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    The Witchery By The Castle

    3.7 (365 reviews)
    PriceyBritish, Scottish
    Closed 12:00 pm - 4:00 PM, 6:30 PM - 11:30 PM

    The Witchery By The Castle Photos

    THE WITCHERY BY THE CASTLE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

    Recommended Reviews - The Witchery By The Castle

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    Christine M.

    The Witchery is a must visit in Edinburgh. Pro tip: plan lunch after visiting Edinburgh Castle because you'll definitely have an appetite. Our party all opted for the lunch menu, and everything was absolutely delicious. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was moody, and the setting was beautiful. Highly recommend.

    Hallway with the restrooms. Very striking.
    Nicholas H.

    I went to The Witchery for both lunch and dinner, once in the original dining room and once in their secret garden dining area. Neither dining area is overly large, so you'll definitely want a reservation rather than relying on luck to get a seat. The original dining area has the ancient building feel to it, with loads of tiny details to find in the walls and ceilings. The secret garden had higher ceilings, with lots of flowers and a view out of the windows. Both had a really great atmosphere, though my preference was the secret garden. The service really carries the day here. Everyone is very attentive and warm, and you're able to discuss the building with some of them if you're interested in the history of the place too. The menu has a variety to it, but it's not too extensive. Interestingly, the smoked butter at lunch was very smoky, but more balanced at dinner. For lunch I had the pea veloute, beef rump, and cheese plate. For dinner, the lobster bisque, cote de boufe, and lime and rhubarb cheesecake. The pea veloute was fresh pea forward! That might seem an obvious statement, but I mean it was like getting all the pea flavor but in a clean, undiluted broth. The beef rump was fine, cooked right and served with a butter that had a vegetal quality to it. I could have appreciated a couple more ounces of it, but I recognize it was on the lunch menu. The cheese really surprised me because the creamy crumbly texture suggested 1-3 years aging but the staff said 2-4 months. The lobster bisque was mostly a disappointment. Merely a tomato soup with a hint of smoke flavor, the jewel was the piece of lobster in the middle of the bowl. One chunk of succulent lobster does not a lobster bisque make. The cote de beouf, however, was a highlight of the day. Well seasoned, good portions, and an au jus that I could only wish was served with the lunch beef. Truffle mash and beans with shallots come with the beouf, but I was able to substitute one of the servings of mash with some new potatoes. I did appreciate that the truffle mash i isn't overly truffle forward, just enough to get the flavor without assaulting you. Lastly, the cheesecake may be a tiny portion, but serves the purpose of bringing the citrus, tart palate cleanse you would want at the end of a meal. Overall, whether you live in, or visit Edinburgh, I can say that a meal at The Witchery is not going to be a waste of your time, and is a good opportunity to button up for a meal that won't break your bank but will still deliver a quality experience.

    Our anniversary desserts
    Shannon Y.

    The original dining room was amazing to experience. We made reservations well in advance for our anniversary to secure a table. The food was excellent and the service was everything we expected. We enjoyed the beef for 2 which was perfect portions for both of us. We also had the mousse and the cheese cake. I highly recommend it if you are looking for something special.

    Witchery Haggis
    Francine G.

    Lovely afternoon tea spread complete with unlimited tea refills! They let you try 2 different types of tea which is nice if you're undecided. It is a little on the pricey side but for what you're getting and the aesthetic, it's worth it. You can upgrade to a glass of champagne if you'd like for an additional cost. Service was alright.

    Lobster. I think all that was left on the plate was the lemon. Maybe.
    Elizabeth S.

    We were attending the Fringe Festival so felt lucky we got a reservation at all, although we had hoped for the terrace seating. Inside was as others have described it -- deep brown wood, low ceilings and doorways. Cozy, historic, just wonderful -- as was our server. Our reservation was for lunch, and so we didn't really order that much food! My partner had the lobster, and I'm pretty sure she ate the shell. I had the burrata salad, which was creamy, fresh and delicious. We were too full for dessert, but they brought over small lemon meringue tarts. As others have shared, they do charge for everything -- including bread. I don't recall being charged for tap water, but I wouldn't be surprised if that were the practice. But the food quality and flavor really made those minor things worth a visit.

    Wine
    Paulette C.

    We were advised to make reservations in April for our dinner in August. I read reviews and couldn't believe the reviews were correct in that they charge for still water!!!! I heard the other tables complain and even gave the other table their leftover water We knew this and just decided one night for a great expensive dinner would be worth it. We were definitely correct. We all ordered the salmon which melted in my mouth! We ordered rolls which they charge per person. The butter is WONDERFUL! We ordered a side of cheesy cauliflower and it was also delicious. The staff, ambience and food was a great way to spend our night before visiting The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Event.

