This rating is overall, based on all the times I've been to Ghillie Dhu. Because based on today, it would only be one or two. The quality of the food itself is great and the drinks are tasty and reasonably-priced, but it's the service that varies a lot. Today I went in to have a drink and a snack with a friend before catching my train. We each has a glass of wine and two sides just to munch while we drank and chatted. The mac and cheese side was delicious albeit smaller than expected, but we didn't quite get the other side that we ordered. We asked for chips with garlic mayo, the server took our order, and eventually came back with chips and a coleslaw. I asked where the garlic mayo was and was told 'Oh I'm sorry, we are out of mayo today'. Excuse me? Then tell me that when I order because I hate coleslaw. We might have ordered something else had we known. Then later on we asked for the bill right as another server cleared the plates because it was starting to cut close to my train time...12 minutes passed and no bill. I had to go up to the bar to ask for it. It wasn't a super busy time, I was there late Sunday afternoon. Maybe it was just a bad day. This is not to deter you from going to Ghillie Dhu. The place inside is gorgeous, especially the upstairs hall. And it's always fun for a dinner or after work drink. Just don't expect consistency with the service. read more

came here last week and quite enjoyed it. Although the service was a bit chaotic, all of the staff seemed sound enough. It was a rather busy Saturday as well, so this was somewhat to be expected. I shared a cheese and tomato tart for a starter, which was miniscule to begin with, though tasty (all one bite of it!); but the main course made up for it. I had the mushroom stroganoff, which was really fantastic. It was so creamy and filling, I loved it! This is a Scottish-themed restaurant, and I would recommend it to visitors to this country who want to try some 'traditional' cuisine. These guys will accommodate all of your haggis needs. read more

Absolutely amazing food! Fantastic service. Great presentation and lovely open split floor atmosphere.

Here on vacation. Not real friendly...I guess we where the tourists. Beers too expensive compared to the pubs. Food too salty. Not a great experience. They out a reserved sign on the table at 6:30 to reserve the table for 7:30. Did not tell us we had to move. 1/2 the table showed at 7:44. Not really sure what that was about. Will not visit next round. read more

Question time: -Are you a visitor to this fine city and thought you'd check the Yelp pages for something fun and possibly 'traditional' to do? -Are you a local looking to be twirled around pleasantly on a night of light drinking and ceilidh? -Do you prefer to end a night with a smile instead of wanting to head-butt your own face? If you answered yes to any of these simple questions, Ghillie Dhu is not for you. I was lured in with a group for dinner and ceilidh dancing and had been warned previously by my local friends this place was rubbish. Advice not heeded! The space itself is KINDA impressive, though I thought the fluro-pink lighting cheapened everything and gave a very 'George-st' vibe. Lame. The food: completely meh. 2 stars. Out of a possible 6. The food was approximately 33% good. The service wasn't absolutely nasty but one of the waiters did drop a dirty fork on my slacks when she cleared the table. Orders were taken wrong. Shit was a bit unorganised. At least it was all done with a smile. Also, drinks are expensive mon frere. The ceilidh was UNBELIEVABLY HORRIBLE. Shoulder to shoulder, stilettos driving into the ground on all sides, large drunken men crashing through groups of small tourists, and the most overwhelming stench of cheap cologne and fart I've EVER encountered. I felt sick, bruised and angry after about 5 minutes on that disgusting DF. Ghillie Dhu is not worth the money or effort. It does look ok, but underneath that imposing medieval smile is a lusty, money-grubbing whore of a sleaze-pit, thirsting for your tourist/curiosity pounds without putting out the expected amount of enjoyment. Definitely a one-star place. *BONUS STORY!!!!!!!!* The VERY next night after this depressing experience, I was out with some girls for a birthday. The BD girl wanted to go dancing and told us we were heading to (you guessed it) Ghillie Dhu. Thank my lucky stars, praise flying-spaghetti-monster, oh, brave new world etc etc. Now, this group was 7 girls and 2 guys (me and a comrade), we'd had maybe two (2) drinks at the traverse theatre bar and we were dressed smart casual. The bouncer let all the girls in (including my fiancee), then before I could even open my mouth, make an impression, do ANYTHING, I was told my pal and I were too drunk and to piss off. So we all left. And THAT is why I give this place 2 stars. Because I didn't have to go a second time. read more

The bar is fine if you're just partying and do not care about customer service, quality of drinks or pricing. The upside is they play loud music and drunk people dance together. The downside is everything else. If you're in the neighborhood, I would recommend going to the basement bar next-door which has much better cocktails, much friendlier staff and a nicer environment. read more

