zoltan, and Olivia, who went above and beyond for us. Chef Borah created a fantastic meal for our family dinner on Friday, and General Manager Parvez kept everything running smoothly while making sure my new husband(!) and I were always looked after. The icing on the cake was returning to our room after the wedding to find flowers, gifts, and a signed card from the Roseate team—such a thoughtful and personal touch. The experience, service, and atmosphere made it worth every penny. We’d love to come back, perhaps for our anniversary!

Really good tour at Port of Lieth distillery and a great way to learn about how whisky is created. We took the 90 minute tour and tasting. This was well worth it. Thank you to Frasier our tour guide who brought everything to life. One big bonus are the views, breath taking!

What a great place. Brilliant distillery tour and tasting with the excellent Rocky, followed by seriously classy cocktails served by charming, knowledgeable staff in the 8th floor bar. Don't miss this

i’ve been back in the states for nearly 2 weeks now and can safely say that the tour guide and bartenders were an absolute highlight of our trip to edinburgh. we learned so much on the tour, and had a blast at the bar with the genuine, interesting staff afterwards. highly recommend.

Fantastic tour! First whisky tour and it didn’t disappoint! Worth the money too. What they’ve achieved to get where the company is now is incredible! Great future ahead. Can’t wait to try the first Cask Whisky in the future. Highly recommend buying their Blended Whisky ! And their Port!

Very interesting vertical distillery. The tour guide was very kind. The only issue is that they don’t offer their own whiskey for tasting yet. You will have to come back in a couple years. The bar at the top is really nice and prices for whiskey flights are decent.

This was a last minute addition to our trip but I am so glad that we found it. The facility is absolutely incredible and so interesting to see. The tour was perfect, not too long, and the tasting after was really fun and informative. So cool that two people with a shared interest in spirits could build such a unique place. Dinner in the restaurant after was lovey and has a beautiful view.

The Port of Leith Distillery is located right next to the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith – easily reachable from central Edinburgh in about 20 minutes by tram from Princes Street. What makes this distillery stand out is its unusual vertical layout. Unlike traditional distilleries, the production process is arranged across several floors of a modern, purpose-built structure. The washbacks are integrated directly into the steel frame of the building – pretty stunnimg. The tour begins on the top floor and guides visitors step by step through the levels of production. Though they haven’t released their own whisky yet, the distillery is already experimenting with different yeast strains, fermentation times and temperatures – it will be interesting to see what their whisky will taste like once it's marketable. During the tasting following the guided tour, visitors sample the New Make Spirit and fortified wines from their Spanish partner bodega, whose casks will one day be used for maturation. The visit is best rounded off by the bar on the top floor with views over Leith Harbour. The whisky list is extensive and carefully curated – in fact, more impressive than some well-known whisky bars in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Add to that modern, well-prepared food, and it’s a place worth visiting in its own right – even without a full dram of their own just yet.

We came to this nice cocktail bar by chance and enjoyed it very much. The team is very professional and knows their way around with the drinks. The atmosphere was nice. We recommend it

Great little bar with an equally great whisky selection. I enjoyed multiple tasting flights curated by the bartender that were perfect. Service and cocktails are great!

Went here on a Wednesday night. Drinks were nice, service good but could have been more alert on when we wanted to order more. Atmosphere is propably great on a busy night, quite calm when we were there

What a treat -- what a truly delightful cocktail bar that happens to make the eponymous drink very very well. Cozy ambiance, pleasant candles & creative decor, and awesome staff who were both very friendly and very knowledgeable. I'm quite glad I went out of my way to come here tonight. Be aware the entrance was a little tricky to find as it's below street level.

I did not immediately spot this place, as it is well hidden, but I really loved it! It has a lovely, cozy atmosphere with some lovely decor. My partner and I set on some comfortable armchair by the fire! The bartender was really friendly and really patient and helpful when we asked him lots of questions about the cocktails. The cocktails are really unique and interesting, and they seem to have some ingredients that they make themselves. I really enjoyed the ones we ordered. In general, they seem to have a great selection of drinks.

A very nice cocktail bar, lovely and knowledgeable staff. The atmosphere was great, will definitely be back.

