Cafe Royal Oyster Bar in Edinburgh, City of

What an amazing find! The ambience on a Monday afternoon was just incredible and the oysters amazing! Can’t wait to get back!

Definitely lived up to their reputation on service and oysters. We had a fabulous fresh meal that was quite reasonable. Would give it a 3 out of 4

Had a nice snack on the 19/09/23, but could not believe they have a 12.5% service charge? It was never mentioned by the bar staff when we paid, which i think is unfair. That is a pity as the food and drink was ok but overpriced.

Really good night at the Cafe Royal. Food was excellent, particularly the sea food linguine and the risotto. My only criticisms would be the sour dough bread. The slices were complete doorsteps and almost impossible to eat. Also, I think a bit of staff training is required, especially in the pouring of wine. It was spilled and also poured in the water glass. But apart from that, it was all very good.

Arranged for us by our hotel. Very pretty place with a lively crowd. The food was good but the service was terrible. We had to keep calling over the waiter as he walked by us a million times without even looking at us. He then disappeared. When he came back my husband said " Welcome Back." The food was good . We had Caesar salad and crab bisque linguini. Chocolate mousse for dessert . Malbec was good. Could be top rated if service was better. Our hotel thinks this is one of the best places in town but they don't know about the service.

Since I was last there you have opened the revolving door from the street to the restuarant. Unbelievable amount of random foot traffc coming through restuarant to get to the bar. The next time I want to eat in a cold draughty close with every Tom, Dick and Harry bustling through I'll set up a table in the concourse of Edinburgh Waverly. Horrible dining experience. I won't be back.

We were very disappointed with the meal .We all had great memories of the oyster bar but the food was very poor and overpriced .

I love the taste of mussels! This is my first time to Edinburgh, so I booked some local seafood restaurants for a taste. This is the best place I’ve tried . The mussels are cooded with white wine which provides it a unique flavor. The bread pairs with it is so soft and tasty. And the oysters is fresh. Compare with other restaurants I think this place definitely wins my heart. Also they gived me lots of mussels so its value is really acceptable. Have recommended it to everyone I know who is planning to go Edinburgh for visit.

Cafe Royal .... or Oyster Bar?? Tripadvisor is misguiding .... becaus comments mix up, one talking about the pub, then talking about the adjacent restaurant. I talk about the latter, which I follow for forty years now ... and, unfortunately, the beautiful interior is the only godd thing left. This could easily be one of the most sought after POSH eating places in town, but the quality is going down ever since. Not more worth the money - a pity. And please, tripadvisor: Split upü the comments correctly - thanks!

Large bar / restaurant with plenty of staff and seating areas. Atmosphere was relaxed, staff fun and efficient and drinks prices reasonable. Great place to start off an evening.

Their seafood platter , hot or cold , is the first thing we eat , everytime we arrive here . Excellent wines, A MUST DO , !

We arrived around 2 pm yesterday, looking forward to enjoying some oysters and cool wine. The bar was moderately busy, and I joined several people waiting to order. Fifteen wasted minutes later, we left, having been completely ignored by the two young men allegedly staffing the bar who had perfected the skill of completely avoiding contact with clients. At least two other couples left at the same time, audibly complaining about the lack of service. In a neighbouring bar, just round the corner, we were served and seated in minutes by very friendly and highly professional staff. Lesson learned - we won't be back.

Had an early dinner reservation and was so disappointed in the loud pulsating music blasting out of the pub area into the small dining room. The pub was packed with people chatting so it was lively enough without the horrible music (speaker feedback included) on top. The waiters couldn't hear each other, I couldn't hear my dining companion that was right across the table from me. I know nobody in the pub could hear each other if it was that bad in the dining room. WTF - is management loaded or passed out in the back? Why on earth do they think music that loud is ok in a venue like that? It could be such a nice place to dine, but it's not. Wine list is garbage. Waiters did their best and so did kitchen but I would never go back to dine.

