Cafe Royal in Edinburgh, City of

Excellent service from the waiters who are very friendly 😍 The atmosphere of the place is beautiful, authentic, classic and glamorous! ✨ The food, very good. Typical local flavors. 👍

This was the only bad experience I’ve had in Edinburgh. The place looks great, but that’s about it. The service was slow, the food was mediocre, and the prices were far too high for what you get. They don’t offer takeaway containers, so half my meal went to waste. For a place trying to be upscale, they completely miss the mark. I wouldn’t go back.

We almost left before we were even seated. The entrance was confusing, and no one greeted or helped us for several minutes, we just stood there while staff passed by without saying a word. Eventually, we were seated, but honestly, the experience didn’t improve much. The food was underwhelming, and nothing about the service made up for the rough start. Wouldn’t recommend, especially with so many better options in Edinburgh.

Great place to hang out. Lots of varied folk kicking about and good music and bars.

Amazing lunch last week. Wine a bit expensive but your paying for the atmosphere & surroundings. Staff very attentive.

We arrived yesterday for our booking at 11am prompt with doors half open when we tried to access it a rude female member of staff said the other member of staff wasn’t in yet and slammed the door in mine and my mothers face we decided everyone has bad days and we’re going to wait when the second member of staff arrived moments later the door yet again was slammed shut in our faces . If you don’t want to work with the public then don’t . This is not a cheap establishment and to treat customers like that is not appropriate I’m currently heavily pregnant and my mother is elderly and to assume we were going to be okay with having a door slammed in our face and to be made to wait on a street which is going through a lot of works is absurd . Thankfully we went around the corner to gleneagles town house and the service was superb and a fantastic champagne service . Skip cafe royal go to gleneagles if you want a truly exceptional service !

Always a great experience. The barman was really friendly, attentive and very efficient. Made an excellent Bloody Mary! We had some bar snacks which were delicious.

They make sublime food and desserts, have good drinks, and the young waiter on the desk is excepcional. So good experience from a Spanish food lover.

A trip to Edinburgh has always included the Cafe Royal and has been great (6 or so times). Today did not come up to scratch, one very hard working staff member was left to his own, which meant the oysters were slow, it was an hour before our starter arrived and the scallops didn’t sing, one steak was rare not medium not great for a rib eye. The signs were there from the start, dirty table and a tatty menu. The steak was comped but we left sad and underwhelmed. Shame, but I don’t think we shall return. End of an era for us.

Food was not good at all, fish was burnt and monkfish curry was tough and tasteless, quite disappointed, there was also no mussels as they had ran out.

Cafe Royal is a must-visit in Edinburgh. Great food, drink, and service, all served up in an exceptional setting. Parisian bistro, oyster bar, Victorian tiling, aisle bar, stunning art, and customers all enjoying the experience. Forget the castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street, if you really want to experience Edinburgh , visit Cafe Royal...

Fantastic food. Half a dozen oyster- fresh and large. Tempura soft crab - perfectly combined with kimchi and avocado. All paired with a Picpoul de Pinet. Superb service

On holidays in Scotland for a week. Definitely the best meal of the week. Loved the mix of pub/oyster bar. The food was an absolute treat and the service second to none. Thanks guys. See you on my next trip to beautiful Edinburgh 😊

Walked in as 2 senior citizens with our granddaughter a mature 16yr old. We gave our drinks Oder to be told very abruptly that they couldn’t serve us due to age of granddaughter. We know rules have to be followed however manners and politeness cost nothing.

Vinimos a tomar una copa, compré un vino tinto y la esposa un vodka y coca-cola. 60 Estaba conmocionado. Si vas al lado a tomar una copa cuesta £ 6. 50 más barato

excellent. in a typical…and historic pub.

Great food in a beautiful room with good service.