The Last Word has to be the coziest cocktail place I've visited in Edinburgh, with a chill and relaxing ambience. The service was great and the cocktails were top tier. Would definitely recommend for cocktail enthusiasts and looking forward to visiting again soon.

Absolutely outstanding. The food was delicious and the staff were attentive without being imposing. My husband and I felt well looked after and had a lovely evening. The cocktails went down a treat too. Highly recommend.

Food Absolutely delicious, well cooked and balanced flavours. The lamb main was soft and succulent. A variety of warm bread is served with the entrée. Ambience Nice small dining room. Went early for lunch before the lunch crowd so it was nice and quiet. Price Very cheap for the lunch set menu. Service Everyone was really accommodating. They even got us a table even though they were fully booked.

Excellent food taste, delicately prepared, esp. the venison dish, though a bit tiny in size, it is one of the best I've ever had. Lamb is also very tender and tasty. Very pleasing in general!!!

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner during our stay in Edinburgh. The price quality relation is one of the best we experienced in town. Impeccable presentation, lovely flavours and the most welcoming staff. Tip: Get yourself one of those killer Bloody Mary's right before dinner

The £9.99 lunch menu was a steal! But even at regular a la carte prices this is a good deal! Take a break from the crowded streets of old town and enjoy a nice meal here

The food was great and service was fair. I had the venison which was beautiful. Prices were reasonable but the atmosphere was a little more upscale than what we were expecting.

Nice place, nice food, great dessert, good services in the heart of Edinburgh Old Town

This is the Scotch Whisky bar to go to in Edinburgh. Colin is knowledgeable, passionate and an overall great host! We each took a custom tasting flight that he made on the spot based on our preferences and it did not disappoint. My only regret is not being able to make it out a second time before I left. Thank you Colin for your passion, you hold a great bar! Note: the bar might be full if there is an event going one, check online before going, just in case

A hidden gem worth seeking out, this wee whisky bar has a massively impressive collection of bottles and the approachable, pleasant and most of all KNOWLEDGEABLE proprietors make it a place you’ll want to put on your must-do list (and must come back to again and again)! Drams to suit every pallet and price point, as well as a fine selection of gins and even some pints and other libations for those not inclined for the “water of life”. Thanks Colin and Lucy for helping us celebrate a special 50th birthday visit. Slàinte!

The bar itself is beautiful, midnight blue, very atmospheric, no overwhelming noise. I’m a whisky novice, and was made to feel welcome and gently guided by the lovely Lucy. Legend has it there’s 4000 whiskys, with 1000 open, in this bar, incredible choice catering for novice to expert. I really enjoyed my tasting experience that was individually curated for my tastes and budget. Highly recommend!

Definitely one of the most memorable whisky spots I’ve ever set foot in. The selection? Massive a thousand open bottles! But what really stuck with me wasn’t just the whisky, it was the people. At the heart of this wonder is Colin, a whisky master whose storytelling, sincerity, hospitality and expertise can turn a casual dram into a lifelong passion. He knows whisky inside and out, but he shares it in a way that’s down to earth and genuinely engaging. This isn’t just a place to drink whisky it’s a place to explore, learn, and connect. You walk in curious and walk out inspired. Can’t recommend it enough. A total gem in Edinburgh.

Stumbled upon this bar after a trip up Arthur's seat and it couldn't have been better! Lovely, lovely Lucy hosted us with such great care and really made us feel seen and special, she had an incredible knowledge and came with great recommendations for us. I don't even like whisky, but I loved it with Lucy! Gin drinks were also really good! A real cosy place with amazing staff that I'd definitely visit again 🌟

An ultra authentic whiskey experience. No upsetting, just offering to share their passion and knowledge of whiskey. Highly recommend. We did the Whiskey and Chocolate tasting which was beyond exceptional.

Tipsie Midgie was a highlight of our trip in Edinburgh! We didn’t really know a ton about our whisky preferences going in and were intimidated by the menu, but Collin, the warm and welcoming barkeep, guided us through a full education to Scotch whisky. Somehow we were able to sample a wide array of options from the close to 1000 bottle selection for under £50 per person. Knowing so much more about whisky flavor profiles really helped us enjoy our visits to other distilleries in the Highlands!