I LOVE Ghillie Dhu. I've been here on a work night out and a first date and both were fun so it definately has versatility. The central location makes it easy to get to and I think it is appealingly Scottish without being Irn Bru bar tacky. The lower floor is always packed, it's got a brilliant atmosphere for after work drinks and seems to attract professionals rather than students or the 'Yah Yahs'. I like the big medieval banquet style tables - they make me want to request a goblet for my wine and don some sort of velvet wench-like dress. The live music on this floor is great aswell or you can head to the spacious upper floor and get a bit of ceidlidh action on the go (apologies if you were there on Friday and I stood on your toes). The staff are also really friendly and kindly got chairs for me and my date on Friday so we could sit at a quieter bit of the long tables on the upper floor. I haven't had food here yet but will do soon, it will definately be a regular haunt for me. read more

Real coil looking spot, vibe and decor is nice... but the food selection is not that great. The bartender wasn't that helpful either. Not sure if I'd make it a point to go back if I'm in the area again. read more

Neither myself or my 2 Irish flatmates had any plans for St Patrick's Day, so the day before, we decided it would be nice to do something. The Ghillie Dhu was advertising Irish stew, Guinness, Irish dancing and music - all for £15, so I rang up and booked in for it. However, we got none of what was advertised! When we got there, they sat us in a nice cosy booth, but that seemed odd since we were expecting to be able to see some entertainment. When they brought us a 3 course menu, we said that we were there for the St Patrick's Day Irish Stew, Guinness etc. We were told there was a muck up with the marketing. Apparently they were going to have it in the upstairs function room, but it got canned as not enough people booked. Would have been nice of them to update their website, especially when I only phoned to book in the night before! However we instead ordered 2 courses for £8.95. We all ordered the Salmon. I enjoyed the veges and the sauce, and the salmon itself was just OK; could have done with a splash of lemon juice or something. For dessert, my flatmates just ordered ice-cream, but I ordered the vanilla and chocolate cheesecake with berry compote. When it arrived, it was 2 big triangles, so a substantial helping. However the chocolate part of the cheesecake was obviously white chocolate, which I would not have ordered if it had said that on the menu as you would expect! I could not taste either vanilla or white chocolate anyway, so it was very bland. At least the biscuit base and berry compote was nice. The service was laid back, but satisfactory Enjoyed several glasses of red wine and some good chat with flatmates, But overall, very disappointed with the situation and my dessert. I would not go back for dinner. read more

I have been here for some events and just for drinks. Nice venue for events upstairs, good bar area on ground floor. Quirky toilets in the basement. They have the usual drinks and decent bar food. They have some nice booths you can sit in and some of these (the ones behind the bar) allow you to get drinks directly from the bar. Can get busy so make sure to book a table if going for food. read more

This place was awesome, our first dinner in Edinburgh. The server was amazingly helpful and nice. The food was better than we've had on most of our Europe trip.. Better risotto than in Italy! The beans and toast was amazing and the best fish and chips to date. The band was "cute" playing American music with their Scottish accents, it was an experience. The ambience was good even though it was a little crowded. There was a private party taking up a lot of space so I can't imagine it would be as bad any other night. This was a Friday by the way :) read more

One of the things I've liked most about Edinburgh so far is how nice all the people are. With all the tourists (me included) wandering around bring stupid, you'd really think they had an excuse to be mean. But no, and the staff at Ghillie Dhu are no exception. We had a fixed menu for our large tour group - choices of soup, chicken liver, or haggis for an app; plaice, chicken, or a veggie Wellington for entree; and several types of dessert. The tomato and lentil soup was perfectly ok, although not terribly distinctive. We sampled my uncle's brave haggis choice, which was surprisingly tasty, especially the whiskey gravy - mmmm. The entrees were alright - the plaice surrounded a smoked salmon interior and had a cream sauce, but it lacked oomph and spices. The mashed potatoes were pretty delicious, though. We had a Drambuie soaked sponge cake and a clotted cream thing with raspberries for dessert. The sponge was served in a fun little chocolate shell, and the raspberries were very fresh. However, I don't know how anybody could seriously eat what amounted to a whole cupful of clotted cream. Even me, and I love that stuff. Anyhow, the food was a little slow in coming out, but the servers were very nice and accommodating. read more

We came for dinner after a recommendation from a local we spoke to and were interested in checking out the repurposed church. They have a nifty idea of using confession doors at the booth to deliver bar drinks and a light to use if you need a refill. Unfortunately, when we visited we kept getting swarmed by gnats. We counted about five that kept flying around our booth. I had the fish and chips. Like so many other places around town, the food was woefully under-seasoned. But on top of that, the batter on the fish was undercooked and doughy. The burger my husband ordered was overcooked and charred and the bun was extremely dry. He ended up eating it open faced to avoid the extra dry bun. The service wasn't much better. It was extremely slow and often times the servers seemed annoyed we even bothered them. The dessert was pretty good and the appetizer (though dripping in grease) was decent. The novelty of the location is nice for a drink maybe, but definitely not for the food. read more