First time back since the Pandemic and disappointed to say the least. Perhaps trouble in getting chefs competent in procuring great produce. Normally the oysters are excellent but not today. Very small and unappealing with the dressing not the usual shallot Mignonette I think it was made with white onion in a strange tasting vinegar instead of the finer shallot. The fish n chips were not up to the usual standard, fish didn’t taste very fresh and was thin as paper covered in a poor batter more chewy than crisp. My friend opted for the crab pie which was a bake not a pie. Triple cooked chips were soft and not crisp as expected. We decided not to have desert as much as the sticky toffee pudding was wanted. The service was very good by the young ladies who looked after us. I’ll be back as normally it’s very good. Whoever does the procurement needs to inspect the oysters as cafe Royal has always been the go to place for them but not if there like we had today.

Went here for an early dinner with friends on their recommendation. All chose the fish and chips. Perhaps this was the wrong choice and some of the fancier dishes would have been better. Probably wouldn't go back.

Came here for lunch after a slightly tipsy gin at the Edinburgh Gin place. We were initially sat in the beautiful restaurant which was lovely but we were the only ones there so we decamped to the bar. Staff couldn’t be more accommodating or friendly....

Website ostensibly state gluten free options. Menu in restaurant has no allergen information, so asked manager what was option for gluten free. Was told with Natasha’s Law coming in soon restaurants were struggling with allergen information, so they had none! Do they know Natasha’s Law...

Portions are poor, money value poor and being close to the main pub area quite noisy! After sharing a bottle of wine we split the bill making it £32 each and I came home hungry!

Went here for drinks its a nice bar the the drinks were good, very clean and the staff were friendly.

Everytime we visit Edinburgh we have to come here for the Rockefeller oysters (oysters, spinach, parmesan and pernod). Absolutely delicious, also couldn't not have the neeps, haggis and tatties which were absolutely devine. We will definitely be back. Staff friendly and professional

First time here and will definitely be back . Amazing friend and atentive staff. Super surroundings .

Thoroughly enjoyed our recent visit. Staff are very attentive and the whole place was very clean and safe. We had oysters and a glass of fizz to start. The oysters were very fresh and tasty and we had Monkfish for the main course. Excellent food...

Beautiful bar, great atmosphere, friendly and welcoming staff. Fantastic selection of whiskeys. Food was amazing! Only had light bites but the quality and flavour was excellent. The staff really made us feel welcome. Would highly recommend.

Aug 25 2020, Originally booked for 7.30pm but needed to change to 2pm, which wasn’t an issue and changed swiftly. The place it’s self is full of character and stylish.Loved the feel of the place. Track and trace dealt with smoothly and shown to table...

We had been looking forward to this particular meal as I love oysters & my eldest daughter wanted to try them to celebrate her recent birthday. The restaurant itself was nice inside like a real old fashioned pub with loads of wood & cubicles. First...

おいしかったです。サーロインステーキとサーモンとマカロニを頼みました。マカロニが、チーズとトリュフの味がして最高でした。

Recommended by a friend, we booked an early Sunday lunch fro two. Adjacent to/part of a busy and lively pub, the restaurant atmosphere was calm and pleasant. Immaculate service, excellent food, all round a very enjoyable experience.

Il locale è bello e molto frequentato. Ci siamo capitati per caso anche perché un po' nascosto ma poi ci...

Location tipica scozzese ... ottimo whisky... abbiamo sorseggiato il Monkey Shoulder, scozzese, davvero molto buono ... prezzo per il bicchiere,...

Went for a lunch in the Bar section on a Sunday lunchtime. It wasn't too busy, so we did manage to change seats into one of the lovely couched alcoves, as it was cold by the door. Seemed to have a very full menu available...

Nyårslunch med ostron och champagne i en klassisk ostronbar - bra start på firandet! Lite snorkig service drog tyvärr ner intrycket en del. Väl värt ett besök!

