I did a walking tour of Edinburgh, and when it was completed, I asked the tour guide to make a recommendation for dinner. She recommended The Doric if I wanted authentic Scottish food. I ordered the sweet potatoes and butternut squash soup, the haggis appetizers, and the lentil pie. The dining room is above the bar, so it was very quiet, I think partly because I got there at 4:30 in the afternoon. Service was pleasant and the food was delicious. If you're in Scotland, try The Doric. read more

Great food and atmosphere! You go upstairs to a lovely, old timey pub to eat at the bistro. Definitely try to get a reservation beforehand, the area is small and meant for a select number of people at a time. Salmon was good (about my expectation) and the shepherds pie was a hit! The sticky toffee pudding was also a must, but a little expensive. Overall, amazing vibe but slightly pricey. read more

Great Shepherd's Pie and salmon. Get there at noon when they open for lunch if you don't have a reservation as the eating area is rather small. read more

Dan's boss brought us here - "the oldest gastro pub". This was a very nice establishment. The bar is beautiful. The service was excellent. I really enjoyed the Baked Vegetable Gratin. In the US, it may have been called Vegetable Lasagna. I loved the baked cheese on the top. Very delicious! The desserts were so good! We had the Malt Whisky Truffles and the Chocolate & Almond Torte. The black currant cider was fantastic. read more

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I read about this place in the NYT 36 hours column. Following instructions I came here for a beer and crisps. It as pretty enjoyable so I had a second Guinness and more crisps. The bartender was super friendly, and brought the beers over to me in a window seat after the proper Guinness pouring time. It was all it was billed to be. read more

The Doric - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Cute but dirty. This place has so much potential with the location but it's definitely run down and hasn't been deep cleaned for awhile.

A nice quiet pub with good live acoustic music (not blast-your-ears amplified crap). Friendly bartender and good selection of beers and drinks. read more

The Doric - The pubs own IPA with musicians in the background. - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Felt true to claim of oldest gastropub in Edinburgh. Comfortable, not fancy; friendly staff; tasty and genuine Scottish food. Perfect stop for first night in Edinburgh. read more

My wife and two friends (all American) were desperately looking for a pub for a late dinner. As we were leaving one place with a spartan menu, our friend asked five old guys sitting there drinking, where should we go? After a bit of unintelligible mumbling they suggested the Doric. It's at the far end of one of the main drags, and got there pretty late. Well worth the wait. Our server was terrific and the food was excellent (our first taste of haggis!). I was on my fourth night comparing sticky toffee pudding and the Doric wins hands down--ask about the story behind the recipe. Great place, great food, reasonably priced. We'd go back tomorrow if we could! read more

The Waverly train station is just across the road. I chose The Doric, because it sounded Masonic (Doric Order of architecture). They also appeared to serve proper mushy pees and were renowned as being the oldest gastro pub in all of Edinburgh! The place was built In The 17th Century. Hands down,'this is the absolute Best Fish n Chips I've ever had in Scotland. The Haddock was cooked to a heavenly perfection with a golden crust. So many people get this wrong and overpower you with an overly rich batter. Not here. Mushy peas were garlicky and buttery and warm. Tarter sauce was purée with a slight texture. Candles lit at every table as Van Morrison radiates from the speakers. Perfect. read more

The Doric - Table view - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Omg the food was so deliciius, my husband ordered the Cullen skink(which he's still talking about) and the shepherds pie and he loved all of it. I ordered the fish and chips and wow, not only was it delicious but it was huge. We loved the place, only regret is we were too full to get some dessert. Great service. read more

Best fish and chips hands down!!! It was lightly battered and the fries were crispy (my fav) as well! My husband ordered the haggis & mashed and he said it was pretty good as well. He wasn't a fan of the orange mashed? I personally think it needed some vegetables We also shared there famous toffee pudding and the cake wasn't as soft as expected but it was still delicious. Everything was pretty good except for the service. I think they were all huddling around the bar area and we constantly need to flag them down. read more

