So this is actually one of my favorite places to eat dinner in Edinburgh. I know that the city is full of incredible restaurants, but I've just got a soft spot in my heart for this one (probably because it was the very first place I ever ate at my first visit to Scotland). I've sat inside (which has a really cozy pub feel) and outside (taking in all the sights and sounds of the Royal Mile). I've made a reservation, I've also just walked in. I've had good service, great service, and really exceptional service. But one thing remains the same: I *always* get the Vegetarian Haggis Tower with mash, turnip, and whiskey sauce (it's probably my favorite veggie haggis in Edinburgh; and that cream whiskey sauce? could drink it!), a side of garlicky chips, sticky toffee pudding, whisky, Irn Bru, and a cider. It's a must meal for me anytime in the city. read more

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This place is no longer open. And for some reason google maps shows it down the ally way behind where it looks like it used to be. So don't bother going looking for it. It's not there. read more

Here's a pub that has it's s**t together. Seriously. It's a pub. But they have at least a couple of interesting beers on tap, some bottles on the wall that are not bog-standard, the food is just a wee bit better than "very good", the staff is friendly to a fault, the inside is clean, oh, I could go on. The bottom line is that the place seems to give a damn, and that makes all the difference in the world. So no, this isn't a "Destination" spot. Then again, if you're on the way to the castle, or just in the hood, it's a perfectly good place to stop for a bite and a drink... Oh, btw, the food really *is* better than expected. The fish 'n chips is really good, but that's (somewhat) easy. The other stuff on the menu though, oh, is actually, surprisingly, good read more

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At that point of our vacation, we were both looking for a meal with greens, or something vegetarian, or something...just something not all meat-based. We walked the Mile one or two times, stopping to view menus, before popping in here for lunch. We decided to share a bowl of Cullen Skink before ordering our main meals: Halloumi Burger for me, and the Highland Burger for him. I was blown away by the Cullen Skink - it was like the Boston chowder that I know from home, but a million percent better. It was smoky but creamy, with giant chunks of fish. It was served with a couple pieces of bread, which we definitely used to sop up all the good stuff. The halloumi burger was a new one for me; I'd never had halloumi before. The cheese was a bit...chewy?...and became difficult to eat as there were two pieces piled on top of each other. It came with a small pile of chips, and a side of guacamole and a spicy mayo. I used both of those on the sandwich, and they added a lot of flavor. To be honest, the thing that drew us in was the promise of the "salad garnish" that was supposed to come with the burger. It didn't materialize, but I was okay with that at the end. My husband liked his burger - though it was meat topped with meat in addition to meat. We were pleasantly surprised by the food, service and beer selection. I'm glad we took a chance and went in. read more

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Our group actually ate here twice within a few days over the Christmas market time. It was cozy and warm and full of people. Lots of locals. The beer was great. Lots of selection. We had the fish and chips, haggis bites/croquettes, steak pie. And they were all good! The waitress was really nice and helpful. Would def go back! read more

Located just beside where many of the ghost tours begin, we picked this place purely on convenience alone. Happily, we stumbled on a great place to have dinner!! I had the Crofters Chicken and it was a well put together dish. I had to wolf it down in a hurry but I enjoyed the meal. The chicken was moist, the layer of haggis inside gave it something extra and the whiskey sauce brought a great creaminess. The service was great even though we were in a hurry. Sad that I didn't get to try the whiskey, but it's the perfect excuse to return again! read more

Royal McGregor - Crofters Chicken: chicken breast stuffed with haggis in a whiskey cream sauce and seasonal veggies. (11.50 pounds) - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The beef and ale pie was delicious! The veggies on the side were a little bland, but the pie made up for it. Service was great as well read more

Royal McGregor - Beef and ale pie - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Phenomenal! The Hot Husband and I tried haggis fritters, hot port, fish and chips, and the steak and ale pie. Though we left completely stuffed, we had zero regrets. I love that they have a check-in discount as well! They also have a really nice selection of whiskey and local beer. read more

Royal McGregor - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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We wanted to find a cozy place for dinner on this rainy night, and this place was perfect! They have an extensive whiskey menu and all the servers are very nice. The restaurant is not very big so either be prepared to wait, or you can call ahead and make a reservation. We made a reservation, and the table was ready for us when we arrived. Unfortunately I wanted their mussels, but they were out (guess that means they're really good!) so I got the curry instead. I wouldn't really recommend the curry as it was a bit watery, and on top of rice noodles which I found a bit odd. And since they came out together, the noodles were very soggy and thin by the time I ate it. It almost felt like just eating soup with vegetables. I will say however my friends for the chicken and beef pies, and those were VERY good. I would recommend the beef pie. We ended the night with whiskey flights which was also pretty awesome. read more