Der Pub mit integriertem Restaurant ist sehr gut. Tolle Atmosphäre und typisch Britisch. Fish & Chips sind top. Und Sylvester in der Oyster Bar ein Dinner zu Viert.

美味しいオイスターを頂きに伺いました。フレッシュな牡蠣を色々なトッピングで美味しくいただくことができました。

Visité recientemente para el almuerzo. Había estado unos meses antes y muy feliz, pero esta vez estábamos extremadamente decepcionados. Las ostras no eran comestibles y yo y los invitados las escupimos en conchas. Bistec estaba bueno pero el camarero nos aseguró que un solomillo era un filete. Ciertamente NO. El Cranachan era crema batida con tres frambuesas. No quería quejarme ni avergonzar a los invitados, pero se devolvió más comida de la que se consumió. El camarero no se molestó en preguntar si había algo mal. No volveremos a comer otra vez. Un lugar muy encantador. No sabemos lo que ha pasado. No lo recomendaría

Another great visit to Cafe Royal , ordered oysters and Cullen Skink superb had another 6 oysters. Cafe Royal is a must go to place in Edinburgh . Try to get there early as a very busy bar . You need to book in advance if you want to eat in the restaurant and we’ll worth the visit .

Called in for a beer last Friday evening. Can’t understand why they’re playing relatively loud, annoying music in the background, when everybody’s trying to talk. It’s a pub, not a cocktail bar. We left and went next door.

Went here a couple of times while visiting Edingburgh. The location is great. They have a great selection of Gin's and whiskeys and some good food. We for example had the oysters, and they were really good.

Vale la pena parar en este lugar, es un típico pub de 1826, la gente es súper amable , y el fish & chips bueno !! Vale la pena parar a tomar o comer algo tambien tienen ostiones frescos deliciosos

En todos los años que he visitado cuando en la ciudad, este restaurante y bar sigue siendo un excelente lugar para comer, puede ser peculiar y la excelente cerveza no es la más barata, pero es una institución. De hecho, teníamos un amigo con nosotros 80 que solía venir cuando era un maestro en prácticas hace 60 años y sentía que nunca había estado fuera.

Been here a lot and always a good atmosphere. An extremely large selection of drinks that are reasonably priced. The food is a little on the high side in price but its expected by the look of the restaurant. The quality of the food is excellent though.

Always crowded and worth the wait. Fresh food and quick service we have enjoyed every visit. It is hidden away but worth the search

6 of us, didn't stay long, very expensive pint even by Edinburgh expectations. While realising it's more of a wine/champagne/oyster bar the beer prices could be more reasonable

Wij aten hier in een prachtige Victoriaanse ambiance. Goede oesters, verrukkelijke coquilles (in een sausje dat iets toevoegt!) en een royale portie lekkere gegrilde Schotse zalm. Enorme portie goede lokale kazen toe. Jongedame bood goede service, haar oudere mannelijke collega straalt vooral uit dat hij hier al eeuwen werkt helaas. Lekker rumoerig, ook door het ‘en suite’ cafe. Al met al een aanrader!

Es un pub espectacular por su ambiente y con una carta variada en comidas y bebidas.

We got a nice table in a corner and had two very nice gentlemen, really trying to give us a perfect evening. Attention, service and a good sense of humour!

Fuimos a cenar porque lo recomendaron en el hotel, muy bueno en atención, bebidas y el platillo surf and turf excelente

Réservation obligatoire. Apéro au bar avec un excellent, vraiment, bloody mary. Rien que cela et le décor du pub valent le détour. Repas du côté restaurant (car au pub c'est bruyant !). Plateau, chaud, de fruits de mer.

They don't get any fresher or better. We had a difficult time finding the cafe due to near-by street construction but it was worth the effort. The oysters were fresh and great.