The Doric - Fish & chips - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Had a lovely experience at the Doric our first night in Edinburgh. Downstairs is a more traditional pub, upstairs a wine tavern and bistro. We sat upstairs and split a fairly priced bottle of Sangiovese. We tried the Haggis Bon Bons to start and they were great! Traditional Haggis, balled up and fried, and served with Creme Fraishe sauce- a dressed up introduction to Haggis! I really enjoyed it. Mum had the Fish 'N' Chips which were huge and beautiful! She said it was some of the best she ever had! I had the Shepherds Pie which was divine! Pungent lamb and veggies, topped with superbly creamy mashed potatoes and lots of cheddar. Absolute heaven. We had the Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert which was another fantastic experience with this British dish. Definitely get it! Servers were friendly and attentive, atmosphere cozy and classy, food divine, and prices fairly. Definitely come here! read more

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Came here with my dad on a monday night, but they were full and we were told that there was a better chance of getting a table if we made a reservation. No problem, came back tuesday night! I got the tiger prawn linguine and my dad got the shepherds's pie. Linguini was great, and I was glad to see that it came with plenty of prawns. Also sampled some of the shepherd's pie which was just as good The real winner, however, was the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. I have had several, and none came close to the quality of the one offered by The Doric. Make sure you ask for a scoop of ice cream on the side as it is not normally served with it, maybe even two as a scoop was quite small. The ice cream itself had the consistency of butter, I wish I had ordered 3 more scoops... read more

Tried The Doric based on Yelp reviews. Wasn't disappointed. The food is really good and the beer and ale selection is first rate. I had, for the first time ever, an unfiltered cask ale. That means they draw your pint right from the wooden cask. It was the most complex and interesting tasting ale I've ever had. That bring said, I think all the unfiltered yeast, hops, etc. kept fermenting with the rest of my dinner all night. Do be forewarned! Other reviewers are right about the Shepard's pie. It was great. Only down side is that the service is uneven. read more

The Doric - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Came here on a rainy day in Edinburgh with three friends on a day trip. Very close to the Castle (down a lot of steps on a side street off Royal Mile). Welcoming, cosy atmosphere, the bistro restaurant is upstairs. I ordered the Salmon and capers (£8) to start and the Haggis, Neeps and Tatties (£10) for main. The salmon was great quality and fresh, although a little simple and unfussy (just a lemon wedge and buttered bread on the side). The haggis was lovely, well favoured with creamy mash and parsnips balanced the saltiness of the haggis well. In all, a solid choice for a very hearty and wholesome lunch or dinner, right in the centre of Edinburgh. read more

The Doric - Haggis neeps and tatties £10 - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Just had a surprisingly delightful dinner here tonight and I didn't even know this is actually the oldest gastropub in Edinburgh! So it's also a place of historical significance! FOOD/DRINKS- haggis Bon bons: crispy and steaming hot when cut open, served nicely with mashed turnips, straw potatoes, cream fraiche and a light salad. It was delicious. Prawns & chorizo: served with fresh bread, prawns taste shrimpy and fresh while chorizo bits are spicy with a kick. The chorizo was a bit salty, but was perfect with the bread. Mulled wine was delicious and warmed my soul. AMBIANCE/DECOR- small restaurant with some bar counter seating, dimly lit, but not loud. Good for romantic date, casual dinner, and even an interview over dinner (like the two men to the table next of me tonight). The room was decorated with paintings and tables with candles. SERVICE/STAFF- hit or miss. One staff was super friendly/helpful while the other one was only average and seemed a bit anxious/stressed out. When I entered the place downstairs into the bar section, the bartender saw me but ignored me. Good thing I figured it out soon enough...when I saw the door to the 'bistro' that I just walk upstairs! Overall, I had a very pleasant experience and the food/mulled wine that I had was very enjoyable. I like the atmosphere and want to go back to try their other drinks and food items. Would recommend! read more

