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    The Witchery By The Castle

    3.7 (359 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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    Reviews With Photos

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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
    Allison N.

    This is a really lovely restaurant and the food was very good! We came shortly after Christmas after a day of wandering around town. We booked the reservation kind of far in advance because it does get quite busy. We started with the scallops which were really tasty and then ordered the lamb Wellington for two. This was some of the best I've ever had and they had cooked the lamb perfectly! It's also served with sides of spinach and mashed potatoes, which were both very good. The service was prompt and attentive and they even accommodated us a bit early too, which was nice because we were able to head back to our hotel early after a very full day. Would definitely come back for the lamb Wellington!

    Pan fried on the bone sole. Wonderful!
    Steve H.

    This was our second time here. The first being two years ago. So we knew what to expect. What to expect is a great meal, excellent service and a dark and unique space. My wife started with the shellfish bisque and it was spectacular. Thick. Then when the Gruyère was added, dang! Cheesy thickness. When you added some of the garlicky rouille to the toast and dipped? An absolutely wonderful bite. I started with the oysters on the half shell. Super fresh. I had them with both the Bloody Mary and mignonette. Perfect. Mains were for me the pan fried sole topped with a dollop of caviar. Perfect cook. Silky smooth sauce with lemon and capers. I had mine served on the bone. You can opt for boneless if you wish. Delicate and flaky. Delicious. It came with no side, so I added the new season potatoes. Those were cooked well, but lacked seasoning. My wife ordered the aged scotch beef tartare. Wonderful. The egg yolk added needed richness. It needs to come with more than one toastette though. It also came with chips (fries) and a salad that wasn't really necessary. Dark chocolate torte to finish. A great way to end. A great meal (you do pay a premium) excellent service. Great space. The pros definitely outweigh the cons. So if we get back to Edinburgh, we will stop back in!

    Smoked trout
    Susanne M.

    On a weekday the week of March 17, 2025, I was walking past The Witchery around 2 p.m. and decided to see if I could get a seat. I was able to walk in and get a table for myself since it's not the "season". Everyone else has described the lovely interior and such, so I won't go into great detail. I ordered the two-course lunch and started with the smoked trout, which was out of this world, if small in size. I then had the Scotch beef, which was a very rare and tiny portion, making me wish I had taken the fish pie which I had been informed (but ignored) was a larger helping. In addition to my lunch, I had a glass of wine and some dessert, although the latter was apparently so unremarkable that I cannot remember what it was. The gentleman who checked me in and brought me to my table also ended up being the person to take my order. He was very kind, and was able to answer all my questions about the food, the restaurant, etc. My food was brought by a man in a suit who was also very kind and checked in on me a couple times. A different man in a suit brought my change so that I could tip. A woman was at the check-in when I left, and despite my very friendly "goodbye" she didn't give me the time of day. There was no one else standing there, so I guess she thought I was lucky to have dined there. I do despise that kind of attitude. I ate at many restaurants and pubs while I was in Edinburgh that week, and no one had given me that kind of attitude. I'll admit that I got the impression that the staff are told to be very reserved around guests. The restroom has tiny stalls. There is room for bigger stalls, but the stalls require an act of yoga to close the door and sit. It was a very nice experience, but I don't need to go back. Yelp doesn't allow for half stars, so this restaurant got averaged up half a star.

    Oysters

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    20 days ago

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

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    7 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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    The Witchery has such an amazing ambiance and dining experience. Wonderful service and food. Highly recommend

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    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(633 reviews)
    0.2 miOld Town, Royal Mile
    ££

    Just an awesome, rockin' final meal in Edinburgh - fantastic food, good service and energized local…read morevibe! Absolute must to get reservations! We tried on our first week in Edinburgh and failed, but were able to make reservations 3 weeks out for our last night in Scotland, and we are glad we did. Pork cracklins were a bit hard and crunchy, but everything else was perfect. We had fresh bread and langostinis for starters, along with a smokey whiskey cocktail, the Smoked Indiscretion! For mains we enjoyed the poached Cod, and the Pork with Barley. Service was very good, and wine selection was extensive. Atmosphere was loud with music and locals' chatter in the bar below, but dark tables and heavy wood panels made it a perfect place for a couple celebrating 3 weeks of travel. Highly recommend a visit to the Devil's Advocate, if you can book a table in advance.

    Great drinks and a killer location. We got a cheeseboard that was actually quite nice and large,…read morewhich we were very pleased with. The one weird thing -- we were unsure when we arrived how hungry we would be, and the menu is a bit limited. We decided to order just the cheese board and see where we were after that. We were told that once we placed an order, we would not be permitted to put in any more food due to a "small kitchen." I have never heard this rule worded in quite this way. I have been to places that prefer you place everything at once, but not that you would absolutely not be allowed to order more food if you found yourself hungry. We witnessed another table leave because of this rule. The server communicated this rule quite gruffly. The restaurant was also not very busy at all, so couldn't have been crowding concerns. I would definetly recommend for drinks and apps, but, for dinner, perhaps elsewhere.

    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.

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

    Makars Gourmet Mash Bar

    4.8(527 reviews)
    0.1 miOld Town, Royal Mile
    ££

    I was a solo traveler so I did not make a reservation and just stood outside for opening for…read moredinner! I was able to put in my name and about 45 min later I got in. It is like the bar sitting area in a small room but it is perfect. Nicely decorated and cozy. The server and receptionist are both very friendly! I ordered lamb shank with bacon green onion mashed potatoes and an elder flower cider! It did not take too long for the food to show up and I did not have lunch so this was perfect and just right to the spot! Lamb shank was soft and tender and full of flavors! It was so so good. Mash potatoes is also very yummy and flavorful! The elder flower cider is very floral and I really like that!

    We were a group of 6 and waiting time was less than an hour on a busy Monday at 2pm. Notification…read morewas via text or through a link which you can monitor your table's availability. We had a lovely meal here at Makars Mash Bar (technically called The Makar's Rest) We ordered the following: - Coke & Ginger Kombucha - Free Range Gourmet Scotch Egg (deliciousness to share and a great way to begin a meal) - Home Grown Lion's Mane pan-fried bites, served with vegan aioli wasn't a hit with the group but I really liked it. - Slow Cooked Lamb (rich and full of flavor) - Crown Of Slow Cooked Beef Shoulder (incredibly tender and literally fell apart) - Makars Wild Boar Sausage With Beef Dripping Gravy (got a bite in and it didn't taste gamey) - Sides of Black pudding mash and Scottish cheddar cheese & onion mash which we really enjoyed. - Sticky Toffee Pudding was a perfect end to the meal. Great comfort food, generous portions, and a really enjoyable experience overall. Would definitely recommend. Atmosphere outside in the chilly air was a challenge at first. Outdoor heaters would have been a plus. At least we were seated.

    Photos
    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(115 reviews)
    0.4 miNew Town
    ££

    Bar staff friendly and timely. Carrie (bartender) served us 2 nights in a row. So good we came back…read more2 time on our two night stay. Didn't wait long for drink in a very busy bar. Food was also good, veg were perfectly warmed, not over seasoned and crisp. Exactly how I like them. Food was a Lil pricey. But a great experience overall. Highly recommend.

    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.

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    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.

    Photos
    Pibroch Scottish Restaurant
    Pibroch Scottish Restaurant
    Pibroch Scottish Restaurant

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    The Witchery By The Castle - british - Updated June 2026

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