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Happy we dropped in. I ordered the Scottish Breakfast, my wife ordered the Traditional Breakfast, and we each ordered a Flat White. Food was very good, and the coffee was amazing. Way better than anywhere we stopped for coffee in London OR Paris. Also the quaintness of the outdoor patio... Amazing. Everyone should come here for breakfast, honestly! read more

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The food was good and it wasn't too touristy clean and helpful staff . I'll go backs when I'm back in town

Great pub off the Royal Mile. I don't know who McGregor is, but I royally liked the pub. My sister and I enjoyed an aperitif after dinner here when we wandered past this place. We sat at the bar and made chit chat with the very pleasant bartender. We were heading out of Scotland the next day and I wanted to try Irn Bru, which is the beloved soft drink of the country. I did NOT like the first drink, but over time it wasn't so bad. It was very odd tasting, like bubble gum cough syrup. I know you're like, "Gross, you drank it all?" Yup, and I'd do it again. It used to have way more sugar, but the company changed the composition after the sugar tax. Not much has changed flavor-wise, not that I would know... My sister tried the whisky flight, and the best tasting one ended up being the one from Japan. Yeah, Japan makes a pretty good whisky and I was a little shocked it beat out the other Scottish 'skys. For those reading this in Anchorage AK head to Ginger, they serve this there. Good place, but probably won't come again due to location. On another note, I met a man in London who told me that Scotland used to be the center of Pangaea, so it's the only country that retains all 5 different soils and why the peat is so popular during whisky making. I state this fact based on zero research conducted on his statements. read more

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A wee dram? Oh h e double l no. After three flights, four airports, 12 time zones and 22 hours of travel; three fingers please! Listed as one of 55 recommended restaurants in the Michelin Guide for Edinburgh, this one was admittedly chosen for their selection of whiskey. Of course the food is good. For starters, the first taste of cold smoked Scottish salmon. Incredibly rich, fatty, very smooth mouth feel. The intense razor sharp flavor of salmon, unmistakable. The game terrine, outstanding. Course ground bits of this and that with a light livery flavor and anise overtones. Great texture unfortunately, the traditional oatcakes; lets just say horse biscuits are not for me. For mains, a dish known as Crofters Chicken (oven baked chicken breast stuffed with hagggis served with a whisky sauce, sauteed cabbage and root veg). A brilliant way to introduce haggis to the uninitiated. The mineral, livery flavor of the offal is mellowed by the chickeny, poultry flavor. The jus from the chicken moistens the haggis. The whisky sauce adding a velvity, rich, concentrated whisky flavor to the dish. Good eats. Very good selection of whisky (nearly 100), many offered in flights for tasting. All flights come complete with the requisite water and chocolates. Do not be that guy who asks for ice. They will frown at that faux pas as it will cloud the whisky and ruin it. Friendly service. Very reasonably priced. Mains average £12. A charming, fairly priced pub with great whisky and food. A fitting welcome to Edinburgh. read more

Royal McGregor - Whisky tasting done right. Dark chocolate and all. - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

- overall rating: 3.5 - recommend: fish and chips, this is my ideal fish and chips, cooked perfectly, flaky batter - attentive staff - crofter's chicken offered a generous portion but was overwhelmed by gravy/sauce, it was hard to taste anything else (the chicken or haggis), very heavy/hearty read more

Great fun. Wonderful bartenders, fantastic live music Perfect stop for a pint with friends

Good service, quiet ambience (at least when I was there).....had the Scottish breakfast and Porridge....good food, decent prices....a solid 4 Stars! read more

Had a nice breakfast here and it's right on the royal mile so that was nice and convenient. Really didn't have much just ate and ran

Good food! Staff weren't very attentive, food took awhile. I tried their haggis and a few bites of the fisherman's pie. It was my first time trying haggis so I didn't know what to expect but now that I've had it in another place I'd say it was just good but not the best. The fisherman pie was delicious! Had a bite of the mushroom linguine which was good and rich too. The portions are huge here and it's a tight cozy spot. read more

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This location faces the Royal Mile, and is of course busy based upon their location in a major area in the city. Even more so, it was extremely busy on the day that I visited, during the Edinburg festivals. The decor is clean but traditional. Often, this location is booked for private parties, so make sure you can get a reservation ahead of time if you want to avoid disappointment. The food is completely traditional Scotish fare. They had haggis, whisky, and various other dishes, including sticky toffee pudding dessert. Delicious and well prepared. The service wasn't bad by any means, but was possibly the only negative. The servers seemed extremely busy, which was understandable, and probably not typical, but it made for slower than expected wait times. I would definitely come back, however. read more