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My first experience with Scottish food and I wasn't disappointed. I had the national dish - haggis neeps and tatties (like meatloaf and mashed potatoes)and enjoyed it. The plate came with regular and sweet potatoes and I wish there was a vegetable option instead. Haggis is more tender than meatloaf so I had to get used to the texture, but the seasoning was good. The pub has a couple different eating areas, but the one as you walk up does not allow children and the other goes by reservations first; so it may be wise to set one up - especially if traveling with kids. read more

Based on other reviews, I had really high hopes and was pretty disappointed. We attempted to come for dinner the previous day, but were turned away since we didn't have a reservation - even though the seats were 1/2 empty - so we returned for lunch the next day. We ordered haggis bon-bons, salmon, a burger, and mussels. The mussels tasted "off" and we never got the bread we ordered. The meal was OK, but we were dying for sticky toffee pudding at the end. . .which arrived burned. On top of so-so food, the service was TERRIBLE. We arrived and ordered well before the tables next to and behind us, but we had to flag our waiter several times to check our food, order dessert and even get the check. When we finally did get the check, the total was over by about 10 pounds for food that we didn't even order - be sure to check your bill. We stopped for lunch and had plans to walk the city for the day, but by the time lunch was over it was nearly 3pm. I understand the folks move at different speeds, but there were only about 8 tables and we were struggling to get any attention - and we indicated a few times that we were in a hurry. The Doric had great reviews, and perhaps we got them on an off day, but there are far better places to eat in Edinburgh for the cost and time it took. read more

This bar made me laugh a bit, being so close to all sorts of "young" stuff, like Emo's and polar opposite City nightclub it's filled entirely with a very middle aged crowd who look like they've been in there for many, many years. Not rough, just look like people's Mas and Pas and you half expect everyone to have a scruffy dog by their heels. When me and a friend walked in it was like we had intruded on someone's personal party and everyone standing at the bar and sitting in the windows turned round and stared.. Who are these people and what do they want? Needless to say, after the excitement of the idea of strangers being within the walls, we did have a jolly nice pint and left before the overwhelming heating system melted our young faces off. read more

The Doric - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Passed a delightful evening forking away at my Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties. The Scottish national dish, as I was told, did not disappoint! The term that comes to mind is "(Scottish) comfort food". It was quite flavorful without going overboard in any direction. (Over salting is a big turn off for me) Atmosphere was warm and friendly. I quite enjoy the upstairs-dining gastropub vibes~ read more

The Doric - Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties! - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Y'all. This place. I had legitimately the best meal I've ever eaten here. The mussels were incredibly fresh and light and the trout was to die for. And don't even get me started on that mouth watering dessert! The staff were attentive and helpful. I'll be coming here again and again and again.... read more

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Great location near the station, but you do kind of need to stumble upon it or know where you are going as it is just outside the touristy hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile. We went with a group of 10 and had to prepay 5 each to make a reservation, which then was taken off our bill. I just had the salmon started which was really delicious, although the bread was not toasted and quite dry which was a bummer! My friends had many different dishes and all said it was great! Good place to know and I'll almost certainly go back, you can get some real typical Scottish dishes here when you have non-local visitors over that would like to try them. read more

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The Doric is apparently "Edinburgh's oldest gastro pub", and it sells its legacy to the local tourists. Within, it's a nice warm tavern, complete with ales aplenty and stodgy food on the menu. It's always been quiet enough when I've visited but that's usually when I'm waiting on an early evening train. I'm unsure what this place is like at the weekend but I can imagine it being a lot busier, with functions and whatnot. Seems to attract an older crowd who seek out its own brand of peace and quiet. They offer homemade pies, Sunday roasts, 2 courses for a tenner, and the food is good nosh. Along with catering for my gastro belly, they have a couple of pasta dishes available on their A la Carte menu which will be suitable for vegetarians. Traditional in a modern, pub grub kind of way and certainly more serene than the sometimes uptight Edinburgh cocktail scene, the Doric is great for a meal and a catch up over a few cold ones. read more