我們前來吃晚餐，點了煎干貝黑布丁、麵跟鴨腿，對於干貝和鴨腿的調味覺得很滿意，黑布丁像是口感較粉的血腸類食物，還可以接受，搭上一杯rose wine 結束在愛丁堡美好的最後一晚。

Pase con mi esposa a tomar una GUINESS y se sumo una sidra y también unas ostras. Muy buen ambiente. Buena atención. Super recomendable

I had just arrived in Edinburgh and went to the Cafe Royal for dinner with friends. I was very impressed. The food was excellent...everyone thought so, and the atmosphere grand. The dinner was a long experience, so be prepared. The staff, though, was hard working, friendly and attentive. You will enjoy this place.

Quizás tenía que haber probado las ostras?

Beautiful Victoria interior and quality fish dominated menu let down by draughty interior. My scallops were decent and my companion's monkfish curry was good: so they should be for the price, but Edinburgh is very dear generally. Excellent bread. Lavatories a let down.

Lunch with friends on a Sunday. Historical bar ..lovelt inside, stain glass panelling. Food was delicious, seafood especially. Our waiter was great. Is attached to thr main Cafe Royal bar which is buzzy, a great rendezvous place and also serves food.

La comida era divina, tenía mi plato favorito en el menú Surf and Turf: mitad langosta escocesa y filete. Otros huéspedes optaron por el salmón - también increíble y pato - otra vez perfectamente cocinado. En general la comida como siempre no dejó de sorprendernos.

Conocí a un amigo que había viajado a Escocia para una visita rápida. Con ganas de presumir de lo mejor de nuestra gran ciudad capital y de organizar una cena temprana en este lugar que alguna vez fue increíble.

Hit går jag varje gång jag är i Edinburgh och det har blivit några gånger. Inredningen är magisk med stora tavlor av kakelmosaik, högt i tak och en underbar bardisk. Här är det värt att äta och testa det gedigna ölutbudet.

We stopped in for a beer and a bite. Very slow service at a 1/3 full restaurant, but very good oysters.

Have been a regular in the bar for years and it is a very good bar. My wife and I decided to treat ourselves to a meal on Christmas Evein the main restaurant. Night didnt get off to a good start in the bar. Difficult to get served plenty of staff most of them chatting to each other. Managed to get a table in bar which was very dirty.

We visited this restaurant as a party of 15 people and it was a very nice evening overal. The restaurant is decorated in a very unique deisgn and has a nice feel to it. Staff were very friendly and professional. Wine was great, food was amazing. I definitely recommend a visit.

Wonderful atmosphere and service from the bartender in the pub and equally as good in the restaurant, which is inside behind the pub. Food was excellent too!

Went here at the suggestion of my hotel receptionist for my first lunch in Edinburgh. What a beautiful place to begin my trip to Scotland! By myself, I sat at the bar. The server was friendly and helped me choose a beer, letting me taste a sample before ordering. The chicken breast sandwich was delicious with freshly sliced meat, ham, cheese, served hot with chips. My sandwich and beer was less than 10 pounds. The only downside was I never could get the wifi to connect.

We actually love this place for its ambiance but our last visit was so poor we'll not be rushing back.

We had dinner here with both average food and so-so service. We were told to take a walk through the bar, as it is apparently something to see. It is so loud that my ears are still sore. The place has fake stained glass windows all around which adds color.

Escondido en una calle lateral, es una joya escondida, Café Royal Ostras Bar y restaurante.

El Café Royal está escondido al otro lado del Hotel Balmoral, lejos de la multitud en Princess Street. La decoración es de la, sí, lo habéis adivinado, época victoriana. Acogedor, excelente servicio, si viene desde el Noreste o marítimos, ostras, que evita el no apto para nuestra Wellfleet, Doxbury, o incluso las ostras Comparaciã³n pei. El abadejo frito y patatas fritas era fenomenal, como era mi sándwich de salmón con patatas fritas y todo, una sencilla pero deliciosa discontinuas escocesa. Para las bebidas que teníamos en borrador y Innis Gunn, un favorito local.

tasty kilpatrick oysters & gin and tonic. ordered and paid at the bar before sitting, with sufficiently attentive service.