As described, this is Edinburgh’s hidden gem! We stayed literally just around the corner and only found it by mistake down what looks like an alleyway. Stunning Victorian showcase that feels like it hasn’t changed (obviously it meets all modern H&S standards). Very pleasant and professional service throughout - great staff - and the fresh oysters, champagne, Bloody Marys were fantastic. Mains of house specials - fish stew and fish pie - both delicious and freh, whilst the tonka bean and bramble dessert was lovely, genuinely a taste to remember. Will definitely be back. Unique and delightful experience.

Friday 14th Feb 2025 early afternoon..just had the worst pint of Guinness in edinburgh our capital city..it was terrible very small head and not even in a Guinness glass which by the way is an absolute must and was charged around £9 for the privilege...my wonderful city edinburge... SHAME ON YOU 😡

The Cafe Royal was our 17th stop in a tour of over 18 pubs around Edinburgh. Here we sampled 1/2 of a Reiver and 1/2 of a brewhouse special. Halves because we had been touring quite a few pubs. The inside of the Cafe Royal was amazing with the woodwork, Ornate gilting and paintings perfectly suited to the atmosphere.

A must when in Edinburgh!! Great food and fabulous choice of beers & drinks 🍸 👍🍷

We loved this spot! We will definitely be visiting again. Great atmosphere, friendly staff, and the food was delicious.

I had a cocktail with oysters but I didn't like it. So I had a beer but it wasn't super cold. I will return there for the setting but not the drinks.

Wonderful atmosphere and a great selection of drinks.

Food was delicious and service was very professional! Brilliant restaurant

Informed no shellfish available on arrival. Haggis hash was nice. Fish pie was limited to mainly prawns and fish and chips disappointing. Beautiful decor, polite and efficient staff. 6.45pm reservation where unfortunately restaurant was quite hence lacked atmosphere.

Absolutely stunning decor. It's simply beautiful. Service should be improved. You walk through the doors and staff does their best to ignore each and everyone of you. I get that you might be busy but come one. A smile goes a long way. Even with a reservation it wasn't a nice experience. The Italian gentleman at the restaurant never smiled in his life, he won't make an exception for you. Luckily the waitress at the restaurant was nicer. Food was beautiful though. I would comeback but would know that the decor and the food makes the place. Not the staff

Second time I've been here while visiting Edinburgh. I enjoy the atmosphere very much. Great and we'll run bar.

Just popped in as I had not been there for a while.

Great place to meet up for a pint, loved the ambience of the place.

Nice bar, it's quite retro, great vibe 👌

Great pub to visit when in Edinburgh.. Food and atmosphere is amazing

We popped in as a group of 6 for a few drinks. A great spot, very traditional pub with high ceilings and oak furnishing with a good atmosphere. It's a bit tight on space for seating if there's more than 4 of u but u make it work

They don’t accept children…tragic…what a shame!!!

Great atmospher, band (Soul Foundation), performers and staff.

A cracking little pub and restaurant tucked away behind Princes Street, Edinburgh. Great decor showing off the age of the pub and also a distinctive design defying time. I was told about the cafe Royal by a friend. A big thankyou goes out to him. Last Xmas I dined in the adjoining restaurant and the food was excellent. So be it just a drink or full-blown dinner. If you are in Edinburgh, it needs to be the Cafe Royal. Re-visited today and everything was great until I was served a cold main course. Sadly, it was meant to be hot.!! Things were put right I enjoyed my meal and my surroundings.

Nice place. Drinks good. Prices quite high about 15 per cent above any other surrounding or on par Edinburgh places

Entorno encantador, bonita decoración. Personal atento. Excelente comida. Tenía el plato de mariscos... no necesitaba nada más para comer, un plato increíble. Los amigos tenían huevos escoceses, vieiras, bistec, pastel de pescado, curry, además de pudines. Todo muy disfrutado. Era Nochevieja... no nos sentimos apresurados... pudimos tomarnos nuestro tiempo con cada curso. Recomendado.

Ostriche buonissime e con il prezzo migliore trovati a Edimburgo, location bellissima servizio ottimo, assolutamente consigliato

Wonderful atmosphere. Such history, but with modern classic styling. Brilliant service. Super fresh seafood- Oysters were total class! Our lovely server Florentina was 20/10!