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Visited here for the first time last night and due to the timing and possibly the time of year the upper floor was shut so I can only comment on the main bar and the toilets. The bar itself is nicely made and well stocked but the room, other than a pleasing frosted window by the entrance, lacks atmosphere and looks on closer inspection quite cheap. It's a very large space and I can't imagine it being pleasant when rammed full and it was very empty on this occasion with only some of the Fantasy Palace employees occupying a table along with a few lucky punters. Having a working piano available to people under the influence when there is also piped music struck me as showing a lack of foresight too. Initially I was going to award the place 3 stars but having remembered the state of the toilets I've opted for two. One cubicle was in need of a replacement lightbulb and two of the buckets used as urinals (thankfully plumbed in and not relying on customers slopping out) were blocked and therefore rather deeply filled and consequently disgusting. I cannot imagine why it was though to be a good idea to have these installed what's wrong with some Armitage Shanks porcelain? It will be some time before I venture back here, if at all. Having in fact been here again a couple of times since the above review was written I was thawing a bit towards it (they've got round the toilet issue somewhat by leaving the door to the gents open) but last night they were charging £5.05 for a bottle of Kopparberg in the upstairs bar (where you also pay for entry after 11) and that just takes the biscuit. If ever persuaded to return I'll be taking my own supplies. read more

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The Ghillie Dhu looks like a fancy place. I went there for Ceilidh which was good fun, but the prices are quite high and with lots of people it can happen you have to wait for quite a time until someones serves you. read more

We dropped in for dinner the night before we left Scotland after the British Open. The place is a bit off the beaten track, which I like. It didn't appear to be the Scottish version of the Hard Rock Cafe, for instance. The interior is spacious and clean. The long bar, with the white backlighting, is pretty spectacular. I ordered a Black Velvet, but they did not know what that was (half Guinness / half cider). Ok, that is technically a Poor Man's Black Velvet, but does anyone really bother to add the first part? My request was met with a lot of staring (politely though, from a distance), gesturing, and at one point, the loud crash of a lot of glass-based items behind the bar, although I'm not certain that was directly related to having confused the staff. Speaking of the staff, our waiter was awesome. Hands down the best we had our whole trip, and there were a lot, since we ate out every meal. I can't remember his name now, but he was very tall, very knowledgeable about Scotch Whisky, and exceptionally patient with me. Thanks, friend! I had the mac & cheese, which was DELICIOUS. Really good. Almost "can-I-have-the-recipe" good. Guy had the rib eye, and he really enjoyed it as well. There was a live musician that evening who played Scottish music and his own interpretations thereof. I wish I could remember his name, because I'd probably order one of his cds if I could. The prices seemed reasonable, but as we are foreigners, and using foreign currencies always seems a bit like playing with gaming chips, not *really* real, and further were fresh off a week in St. Andrews, where everything is ungodly expensive, who knows? We may have been fools! To sum up: Very good solid Scottish traditional food in a great location that is not overrun by tourists (like me!) with exceptional service and arguably reasonable prices. I'd recommend it to you, and I'd go back again myself. read more

I was very impressed with the level of service I received here. We went on a work night out for a meal, which was ordered beforehand. Me being awkward and allergic to dairy made things a bit complex but the waitress came and explained to me what was in all the dishes, what I could and couldn't eat and because all of the desserts were out of the question they made up a fresh fruit salad for me, which wasn't on the menu. I have to say this is one of the only times I've eaten out feeling confident that the person serving me actually helped me figure out what I could eat. Would definitely recommend. read more

Really disappointed with here. Heard mixed stories about this place and to be quite honest they were all true. Its a lovely place, thats where it ends really. Live band were average, with a fairly poor sound system. DJ was as bad, with many people just standing about chatting. Didn't really get the place. Won't be back. read more

A group of us 1decided to celebrate my birthday at Ghillie Dhu, it was a first time for all of us. The building is beautiful and in a great location. We were impressed with the great choices on the menu and the waitress was very helpful.We all had a superb time and will be returning soon. read more

So me and my mates got to Edinburgh and were looking for somewhere fast as the Rugby started in about an hour... enter Ghillie Dhu. We were told it's a new place but it was amazing! There are booths and huge screens you can get a good view no matter where u sit in there. The workers are all in kilts and rubgy tops. Loved every minute of and we will be going back next time I'm in Edinburgh! Ohh and great steak pie too!!! read more

The bloke pretending to be a manager here has the worst attitude, completely out his depth. Another G1 dissappointment. Tourists may buy into the palce, but there are far better places to drink in the west end. read more