The bar has a very nice decor and is located in a quiet street. Service and barmen attitude needs a major transformation. Drinks are more expensive

Gran fan del bar a lo largo de los años y que he querido visitar el restaurante por un tiempo según las recomendaciones de amigos. El entorno es bonito, de estilo antiguo de Edimburgo.

Spent a Friday evening at close of day in this spectacular bar. Loved the oysters and Guiness!! What more can you need at the end of a working week. Brilliant atmosphere, food and drink. A must for all Edinburgh visitors.

Non è proprio un cafe ma un luogo trendy per bere una birra o mangiare tante specialità, oltre alle ostriche. Il locale è molto carino, un bancone circolare e tanti tavoli e tavolini. Ideale per iniziare la serata o terminarla.

Delicious dinner for our first night in Scotland. We particularly loved the haggis appetizer. The atmosphere and service were perfect

Allí por primera vez en décadas. Lo siento, pero el personal del bar era maleducado y humorless. No hay necesidad de ser así. Otros dos clientes junto a mí en el bar pensamos exactamente lo mismo.

Retroceda en el tiempo en el Café Royal Circle, más de 100 whiskies de malta, algunas únicas cervezas lager Tennents, incluso si tienes gustos muy malos como me preocupantemente! En realidad no, pero ostras especialidades escocesas como Haggis Cranachan, venado y están disponibles. . . hay un gran ambiente distendido con una mezcla de clientes aquí, amable, eficiente personal y alucinante de cristal tintado y decoración victoriana de cerámica te pone en un buen humor amable escoceses! Escondida, pero un montón de Edinburgians (? ) sabe donde está!

We didn't eat here, but we did send others eating and it looked delicious. This is primarily a pub and has a great vibe. The selection of gins and whiskys is very impressive and well worth a visit.

When travelling I typically appreciate a little stop in the afternoon where I might grab a snack and a drink and this was the perfect spot to partake!

Fui con mi familia para una bebida, ni siquiera terminar nuestras bebidas como la actitud del personal era tan engreída y nos sentimos tan incómodos que nos fuimos antes de borrachos las bebidas.

Good quality food in lovely surroundings. Interesting interior. Good for a special occasion. Quite an intimate restaurant and also long bar to enjoy a drink before dining

Mi novia y yo tuvimos una noche muy agradable aquí el viernes pasado. La comida era deliciosa, pero rematar era el maravilloso servicio de las dos camareras encantadoras - Caroline y Ada, quienes fueron absolutamente encantador. Gracias por una velada en una noche fría, dreak en Edimburgo.

We had a reunion here - recommended by one of my friends - and the atmosphere was brilliant. I particularly loved the depictions of various sports - on the walls - but was surprised to see that there wasn't a panel on golf!

Encantador, el restaurante de moda, bar escocés muy único y. El interior del lugar es como volver en el tiempo, un área de bar muy elegante. Me dejé caer en un lluvioso domingo por la tarde y el lugar estaba haciendo un negocio enérgico, es...

Edificio precioso por dentro, el Café Royal es imprescindible para la cena. Probamos el haggis bon bons en salsa de crema de whisky junto con la gomera (Cullen) siguió por la más increíble King Vieiras en salsa Thermidor y el filete de rape. Servido por...

This lovely pub serves very delicious Scottish fare at a good price. Old fashioned decor. Knowledgeable staff. Whiskey menu over...

This is a stunning place in West Register Street which is located at the top end of Princes St on...

We decided to go to this place to celebrate my mom’s birthday because she loves seafood. We were not dissapointed....

One of the best pubs in Edinburgh. Amazing traditional decor. Excellant range of beers. Friendly staff. Only downside was the place was so popular half an hour after opening for lunch that it was impossible to eat there. So only had a few Belhaven Blacks. Hopefully eat here on next visit to Edinburgh.