Sure, it was lazy of me to choose a restaurant right on High Street, but it was my first evening in Edinburgh after an overnight transatlantic flight with little sleep, at the end of a long day of walking and sightseeing, and I just didn't want to have to work at it. The service was crappy, even for Britain, but the food was decent. I had haggis fritters, which I figured would be a gentle introduction to the famous dish, served with a honey/chili sauce. My entree was the mixed grill, with lamb (A), steak (B+), pork/leek sausage (C), served with grilled mushrooms and onions and baked potato discs. read more

I needed a break from walking from HolyRood Palace to Edinburgh Castle. And by break, I mean pints and pints of cask ale. This is a quaint spot on the Royal Mile to get your drinks on and max. Sweet interior with a semi-modern, semi-traditional decor. Chill bartender and festive patronage. I'd hit it again. Aye. read more

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Last month, when I was in Edinburgh, I dined at the Royal McGregor and I am so glad I did! It was totally amazing! My friends convinced me to try Haggis, so I started with the "introductory" Haggis Fritters and they were actually really good! I really enjoyed them. For my main course, I ordered the vegetarian haggis tower which was spectacular! The veggie haggis was quite spicy but it was so good. For dessert, I had the Crannachan which was totally amazing! The service here was very good, and there are tons of beverage options. The prices are quite reasonable also. The restaurant isn't too large, but it is cozy and the tables are comfortable. It is conveniently located on the Royal Mile. I would highly recommend the Haggis Fritters and the Haggis tower/Veggie Haggis tower. You won't be disappointed! read more

Royal McGregor - Vegetarian Haggis Tower - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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We stopped in for lunch and highly recommended haggis. Did not disappoint for sure. I had the haggis with the whiskey cream sauce. Wow what a treat. Even my wife and son had some and they enjoyed. Wife had the Vegetarian Haggis, she enjoyed also. Being made of lentils and beans, not as moist but still very good. Kids had a pasta dish, not bad and the bbq chicken legs...which both enjoyed and polished off. Oh and of course I had a whiskey flight which was a nice mid day treat, well presented and very good value for what was served! read more

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Great British pub in old town. Great food and service. Great location. Fish and chips and a pint, read more

We went here for our first dinner in Scotland. I got a Bulmer's cider which is one of my favoroite drinks. We had to try the haggis fritters and they were delicious! I feel like it was not really trying haggis because it was deep fried and had a sweet chili sauce. But I loved the sauce and it was so good. We got the fish and chips and shepard's pie to share. Both were amazing! The shepards pie was made with lamb which is not my favorite but it worked really well in this. The fish and chips was one of my favorite on the trip, including all the times we had it in London! We also got the sticky toffee pudding which came with ice cream. It was amazing... hot and flavorful and the ic cream totally complimented the sticky toffee. The waitress was very friendsly and gave honest recommendations. I highly recommend this place! read more

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I was here in June. Yep it's in the tourist strip but their tea was pretty good (not difficult) but I also ordered the haggis. I have had homemade haggis and this was close. I was a bit alarmed when I saw how it was served (stacked along with neeps and tatties with gravy all around it). I would rather them be separated but it was still enjoyable. There was a musician out side of the pub which made the sunny day in Edinburgh even better. Staff was friendly and patient when I asked if I could wait to order my lunch after my tea. The place has an awesome ambience and it was super clean. read more

My family came here while visiting Edinburgh. Our ancestors were Scottish and we're descendants of the McGregor Clan, so when we saw this quaint little pub on the Royal Mile, we couldn't resist. This is a great place to come when you want to rest your legs, warm your bones, and escape the crowds. It's right on the main road from the Castle to the Palace, so it was surprising that it was so quiet. I personally ordered the Mature Cheddar Panini. For all you Americans out there; "Rocket" is the term they use for Arugula. They use this term all over the UK and it confused the living hell out of us, until I finally asked what the heck it was. And it was Arugula. Go figure. So anyway, the panini comes with Arugula and tomato chutney. It was pretty good, but I thought it was missing something. Perhaps some onions? Others in my party enjoyed the Pulled Pork Burger and the Fish and Chips. Apparently the Fish and Chips were a tad too greasy. But there were no complaints about the burgers. Finally, some of us got a couple beers on tap. Unfortunately, I don't remember the names but I know they were local and it was a special Christmas brew. As this is beer country, they were delicious and refreshing. Word of the wise; if you're in the UK and you go to any old pub, order beer. There's no excuse not to. This was a cool spot and a nice moment for us Americans to enjoy. It looks and feels like a traditional pub, so we had a great time. The food wasn't awe inspiring, but after miles of walking, all we really wanted was some warmth and some food in our bellies. And this was the perfect place to stop. read more

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This is the place i decided to go to try my first haggis. We ordered the haggis tower with whisky sauce and it was absolutely delicious! We also tried the steak and ale pie and that one was also super yummy!!! I highly recommend both. As the 3rd entree we ordered haggis burger. It was good but basic, also came with whisky sauce. We had whisky flight and it was nice to try 3 different whiskey styles from different regions. The baileys latte needs more baileys in it. Overall i was happy with this place. read more