    Dark Belgian Chocolate Tart, Orange Marmalade Ice Cream
    Anna W.

    Our dinner at The Witchey was beyond expectations. Our server Straun was an outstanding server, so knowledgeable about the menu and gave us above and beyond service. He really made our dining memorable! My husband said it was the best fillet he's ever had. And my sole was so flavorful, I hadn't had this type of fish before and I was beyond impressed. As a dessert lover, you can't skip the desserts, the chocolate torte was the best treat I had my whole holiday. A beautiful establishment with a wonderful atmosphere. I hope one day we can come back.

    Juvi G.

    The ambiance alone is worth the five stars. The interior is a gorgeous piece of rustic flare complete with beautifully-decorated wooden walls, accented with tasteful faux foliage, and red velvet tablecloths. The staff is friendly and as professional as you would expect to find in any fine dining restaurant. The menu offers different selections throughout the day, but if you play your cards right, you'll start off the day at the Edinburgh Castle right next door and reserve a space here for an early dinner. The prices will be higher than most other establishments in the area, but trust me the experience is worth it. In case you're interested, I got the Beef Tartare - uncooked beef - which comes with the most delicious chips / fries I've tasted yet, (and I'm American), and a simple salad to round it all out. They have an extensive wine list, but the cocktails leave a bit to be desired. While whiskey-heavy, the balance just doesn't seem to be there. If any place is worth the splurge in Edinburgh, this is it.

    Seafood pie had alot of delicious fish
    Katie N.

    The restaurant is located near Edinburgh Castle. The ambiance is elegant, with a dark and beautiful atmosphere. It's an expensive restaurant, known for being upscale and fancy. Be aware that they charge for tap water. We chose the light lunch menu, which was a 2-course meal for 34 pounds. The food tastes great, but the portions are small. The staff is attentive, professional, and kind. I recommend making a reservation, although we managed a walk-in. Overall, visit for the beautiful ambiance. The restaurant is highly regarded with quality food, but I don't think it's worth the cost for the portion size.

    Halibut
    Tara C.

    We weren't planning on eating here, but we heard about the unique environment and the delicious food. We decided to try our luck. Thankfully, there was an opening. I love that they take you coat at the hostess stand. The ambiance in the original dining room was dark and cozy and the staff was a little stuffy and snobby. The halibut was pure perfection. It was was so tender and the sauce was amazing. I could done without the sea help style garnish beneath the halibut. I also got the truffle mash, which were good, but they were just a little bit dry and starchy. My spouse got the filet which was good but not worth the price. It was worth the experience and I'm glad we ate here, but next time I'd like to dine in the garden room.

    Shellfish bisque
    Jessica W.

    Very popular spot due to the location being right near the castle so absolutely make a reservation if you're interested. It is an upscale dining experience, including an asterisk on the menu noting that each patron must order at least one item from the 'mains' section so come hungry! As noted in most of the reviews, the interior of the restaurant is quite beautiful and elegant. The Baragoule of Mammola Artichoke didn't blow me away but between the shellfish bisque, burrata, North Sea halibut, ambiance and service, the the overall dining experience was very memorable!

    Danny G.

    The Witchery really is a beautiful spot for a fancy dinner in old town Edinburgh. It is a classy dark and dim spot to have dinner. The service was solid, the menu is simple and the setup inside. The scallops were great. The drinks were fun and memorable as well. I would definitely get a reservation in the original dining room for the ambiance. The prices are fair but if you are going for a fancy dinner then it won't matter what you are going to spend but be prepared for a little sticker shock. It is also right next to the scotch experience if you want to get your tour and a before drink dinner in that way as well.

    Ambiance

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    2 months ago

    Excellent food, great and attentive servers with a fantastic wine list and spirits. Cosy and comfortable ambiance

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    9 months ago

    My kind of ambiance! Very gothic, chic, and delicious food. A bit on the pricey side, but it's worth it.

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    Page 1 of 10

    The Witchery By The Castle Reviews in Other Languages

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    The Devil's Advocate - Smoked fish plate

    The Devil's Advocate

    4.3(640 reviews)
    0.2 miOld Town, Royal Mile
    ££

    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.

    After seeing the high reviews on Yelp, I decided to make a reservation for this restaurant. We…read moretrekked up the steps of Advocate's Close to get there. When we arrived at noon (opening time), the restaurant wasn't too busy. There is an impressive bar downstairs with many whiskies. We were led upstairs to the dining area. There is outdoor dining too that would be nice if the weather was warmer. Cool vibe, but it is kind of dark inside the stone walls. The menu is Scottish-focused with seasonal ingredients. We didn't want to overeat, so we decided to share a starter and a main. We got the Scottish venison fritters, which were ok. We enjoyed the pappardelle pasta (roast pumpkin and pecorino sauce, wild mushrooms, spinach, bacon and poppy seed crumb, crispy sage). It was flavorful and didn't feel too heavy. Staff were friendly and it was an enjoyable lunch.