The Doric - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

After an entire week of pubs, we were ready for a true meal at a non pub. This place was amazing! It is the oldest Gastropub in Edinburgh. My husband started with the cullen soup which was fabulous and the fish Iordered was cooked perfectly. The service was impeccable and the staff was super attentive. To finish it off, was a decadent sticky toffee pudding. We are still talking about our meal there. read more

The Doric - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The Doric is claimed to be the oldest traditional gastro pub in Edinburgh offering authentic Scottish food. I went for a pint of local Three Hop Lager served in a big mug with a handle. While in Scotland I decided to try the traditional Cullen Skink soup served with a nice tomato foccacha and Haggis Bon Bons. I took those two starters as mains instead, and that was enough to satisfy my hunger. Deep fried haggis balls are worth a try. I've tried haggis before somewhere else, but it wasn't particularly amazing, as the dish is normally served with potato mash and feels quite heavy, whereas here the haggis balls starter portion is just the right size to get the taste and feel you up. The service is nice, I really needed to charge my phone and the bartender was happy to help charge it at the bar. It gets quite busy, therefore better to book in advance to avoid disappointment. read more

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The three course meal is a nice deal, the food was overall solid, but service was lacking. We were hoping to do some more things around the city but the wait time between courses meant we spent over two hours there - almost an hour just waiting for dessert. Flagged a waitress who checked on the dessert but then went on break, so had to check with another waiter, while we watched many parties sit down, eat, and leave. Soup and vegetable gratin were good, fish and chips was meh, and the sticky toffee pudding was pretty amazing...would have been the highlight if we weren't just ready to get up and leave. Would have appreciated if they comped the desserts, or at least ...apologized for the delay? read more

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Delicious food, terrible service. We would have loved to try the toffee pudding or even get a drink refill... but no such luck. read more

The Doric - Fish and Chips - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Rolled up at ~6pm without a reservation for food and drinks. Were seated straight away by friendly staff. Shepherds pie was the best I've ever had and the fish & chips cured a traveling ex-pat of home sickness! Be sure to start with the haggis bon bon and wash the whole experience down with the delicious ice cream dessert! read more

The Doric - Perfect Shepard's pie! - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

The Cullen skink and the Shepard's pie were fabulous. I saw plates with the roast beef special and it looked divine as well. We had outstanding service. Highly recommended! And yes, get the sticky toffee pudding!!! read more

We came to this place for something to eat some Scottish good after the Edinburgh Castle and this place came up with good reviews...and it did not disappoint! My friends and I split the haggis, the shepherds pie, and the fish and chips and I really enjoyed them all. I would have to say I think the haggis may have been my favorite, and it was my first time ever having it, but the shepherds pie was a close second. The service was great and everyone we interacted with working there were very friendly. Definitely worth a try!j read more

The Doric - Fish and chips - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Nice old iconic Scottish bar. It's right next to the Edinburgh Waverly Station and in an area of pubs & shops. We stopped in for a beer & enjoyed the environment. It's nothing spectacular but it's great if you want a pint or two with someone. read more

The Doric - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

I had the shepherd's pie & the OH had the chicken with chorizo & butter bean mash. Really good sized portions & both very tasty. Share a cranachan cheesecake for dessert. Delicious. Friendly, efficient staff/service. read more

The oldest pub in Edinburgh! Like the ambiance and the vibe from the restaurant. The haggis Bon bons were a great introduction to the Scottish comfort food. I had the fish and chips and my husband had the shepherd's pie...it was ok. It wasn't the best but on par with the run of the mill ones I had in England. Don't forget children are not allowed in pubs after 9 pm! The dessert toffee pudding was ok. read more

Delicious entry into the magical food world of Edinburgh. I am so thankful for the delicious food and beer. My first taste of Scotland and will not be my last. read more