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It's just as well it's not there anymore. My friend and I traveled to Edinburgh a while ago for a weekend away and stopped in here for dinner. The service was Shockingly bad, although they were busy, but that wasn't the problem. the meal was terrible. It took about an hour to come out. it was cold, the vegetables were discoloured and the chicken stuffed with haggis really over cooked. It wasn't that cheap so we decided to say something, but politely. When we asked for the proprietor the waitress looked at us like we were insane and said 'wha?' not even 'pardon'. So that annoyed me but what really, really annoyed me was when we left a less than stellar review, because the manager/owner wouldn't return my calls. The d*@k head lied by reply stating that we had been in for lunch earlier that day and tried the same thing. only we didn't get to Edinburgh until after 4pm. The ease with which this guy was ready with his lie suggested to me he probably did this every time a customer said something he didn't like. Following up his lie with how many of the staff had degree's and spoke several languages. I tried calling several times after to confront him but he could never come to the phone so if the pandemic took this fool out, I'm sorry, but good! Who does this? Someone who cares more about money than his customers, that's who. I sincerely hope he got all he deserved in the end. If our complaint had been treated with respect, I wouldn't have left this review but should this man open another restaurant, I wanted to give his customers a 'heads up'. He will lie about you if you complain. read more

We just dropped in for a couple of ciders and some sticky toffee pudding. This is a charming and busy spot - but we enjoyed our time. Service was passable. Drinks were good, of course. And I really liked our sticky toffee dessert - it was just the right size for sharing. Four out of five stars because the service was just okay - and I think I'd probably pass on this place if I visited the area again. read more

Hagis tower and Steak Ale Pie were amazing! This is our first restaurant in Edinburgh and first impression is everything. Every bites is better than the first one. We will have to come back soon! read more

Royal McGregor - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Thoughts the Royal Mile, this establishment has a real authentic feel with both locals and visitors dining in and enjoying! Came here late after a very long day trip in the highlands, seeking comfort food. This pub delivered! We had some great Scotch ales which were just wonderful! I had Fish 'n' Chips which were savory, salty, crispy and perfect! Great big chips too! Mum had the Bleu Burger which was rich and hearty. Fair prices for a great meal and nice experience. The service staff is very friendly and accommodating. It all hit the spot after 13 hour journey around the highlands and lochs. read more

Royal McGregor - Fish 'N' Chips - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Cold canned tomato soup. Not impressed. Good service. I think they offered to remove the soup charge, but we just wanted to get out of there so e just paid the bill and left. read more

So good. Great service, friendly staff. It was a first for me to try the whisky and the server recommended one from the Highland. I also enjoyed the Innis and Gunn local Edinburgh lager. SO GOOD. Nice and light beer. We ordered the fish and chips and the Haggis Tower. Delicious!!!! Fish came piping hot. Could have used more chips though! The mushy peas were great. My Haggis Tower was not as hot as I would like in temperature. But I'm used to eating haggis now hhahha! Overall great experience. This place was recommended by the info center when we had first arrived. read more

This pub was a nice finding while we were walking on the touristic area. Prices are very reasonable and dishes are really good! The staff was really nice and always smilling and laughing. Totally recommended! read more

Royal McGregor - Chicken - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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We had to try the Haggis! I'd only had deep fried Haggis so this Haggis Tower was unique. Only regret was getting gravy instead of the whiskey sauce, don't make that same mistake - get the whiskey sauce!! read more

Royal McGregor - Haggis Tower with gravy - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Ok. I was initially skeptical as this place is right in the middle of a very touristy area. I could not have been more pleased. We had the haggis tower with whiskey sauce and it was absolutely fabulous. As was the mint marinated lamb chops. Roast chicken stuffed with haggis was also excellent. Overall a really nice experience. read more

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Cullen Skink, smoked haddock and potato soup; Cranachan, a dessert made with oats, both available, along with haggis. Reservations are recommended, unless you come off peak dining hours. We we're nearby the castle and looking for Scottish pub fare. They were fully booked, but they accommodated us at the bar. We observed that the tables cleared once we were ready to leave ourselves. read more

This place has some of the best breakfast food around. I went for the big breakfast but really nobody needs that much food in my opinion. The Haggus and blood sausage was way beyond expectations with the beans, ham, eggs all definitely crowd pleasers. Good service was there, but they did have a hard time keeping up as people started filling in. A from me! read more

Had my first full Scottish breakfast, first taste of haggis and black pudding. They are quite good, so if you're from out of the country you should definitely give it a try. The restaurant was well located and easy to find, a little tight on space so you get a lot of people brushing into you or pushing past to get around. The food was pretty good, as a carb connoisseur I thought the bread was amazing. Solid choice for breakfast. read more