Nel Caffè Royal si respira aria di altri tempi. Cucina sia di carne che di pesce tutto molto buono e pesce fresco. Buon rapporto qualità prezzo

Excellent classy pub! Good selection of hoppy drinks and Edinburgh ciders. Prices are Scottish high, but what do you expect... but the shop shines with a really cool flair. And I don't even want to get started on the separate oyster lounge - how much style can something have?!

We booked the Cafe Royal for a private event before my daughter’s wedding . We had a magical evening in an iconic venue … the staff were charming and accommodating . The food was excellent and plentiful … and the Cafe Royal put on a whisky tasting session which added to the magic of the evening . A big thank you to the team at Cafe Royal

What a fantastic spot for Christmas Day lunch. Staff were magnificent, and the food was out of this world. We'll be back again, no doubt. Thoroughly recommend this 0lace to visit if you are in Edinburgh.

It's a beautiful building, always packed because it's a great place.

The building it's beautiful inside but prices are way to high for the quality they are offering.

Very beautiful place, with a magnificent “Oyster Bar” restaurant (decorated ceilings, stained glass windows, woodwork) and very warm. The food is excellent, fresh and local produce, very well prepared Scottish specialties. The only downside was the service, a little slow and disjointed: placed at a table behind the bar, we were a little forgotten.

Superb. Parisian style in Edinburgh. Great , great bar. Really well appointed, unique and stylish decor celebrating pioneers in scientific and technological advances. Oyster bar is brilliant. Superb food and service. Very highly recommended. Come here.

Amazing fresh oysters and great service!

Food was good, atmosphere was lovely however the service was very poor. I expected so much more of a nice restaurant with a 12.5% service charge….wont be returning any time soon. Got the seafood platter which was lovely minus the crab..not very tasty & the hot oysters of the day.

Fantastic service in a really personal setting. Creative spins on quality dishes. Will 100% be returning!

Love the Cafe Royal - always a wonderful atmosphere…..lots of good foo, nice whisky and Bloody Mary’s …just wish the cask ale was bette kept

As with most things if you get 5 star food and service you get a fiver star bill. My only negative about this place was that I was not allowed to use my discretion for the tip. The included @12.5% on a large bill is just over the top for a couple who had staff visit the table only 4 times. Otherwise if you don't mind what tip you pay or how much the wine price is inflated, this place is fabulous. I was asked if we were celebrating anything when we booked, I informed them it was our wedding anniversary but there was no acknowledgement or reference to it, disappointed, but not surprised.

1st time a bn there a soo loved it amazing

It's definitely a must visit, a traditional bar/oyster bar with a lovely atmosphere, period decor. We didn't eat there but famous for its oysters.

A lovely decorative pub with an oyster bar.

Lovely bar, with great decor. Pricey cocktails at £14 but in the city centre I suppose. Only had drinks this time, but will return for food another time, worth a visit.

Me and my partner had the sirloin sandwich and shared some muscles, the sandwich was perfect. The muscles broth could of been a little richer. But apart from that everything else was perfect. Can't wait to revist.

Stopped in for drinks on the way to the train station 🚉 🙃

No big deal. I wouldn't recommend it either for experience…

🐏This place is an ideal pub that attracts good regulars and attentive staff. A late lunch in here with an upscale take on Scottish food is highly recommend. I stop in here every other year or so for a plate of oysters and a good conversation.

Great food and a beautiful building

Magnificent and sumptuous surroundings. Very much enjoyed the 80 shilling beer.

It was busy when we went around 17:45. We were lucky to find a table where we could sit. We ate fish and chips and hamburgers, they were quite delicious. We drank the recommended local beer, it was enjoyable. It was a place with a very enjoyable atmosphere, preferred by both locals and tourists. It was much more crowded after 18:30. It may be difficult to find a place to sit at those hours.

Always a great experience here. Met aome lovely football fans from Dundee United.

Lively, historic boozer in the centre of Edinburgh.