I had bookmarked The Doric as a place to check out while I was planning our first trip to Scotland. It just happened to be across the street from Waverly....meaning easy to find, and convenient. I did not realize that you had to have reservations to eat there. I had not seen anything mentioning that online, but they were very accommodating and seated us as soon as was possible I think we waited 10-15 minutes for a table. No big deal. Our meal was fantastic! 9 months later and we still talk about the shrimp and chorizo starter we had. It was one of the best bites we had in Scotland. If I could recreate that dish stateside I would...and have tried. But it was really the bread they served with it that was incredible. Thick crusty bread to sop up the delicious broth of the dish. Hubs had the haggis which was a first, and it was delicious. My fish and chips were tasty...but that shrimp and chorizo dish. I could have just had that for dinner. We shared the sticky toffee pudding for dessert, and again....delicious. In fact, that started a love affair we now have with sticky toffee pudding. The only reason I deducted a star is because at times our server went missing, and even though they accommodated us without a reservation, it took forever to get our food. As though without a reservation you go to the back of the line for everything. Which, may be the case...but it just made for a long drawn out dinner after a day of traveling. read more

I accompanied my husband on a business trip to Edinburgh. We actually were going to eat at another restaurant, but they were packed and wouldn't have any available tables until 9pm. The Doric was close so we went there. They were able to seat us immediately and the service was exemplary! Professional, friendly, knowledgeable, etc. It was all good. Then the food arrived. I had the pork roulade which was so flavorful and delicious. My husband had the haggis and tatti which was perfection. I love dining out in Europe. The Europeans understand that dining out is more than just eating. It's an experience of the taste buds but also a way to connect and converse. Too many American restaurants have gone to the industrial look with no ceilings and concrete floors and you get 6 people in a room and it's too loud for enjoyment of any kind. I sympathize with the staff that has to work in those conditions on a daily basis. And I am American, born and raised. Okay, enough opining. The Doric is classic. A beautiful room with art on the walls and curtains on the windows. Subdued lighting but still able to read the menu. Quiet. You can actually converse with your partner without having to yell across the table. They did have music playing, but it was background volume, definitely not the main act because the food was the star of the show. The presentation was extraordinarily beautiful. I am not a foodie. I don't usually take pictures of my meal, but I did this time. Proportions were ideal and I did not feel bloated after eating, however I had walked 10 miles that day and was ravenous. I had an amber Highlander which was a quality, full bodied beer. Dessert was truffles in whisky with ice cream; again beautifully presented and wonderfully delectable. My husband had chocolate and almond ice cream that was yummy as well. The ice cream is homemade and you can tell; no fake flavor. My vanilla tasted like actual vanilla bean. So creamy, so good. I also had a jasmine green tea afterward. From beginning to end the Doric is a winner. Go there. Eat. Enjoy. You won't regret it. read more

The Doric - Pork roulade with potatoes, turnips and green beans. - Bars Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Great pub in old town Edinburgh! I'd make a reservation. The shepherds pie was absolutely delicious - quite possibly the best I've ever had. My husband tried the haggis & it didn't disappoint!! Reasonable priced, cute atmosphere. Totally recommend. read more

Servers are uber friendly here. Very nice! Here's the quick and dirty. Pros- Delicious haggis bon bons, yummy side salads, the beer and cider selection was GREAT (hello kopparberg!), and the pig's nose whisky was fantastic! Great service. Responsive and chatty servers that can put a smile on your face. Cons- Why was my table so sticky? It needed a good wipe down. Macaroni and cheese was kinda oily...as in the oil wasn't blended well into a creamy cheese. It was kinda separated from the rest. Asparagus was overcooked. Bottom line: I'd come for the drinks and haggis bon bons! read more

Happened in on a Sunday for a drink. Food served upstairs, so there we went. Sunday offers include "roast dinner", which we ordered; and added on the soup of the day (apple/parsnip) and sticky toffee pudding. We also had the Traditional Cullen Shink and roasted trout. Everything was delicious. Service was divine too. read more