Secret Arcade

0.1 mi•Old Town, Royal Mile

Great new bar in the basement of Steak at Picardy place, a huge refurb has resulted in an…read moreamazeballs bar to enjoy a few drinks! I'd even be tempted to come and watch the sport here. They do beer cocktails yay. We tried a tequila based sangria style one and a beery take on a Moscow mule. Both were really tasty. They have a huge range of draft and craft beers and do bottles with chaser shots a personal fav was the Aussie bundy rum with my beer! Bar snacks are on to keep you going but not full meals yet, though you could always head up to Steak if you're peckish.

Interesting sports bar under Steak on Picardy Place. I was a bit unsure as a previous reviewer said…read moreit was a bit of a lads' place. Anyhow the OH persuaded me to give it a shot for a quick drink to shelter from the rain whilst we deliberated on a venue for dinner. I'm glad he did. In addition to a decent selection of craft beers, there's a hefty cocktail menu. I tried the Ginger Tom Collins & it hit the spot. Just the right amount of ginger to pack a punch but not enough to be overpowering. The OH had a pint of draft beer & seemed happy enough. The low ceiling means it gets noisy even if it's not packed. There was a stag do, 2 birthday parties and hen group as well as some other folks. It was only just possible to hold a convo at normal volume & be heard. There's a decent sized courtyard out the back too but it was too wet & cold to try it out. I'd definitely visit again but maybe on a week night when it might be a little less noisy.

The Devil's Advocate

4.3(638 reviews)

Walking in to The Devil's Advocate in Advocate Close, just above Market St, the large bar greets…read moreyou. We chose the Scottish Road trip whiskey flight. As someone who truly loved little about Scotch, it was a wonderful way to taste and compare smoky vs peaty whiskeys. Fun. Our table was upstairs and we sat next to an open door which allows for fresh cool air. It was a warm day in Edinburgh. Our server was wonderful, patient and really helpful. Our choices were truly delicious. We started with the fish board, olives, and mushroom skewer. We loved them all. I enjoyed the cod main dish, while my wife finished the starters. The side of asparagus was also excellent. The mouse dessert was delicious but very rich, it's enough for 4 people. The cost of dinner was also totally reasonable. I recommend this place highly.

I don't really understand why the ratings are so high at this restaurant. We tried going here one…read moreevening and I messed up the reservation. I'm not used to seeing it in blocks and our end time was bolded but not the start time. We showed up at the end time. We were charged obviously because you have to give a card for a guarantee. I get that. I was fine with it since it was my fault. What I wasn't fine with was the rude (dare I say bitchy?) hostess who I spoke with upon arriving. She was awful to me and looked at me like I was garbage. Even after that, I decided to rebook and pay attention to the time. The restaurant had been recommended to us by a relative as the "best place they had eaten" while in Edinburgh and I wanted to try it. I booked for lunch and when we arrived the male host was lovely. We were sat early (because I always show up to a reservation early) and then we waited almost a half an hour for the one waitress there to come and help. It was fine. I can understand they are understaffed and busy. But then the food, it was also just fine. It was decent but not great. Like a lot of things in the UK, it's understated and seasoned. My husband had the pappardelle and my two children and I had the flat iron steak. His pasta had zero flavor. It was a cream based sauce. It needed more salt. As for the steak, it was fine. It was cooked well. Mine was medium rare and the kids both had medium. It was also not seasoned well. However the steak was served with a dipping sauce (a garlic sauce, a peppercorn or lemon mint). We tried all three since we had three steaks and those were all good and kept the steak from being bland. On the plate were chips (fries), which were not salted well but we had the dipping sauces. Also on the plate was plain arugula and a couple on the vine cherry tomatoes. Nothing spectacular. The waitress didn't come back once the entire time we were eating. Overall, it just wasn't worth it for the money we paid.

Whiskey flight tastings

Fish Filet

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Double Shot with Dalmore 12, kahula, espresso shot, and Demerara.

Bramble

4.5(97 reviews)

If you blink, you might miss The Bramble--but you'd be making a huge mistake. Tucked away down a…read morenondescript staircase off Queen Street, this speakeasy-style cocktail bar is exactly the kind of spot you hope to stumble into in Edinburgh. My family and I came here on a whim and ended up getting far more than great drinks. One of the bartenders, a local with the friendliness of a lifelong pub regular and the insight of a Michelin concierge offered up genuinely helpful food recommendations. He had a perfect mix of laid back charm, genuine enthusiasm, and a sharp wit. That kind of service is rare, and it stuck with us. Now, the drinks. Phenomenal. Not just "good for Scotland" or "pretty decent for a bar that doesn't scream look at me" these cocktails were creative, expertly made, and well presented. You can tell these folks care about their craft. Each drink was layered and complex without being fussy. If you're into spirits, this is your place. Yes, the bathrooms are a bit of a squeeze. Definitely built for function, not luxury, but they were absolutely spotless. Like, hospital-pristine. Whoever maintains them deserves a raise and maybe a trophy. Bottom line: Bramble nails it. Great atmosphere, unforgettable drinks, and service that actually makes you feel like you're in the right place at the right time. Skip the tourist traps and find your way down those stairs.