Definitely one of my favourite pubs in Edinburgh. There's a great selection of Scottish cask and keg beers which are really well kept. The atmosphere is great too.

Very poor atmosphere because of noise including music from the bar - sorry but we won’t be back to eat: We know the Cafe Royal over many years but this was the first time in the Oyster Bar. The food was fantastic and the service excellent. I know fine that the partition between restaurant and bar has never been up to the ceiling. The atmosphere was absolutely ruined by music being played in the bar, at relatively high volume. Of course, this caused punters to talk much louder.

Delicious food, fantastic service, beautiful old building and decor

Over priced trap 1x soft drink & 1x Lager cost 13.10

Beautiful place with good cuisine. The staff is very friendly!

Excellent bar great drinks available and staff very friendly and helpful beautiful bar and interior well worth visiting

First visit to Cafe Royal Really lovely atmosphere. Food was delicious. We had a memorable evening. Thanks.

Very nice interior. Nice service. Food was ok. Good beer.

Stunning surroundings, just go visit.

One of the best pubs ever visited. Great service, top class interior and matching atmosphere. Huge choice of all sorts of drinks. Oysters, scallops and stake of excellent quality. Do not forget Chariots of Fire!!!

What a fantastic place. Came here unexpectedly for dinner as the Guilford Arms next door let us down and I'm very glad they did. Amazing dinner and drinks. Great atmosphere. Can't wait to go back.

Great spot with delicious oysters and an impressive whiskey selection! Perfect for seafood lovers and whiskey enthusiasts alike.

Very good food, great service, fantastic rooms.

Great pub with a huge selection of beers and drinks, building décor is amazing. Very very busy for a drink, not sure for dining but booking would probably be advised

Super friendly service even with it being a busy Saturday night

Great bar with good vibes. Great cocktails and something for everyone. Would recommend for drinks with family or friends.

Busy city pub with a reputation for good food. I was just in for drinks with friends. There are plenty of choices of gins, Centre of Edinburgh bar prices, unfortunately! Very busy on a Friday late afternoon with people having after work drinks. Still managed to get seats though.

Great atmosphere and buzzy vibe.

The evening was very enjoyable, food was wonderful, as were the drinks, and the service was excellent!

Good for tourists and locals alike.

Magnificent decor, and very good local ale

What a pub. If you like food and beer this place is a must when in Edinburgh.

didnt have food but good service 👍

Great pub for an after work drink. The interior is beautiful but be able to stand as it is busy most afternoons. There is also an oyster bar next to it that I've heard good things about.

I first visited 50 years ago and have returned at various times when visiting Edinburgh. It has remained the same vibrant, colourful pub with an eclectic mix of customers as always. Never change.

One of the best pubs in Edinburgh! The food is great, the staff is extremely friendly. Great beer! Exceptional ambience! Rating: worth experiencing!

This is a great bar especially if you showing a friend round Edinburgh. Would be nice to have the music turned down a little and a bit more information on the local and Scottish food and drink that are being sold. Also miss seeing the Saltire that used to hang above one of the front doors.

Amazing place, really enjoyed it !

Normal food yet very expensive. Honestly, not worth the wait and money.

It was a lively vibe. Food was OK. Sevice was OK.

Delicious food, Bruno was so attentive and the building itself is incredible. We went from a table of 3 to 19 over the course of two days and they were so accommodating. Try the scallops!

Beautiful victorian pub with glazed windows and gorgeous ceramic tiled pictures. This pub is close from the centre but in a quiet almost hidden street. We were surprised by the quality of the food too! Beetroot carpatio was fresh and delicious, the risotto was perfect with the aubergine sauce - and the haggis was also very good. The only minus would be the attention, I know it was busy on a Saturday 3pm, but we had to wait for more than an hour for our mains to arrive (we were 4 people), staff was anyway friendly.

Food was good but the service was lacking. Staff was not friendly in the slightest and made us feel like a bother for even being there throughout the whole meal.

Delicious oysters and fish n chips were yum too! The decor will take you back to another, simpler, yet more elegant time. Must visit!