    Photos
    The Devil's Advocate - Whiskey flight tastings

    Whiskey flight tastings

    The Devil's Advocate - Fish Filet

    Fish Filet

    The Devil's Advocate - Double Shot with Dalmore 12, kahula, espresso shot, and Demerara.

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

    Howies - Ribeye

    Howies

    4.2(224 reviews)
    0.1 miOld Town
    £££

    Such a friendly and beautifully set restaurant. The food is picturesque and top notch. Everything…read morewe had, from the large portions of bread paired with roasted red pepper humus to the flaky and flavorful cod, was exceptional. The wait staff is helpful as well as friendly. They prepared a table for us even amidst a packed house. Know that this is not just a restaurant, it's a date night restaurant. We brought the kids, which was perfectly okay, but the setting and price is more date night worthy. This place is terrific! Enjoy!

    Howie's was our first dinner stop on our first day in Scotland. I wanted a nice restaurant that had…read morea vegetarian version of haggis (so I could dive right in...), and we had made a reservation weeks in advance of our trip. All good! This Howie's location is on Victoria Street (one of the most photographed streets in the world and the visual influence for Harry Potter's Diagon Alley...it's a few minutes' walk from the center of the Royal Mile, so the location is fantastic. Our reservation was on the early side, and the host made a point of telling us a couple of times that they'd need the table back after a certain period of time. We don't really dwell for hours in restaurants, so that note is not something we really needed, and after seeing it in the reservation confirmation, as well as being told twice by the host, there was a little bit of a feeling that the entire purpose of us being at Howie's was to get out as soon as possible so they can have the table back. Besides that tone-setter, the service and food were fantastic. Our server took a lot of time going through the options with us...she gave me a good perspective on the vegetarian haggis I was getting to help me contextualize its flavor and texture with the real thing, and was very nice! The asparagus and pea risotto I had was also beautiful and had good flavor. As a vegetarian, I appreciated that the menu had everything labeled with dietary restrictions. (which seems to be more of a standard in the U.K. than in the U.S., but this was our first dinner stop in the country, so it's worth noting.) Howie's gave us a good introduction to Scottish cuisine. Its location couldn't have been better, and our server was aces. I hope we gave the table back in time to not cause a panic. ;)

    Photos
    Howies - Beautiful bar

    Beautiful bar

    Howies - Lobster 1/2

    Lobster 1/2

    Howies - Mussels appetizer

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    Mussels appetizer

    Makars Gourmet Mash Bar - Crown Of Slow Cooked Beef Shoulder With A Rich Horseradish Infused Gravy

    Makars Gourmet Mash Bar

    4.8(539 reviews)
    0.1 miOld Town, Royal Mile
    ££

    When you think Scottish food, you don't think "gourmet."…read more In fact, if you're the average person you probably don't have have even a conceptual idea of what the food is like other than similar to English food. You wouldn't be wrong, but also not the greatest of reputations. Then a place like Makars stands up and says "We can be Scottish and delicious" and the result is a humble restaurant in old town dishing out quality comfort food. I wish I had come here hungover. It's one of those places where everything on the menu seems to be aimed at reviving a wounded tourist. For most people the people will consist of a meat of your choice on top of a mash potatoes of your choice. All of the options looked awesome. I was just coming from an 11 hour flight, so I didn't get too crazy. I pulled trigger on a pork over bacon mash and it did not miss. The meat was exceptionally fall off the bone tender and the mash potatoes were flavorful and complimented the meat perfectly. One bit of advice - the portions are big so either come hungry or consider splitting an entree. I'd feel confident recommending this place to anyone who thinks that the Scots can't cook. It'll prove them wrong.

    Having tried unsuccessfully to make a reservation before arriving in Edinburgh, we instead used the…read morewalk-in line, where they take your phone number, give you a wait time and text when your table is ready. Very convenient. The decor is somewhat industrial, probably because of the AC ductwork. Much appreciated during a warm spell in July! Staff were all welcoming and friendly. Service was great! Food came out of the kitchen quickly. It's all about the mash, but the meats stole the show! The lamb shank was large, meaty and complimented by the cheddar potatoes. We thoroughly enjoyed the juicy pork shank with applewood smoked cheddar mash. In addition we sampled the savory beef shoulder with horseradish mash as well as the Lions Mane mushrooms topped with rocket (arugula.) Each was satisfying and full of delicious flavors. Definitely worth the wait!