Excellent cocktails, very quaint and comfortable atmosphere. Outgoing and personable staff. We had…read morea little bit of a hard time finding it, *** look for the green astroturfing just underneath the dry cleaners** there is a stairwell leading you down to their entrance.

Outside

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Interior

Bryant & Mack Private Detectives

4.6(17 reviews)

I was there on 30 October 2025 with a few travel friends, and it turned out to be one of the best…read moresurprises of our trip. The minute we found the door off the little lane on Rose Street, there was an air of mystery... exactly what you hope for from a "detective agency" style speakeasy. Once inside, the vibe was perfect for a chilly Edinburgh evening. Like, moody lighting, vintage-style furnishings, and that cozy, clandestine feel that makes you glad you made the effort to find it. The service was absolutely welcoming. The bartenders were friendly and attentive, and even at 9p, mid week (when you might expect things to be winding down), the place was comfortably busy but not packed, but full enough to feel alive. Drinks menus came in little "confidential" envelopes, which instantly added to the fun. We ordered several cocktails that evening, and every drink was carefully crafted and flavorful, smooth and topped off with warm hospitality. I honestly did not have one bad cocktail. If I were to highlight a few things from our night - I came away loving the atmosphere, the attention to detail, and the general ease at which we were treated which is exactly what I wanted out of a night out in Edinburgh. If you're visiting Newcastle, upon, Tyne, Edinburgh, or just wandering through Rose Street and looking for something a little different... don't walk past this place. Bryant & Mack Private Detectives is a fun little secret with classic cocktails, cozy speakeasy vibes, and service that makes you feel like part of the case, lol. It's a fully immersive experience.

Awesome speakeasy in New Town…read more It really is on the hidden side, it took me a few minutes longer than I thought it would to find the door (look at the posted pictures, it helps). Once inside (you'll have to knock to get in), you'll find a cool little lounge with great cocktails, chill music, and amiable bartenders. We were surprisingly the only ones in there around 9 pm on a Friday night, which we thought was odd (as did the bartenders), but it meant we got to hang out with them and shoot the shit (meeting bartenders from all over the world is one of my favorite hobbies). Besides the fact that both were into motorcycles (and one came to Edinburgh once and immediately backed up his bags and moved over from Italy - props), we found out that they could make a mean cocktail. We, of course, started on menu, but wanted to see if they could do any variations, which they not only did, but nailed: "do you like bitter or sweet" - bitter "Floral or not so much" - surprise me "base?" - gin Dunno what it was called, but it was one of the nicest gin drinks I had in a town that is crazy for gin at the moment. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a good cocktail place, the ambiance is on point and the drinks are superb.

Bowery theater

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September gem

Picardy Place

4.6(9 reviews)

0.4 mi•New Town

•£££

Three and a half skewing positive. Extremely convenient location wedged conveniently between the…read moreinsanely touristy old town and the bourgeoning hipster Mecca of Leith, and directly abutting, I am told the epicenter of the cities gay scene. The lovely century plus old building is beautifully restored and tastefully updated. If the 3rd floor walk up room might count as a negative for some, at this point in life I appreciate anything that forces even an iota of more of something even suggesting of exercise into my life whatsoever. Staff was uniformly courteous and helpful with my needy jet lagged ass. Unfortunately what you gain in terms of a strategic location, and charm inside the premises, you lose in terms of the immediate view outside of your room. While the building itself and a few spare stragglers like it in the immediate area, as well as the plaque outside indicating that Arthur Conan Doyle's birthplace was in a once existing building across the street, suggest the surrounding few acres were once as lovely and ancient as most of the glorious historic streets of this ridiculously enchanting town, its sadly no longer the case. Somehow this district avoided historic preservation, and in its current stage is pretty much comprised of at least 50 percent active construction zones with gaping holes of torn up streets and massive building footprints. The remaining half of the area is already completed monolithic hideously modern shopping malls of the type I would suspect must already be gravely threatened by online shopping. As distressing as the view outside my window was to view during my short stay here, those stores proved convenient when I needed some adapters and a stop at a nearby apple store, and a mere 5 minute stroll put me firmly in the center of some truly breathtaking scenery. At the end of the day it offers a solid value and friendly hospitality in comfy and low key elegant accommodations in a central, if soulless feeling locale. Oh yeah; and one word of advise: This place oddly apparently has 3D TV sets in at least some of the rooms (which by the way, in a cute touch, are each named after one of Scotland's beloved "loches' aka lakes). Be aware that those glasses are in there for the TV, and do not make the same mistake I did and assume they were novelty son glasses there for the guests to take as souvenirs. I guess the fact that the sun barely ever shines in this country would have been a good indication that they wouldn't be offering gratis shades...womp womp...