Really cool place. Great menu, tasty food, great beer. I know lots of people who love this place. Have never heard a bad word about it. Have no bad words to say about it. Must see. read more

Stopped in for a quick lunch with family-- their first meal in Edinburgh! Was delighted by the ambiance, drink selection, and friendly waitstaff, but, unfortunately, our food orders didn't stand up to such quality. I ordered the goat cheese salad which, in theory, was delicious, but lacked substance - barely any leaves to the salad! Others ordered fish & chips (too greasy), mushroom and bacon pasta was bland and lacked originality (simply tasted of cream... needed a little something extra like garlic or parmesan). Giving Ghillie Dhu 3 stars though because of the steak and ghillie pie that was cooked tenderly and deliciously. read more

Amazing building, a very elegant place to dine that later becomes an ideal place to have a few drinks. Obligatory to join the ceilidh. You will have a lot of fun and you will feel within the Scottish culture. read more

Another good Scottish pub that is hidden out of the way but if you know where to look WOW its massive! Been here a few times to see how it always turns out and so far so good. The bar is your basic bar, with all the normal drinks and beers . Prices are reasonable I think. What gets me about this place is the vastness and style and architecture of the place. First off I thought I was walking into King Arthurs castle or something. Theres a downstairs , mid-floor where the bar is , and another dance hall upstairs with another bar and tons of space! Seriously this has to be the biggest pub ever! The space is great it leaves room for air flow so your not dying from heat exhaustion or feel like your working in the mines . I didnt get to try any of the food yet so I can comment on that, but the service is good. I have never had a rude or grumpy employee yet so thats good. The crowd that comes in is a good mix. Middle aged and younger all come here. I think its nice to have a good mix of the generations sometimes, its refreshing. Next time I go I will try the food and update this review but as it stands this is a decent pub and I will be coming back read more

Booked table for 9pm for group of 10, starters were cold and had to be returned as a result the mains were also cold. The food itself would have been nice if not cold. The waitress told us the chef was in a hurry to leave and asked us to order desserts before mains were finished. The service for drinks also slow. Why take bookings when you can't accommodate them properly. read more

What a disappointment! We were visiting Edinburgh for Halloween week and saw the advertisement for a Halloween party at Ghillie Dhu, in the hall, with special dishes & drinks. When we got there the place was empty. It was such false advertising. Only the upstairs bar area was open. They said the party was over the weekend, not ON Halloween. That was not written in their ad. But we stayed since we invited several friends. The food wasn't too good either. Overall, it was a very anti-climatic halloween night, in a rather mediocre place. I DO NOT RECOMMEND AT ALL. read more

Very basic bar downstairs with pub grub to match - nothing to write home about and the sponge pudding for dessert was overly microwaved and horrible. No views outside so for me, The Rutland next door is better by far however the upstairs is impressive. Seems to be aimed at large groups and ceildhs at the weekend - there were certainly no tables for 2 or even 4 for that matter. read more

Gorgeous bar. Very tastefully decorater, clean and ample toilets. Bar staff are efficient and knowledgable and drinks a decent price for the west end. Their own malt and ale is a must! read more

I love this place! Live music every weekend and it's always different bands. Main bar is on the ground floor and they have a DJ as well up the stairs so it's like a club up there if you feel like a dance. All different age ranges in here and the staff are friendly. I've not eaten here yet but I will after seeing some of the food - it looks fab! Easily my new favorite place!!! read more

An amazing venue but DO NOT go here for the food. A beautiful church-like venue and I love going here for the regular 'ooh la la' vintage fair. Would be an awesome venue for an unusual wedding reception. Well stocked bar with some brill spirit options. HOWEVER, we found the food beyond crap. We ordered 2 open sandwiches and a burger. They took over 45mins to arrive. When they did come they were cold and badly presented. I had a mozzarella sandwich which contained partially melted kraft-slice-style mozzarella and stale bread. The service was pants with poor customer service. Staff looked bored and acted like they didn't care. To be honest they were pretty stroppy and seemed to have an attitude issue. They took 15mins to get tomato sauce for my friend's bacon roll. The prices of food and drink are shocking and are nowhere near worth it. The place was dead and now I know why. Next time 'ooh la la' is on we'll get food elsewhere. read more

I go to Ghillie Dhu for lunch quite regularly as I work near by. I always enjoy the food, and the staff are happy to help. There is a lovely atmosphere and the venue is just stunning. read more

Nice building- shame about the terrible food, rude staff, and Neanderthal doormen.

Great bar. Gets really busy, but well worth a visit. If you get one of the booths behind the bar you get a buzzer & a hatch no need to get up! Has live music/ ceilidh at the weekend. A fantastic atmosphere with a mix of locals and holiday makers alike read more