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    Makars Gourmet Mash Bar - Downstairs inside the restaurant

    Downstairs inside the restaurant

    Makars Gourmet Mash Bar - Homemade Free Range Gourmet Scotch Egg

    Homemade Free Range Gourmet Scotch Egg

    Makars Gourmet Mash Bar - Makars Wild Boar Sausage With Beef Dripping Gravy

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    Makars Wild Boar Sausage With Beef Dripping Gravy

    Queens Arms

    Queens Arms

    4.4(116 reviews)
    0.4 miNew Town
    ££

    Came here on our first night in town on the strength of the Yelp reviews and were not disappointed…read more We enjoyed a fantastic Sunday roast including a delicious pavlova for dessert. The kids meal of mac and cheese and fries was perfect for our picky little eater, though big enough for at least two!

    Out of all the places I've been to in Scotland, I think Queens Arms was one of my favorites…read more We had reservations for this place recently and when I took one step inside, I was already in love. I mean who doesn't love a good pub? You get great drinks and great food at an affordable price. As I write it makes me think of think of when Zidane reunites with Freya in FF9. Sometimes we don't wanna eat at fancy Michelin restaurant that has small plates but charges a premium. Sometimes we just wanna cut all the BS and just get a nice hearty meal. And thats what we got. When we sat down we found out that they were doing a Trivia night. Normally I would have told my girl to pick another spot to eat but for some reason I was cool with it. There was even a table nearby with kids(yuck). And you know what? It was fine. That's because we had been sipping on some amazing cocktails. If you also partake, Gin and Mezcal enjoyers will love the Bramble and Hibiscus Crush. What color are Luigi's overalls from Super Mario? That's such an easy question. Wait...what do you mean Luigi's overalls are blue? They are green. Look at this picture onli...Oh... One of the stars of our meal was the Haggis. This was the first time I had ever tried it and after trying it at multiple places Scotland, Queens Arms I feel has done it the best. I love the complexity of the flavors of the meat with the creamy and pepper flavors of the peppercorn sauce. If you've never had Haggis, you definitely have to try it here. The best part is that it comes with mashed potatoes too! Shoutouts to the Fish and Chips if you are also into that. One of my friends ordered that and I definitely had to go back in for multiple bites. Finally the roast. The Sunday Roast should just be an automatic order if you happen to come here on a Sunday. You get so much food and it's all so damn tasty. They'll cook a roast to whatever doneness your heart desires. We went with Medium Rare and it came out perfectly. If you didn't have enough flavors with all the extra sides it comes with, they also give you gravy to pour on anything you want. Thanksgiving basically came early this night. But as I looked around and admired all the bookshelf's and all the families have a nice dinner with their loved ones, I just thought about how happy I was. I was finally here! This was the start of my trip. Queens Arms has set a high ceiling on great experiences in Scotland. We even went back there a couple of days ago just because we knew we would be able to end the night on a good drink. But in the end I think if you are Edinburgh, you have to come to this place. It is one of my favorite experiences I've had in Scotland so far and I dream about when I can come back again.

    Photos
    Queens Arms
    Queens Arms
    Queens Arms - Wellington upfront and Mac and Cheese in the back

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    Wellington upfront and Mac and Cheese in the back

    Pibroch Scottish Restaurant

    Pibroch Scottish Restaurant

    4.2(16 reviews)
    0.5 miOld Town

    The partner-in-dine and I were staying close to Pibroch and decided to book a table for dinner on a…read moreSunday evening. We made our booking the night before and were pleased that we could be accommodated. We were seated promptly next to a window where we could pass the time waiting for our food by looking at the passers-by and cars. But we didn't have to wait long. The appetizers came out quickly. I got the Cullen Skink, a Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and leeks in a creamy broth. My partner-in-dine chose the Pibroch Haggis Parcels with Red Wine Plum Sauce. We were both happy with our appetizers. For our mains, I had the Haggis, Neeps and Tatties while my partner-in-dine went for the Roast Duck. We were again elated with our choices. Every dish was wonderfully presented and tantalizingly delish. Definitely recommendation-worthy!

    I told myself I wasn't going to try the haggis, but what did I do? I tried the haggis. I'm glad I…read moredid. The wait staff there are extremely attentive, friendly, and willing to answer any questions. Our party started off with the haggis parcels in a red wine plum sauce as an appetizer. The haggis was encased in filo dough. It was delicious. I went with the salmon, because Scotland has the best salmon in the world, so I've been told. This salmon was exceptional. I enjoyed the crispiness on the top of the salmon and the potatoes and broccoli accompanied the dish perfectly. I didn't care for the tomato sauce, and just ate around that. If you want authentic Scottish food, and friendly service, try this place out. They are also wheelchair accessible, as they have a ramp to guide you in the door.

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    Pibroch Scottish Restaurant
    Pibroch Scottish Restaurant
    Pibroch Scottish Restaurant

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    The Witchery By The Castle - british - Updated August 2026

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