A bar that's open until 3am is always a winner with a great team of bar staff and plentiful…read moresheepskin, which is great when your face gets a little warm from the vodka and wine and you want to snuggle up (i.e my entire New Year). it's a completely perfect place to spend the wee hours. What used to be a private members club is set in a tremendous Georgian townhouse set over 3 floors comprising of a restaurant, the main bar, a whisky bar, and four luxurious hotel rooms. The food during normal operating hours is pretty good, could do with fancying down as it's all a bit fiddly with the amount of jars and plates but it's really topnotch. However, we went on a meal deal kinda day but I don't doubt that the food normally might be a wee bit pricey.

Photo from official website

Pan roasted Scottish Halibut Fillet: Herb Crusted, Confit Turnip, Butter Poached Oyster, Star Anise "Air"

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Amuse Bouche: White Onion Espuma, Curry Oil & Baby Herbs

48 Below

4.0(1 review)

0.6 mi•New Town

Been wanting to check this place out for a while.. What a great reason than to attend an event for…read morecomedy night... Great little bar on Broughton St, a welcome addition to the great places to choose from in this little pocket of new town!

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The Black Fox

4.2(28 reviews)

0.9 mi•Leith

The entire idea of this space, amazing. Super cool design - very much detective style restaurant…read more The food is great, we had burgers and fries (as pictured below). The service was also fabulous.

I live locally and The Black Fox is a nice bar with decent food, however, after my last visit I…read morewon't be back anytime soon. The kitchen area is in the main bar which is fine but it's clear there is little done to clean the air filters, fans and cooker hoods - the smell of cooking oils hits you when you walk in the door and it sticks to clothes, hair and jackets for several days after you have visited. I have had the same experience on previous visits but had hoped it had improved. I appreciate space is limited but I feel more needs to be done to manage this issue.

Our three choices

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Lady Libertine

5.0(8 reviews)

0.2 mi•New Town

Amazing, amazing bar staff. Friendly and very welcoming to visitors from countries…read more The drinks, chats and atmosphere were lovely. absolutely recommend and a must stop when in this lovely city.

Perfection. The best meal I've had in Edinburgh. Can't wait to go back…read more It really was the finest Paloma I've had and I can't recommend the duck salad enough. The upstairs was booked but the basement was a delight.

Baked aubergine (bottom) Roasted cauliflower (top)

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Treacle

3.8(82 reviews)

I had a delightful meal. I was walking the Royal Mile during the Edinburgh Festival, when I saw…read morethis spot. I was craving curry so I popped in for a bite. I was seated outside on the street immediately, which was perfect since I was in the mood to people watch. I ordered the butter chicken and some naan. The butter chicken was delicious but the naan was dry and not very good. Overall my experience was good. I scored low because naan makes the dish. And in this case the naan made the meal less than it could have been.

On our first visit to Edinberg and walked the Royal mile. Were thrilled to see Indian Street food…read moresign. The excitement faded quickly when the hosts greeted us by yelling at us to leave umbrella's outside. Fair enough. We ordered Lamb dish that said it's a street food. Nothing like any street food I've had before. Curry dominated Tomato taste. They might as well rename it as Itialian Lamb Marsala. The portion was less than half of any other Indan Restaurant. To their credit, they warned us to order 2 dishes between two of us. The Garlic bread was Regular Naan with green chutney lathered on it. What a disappointment.

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Priyanshi's extensive notes for the allergies/dietary restrictions for each dish. (what each marking means is on the my other menu pic)

Panda & Sons

4.6(117 reviews)

0.7 mi•New Town

Such a fun and atmospheric place. They lean into their speakeasy conceit from the moment you enter…read morefrom the street (when you are not sure until you are in the right place) until you are seated at your table. It's a cozy, loud (but not too loud), spot. The drinks are great, very professional, lots of interesting choices. Fast and professional service. Good for a drink before dinner or to settle in for a special couple of hours.

Apparently this is the bar to visit while in Edinburgh. We easily made reservations a few days…read morebefore checking it out and I did see them turning away walk in's on a Monday night. Customer service was excellent and my drink the Daydreamer was good but there was nothing spectacular about it. I like that it wasn't sweet. Free still or sparkling water. Total cost was a little over $20 per drink.