.... classé monument historique dont la décoration intérieure est juste d'époque et authentique sinon, heu....

We had lunch here before we went to the rugby. We had oysters and the seafood platter for starters which were presented well and all 6 of us enjoyed them. We had a variety of mains and desserts which were all delicious with good wines recommended by our servers. Can't wait to return here to eat and drink again.

Tenía un viaje en tren a Edimburgo, así arrancaba retrasa en aquí en el camino a nuestro hotel.

Me visita el Café Royal la mayoría de las veces estoy en Edimburgo y especialmente como después de rugby internacionales en Murrayfield. 7 de nosotros pasamos un par de horas aquí el sábado por la noche: bebimos en magnífico profusamente ale y maltas y disfrutamos del ambiente a tope.

Met our daughters friend for a drink or two and ended up eating in the bar. Good cask selection with seven beers on handpulled plus interesting craft Lager on tap.

Went for dinner with friends visiting from abroad and was impressed by the quality of the food, the good service and the lovely surroundings. We went on a Sunday night and it was quiet, only two other tables. It's a bit of the beaten track and doesn't seem to get much of the tourist trade which is a pity as it deserves to be much busier. My only disappointment was that there is only one veggie option - mushroom risotto - and whilst it was excellent it's a shame to have such a limited choice. My friends had a selection of sea food, fish and meat dishes and were all really impressed with the quality and taste. It is quite pricey but worth it and actually quite good value for money.

Third time this year, food and service is always excellent, would recommend to anyone a little gem in Edinburgh. 5*

Last time I was here, and we have dined here on and off over many years going back well beyond the ages of most of the young staff, I was really disappointed by the food. Not so this time. The food on this occasion during the Edinburgh Festival did great credit to the chef and the kitchen and to the room itself. It has to be the very best decor in Edinburgh with the stunning and historic stained glass windows and the amazing Doulton ceramic tiles pictures - and for that alone it is worth eating here.The Cullen skink was light on haddock but tasted fine while the tomato based fish stew was generous and very enjoyable. My husband's starter of mussels and Arbroath smokie was an unusually fine combination of prime mussels.So, wonderful ambience, pleasant staff and good food this time so we shall return sooner than last time.

Have visited this restaurant space at the end of the Cafe Royal Bar for over 35 years, and often the food was poor. Not so today we had a cracking lunch and good waiters.The decor is priceless Victoriana and features in the movie "Charriots of Fire".We tried the Cullen Skink, soup, mussel starter and Fish Stew mains and thourghly enjoyed them.Enter by the revolving door.

We stumbled on this little gem in the back streets of Edinburgh. The decor and ambience was very welcoming, with ample space and comfortable seats. We shared some steak sandwiches which were delicious and enjoyed sitting and chatting over our drinks. The only reason I haven't given it five stars is because of the waitress who served us who, though efficient, was brusque to the point of coming across as surly.

Arrived for dinner with no reservation and Karen was very sweet with us and found us a table. The setting is wonderful, the food extremely surprising. Cod was smoked and delicious; lamb was tender and the vegetables al dente, not at all overcooked. Both dishes were special. Went back for dinner number 2 and also had great experience although female server (not Karen) wasn't as happy to be there, but all the staff is very good. A treat and worthy of a visit. You can eat the menu in the adjoining bar but it would be a different experience all together. Reservation suggested.

The food is good, they also serve real ale and a good selection of wines.Seating is at a premium, sometimes you have to wait for a table so get there early.

Great pub atmosphere downstairs with good food. We recommend the Cullen Skink, scalloped and excellent Hagis. Pinot Grigio rose to wash it down. A good place for lunch while sightseeing.

Gorgeous food. A little on the expensive side but, if you like seafood, it is kind of what you would expect to pay. Staff friendly and helpful and great atmosphere. Would recommend.