Cafe Royal

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “Nice looking bar with some good real ales on Keg. Something I can't quite put my finger on about the atmosphere wasn't quite there for me. Maybe felt a little to swanky and chic for a casual drink. Felt more like a place for a business lunch. That could just be me though. Still worth a visit to see the bar and the decor and get a good pint.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·2 months ago

  “First visit for us yesterday and what a find. The pub is absolutely stunning, with elegant, opulent Victorian décor and an excellent selection of spirits. A relaxed, grown-up atmosphere here but what really stood out was the staff—friendly, attentive and efficient. Even when busy, service at the bar was quick and no one was left waiting. It was busy enough to feel lively, but still easy to have a conversation. A genuinely classy experience and we hope to be back soon.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “What a fantastic introduction to Edinburgh! This was my first visit to the city, and Café Royal absolutely lived up to the recommendation from my friend. The oysters were incredibly fresh, and the haggis toastie was outstanding – a perfect way to try a local favourite. The staff were warm, friendly, and efficient throughout my visit, making me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. Great food, excellent service, and a wonderful atmosphere. I’ll definitely be back the next time I’m in Edinburgh. Highly recommended!”

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• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “My wife and I traveled all the way from Texas to Edinburgh, and one of the highlights of our visit was our experience at Café Royal. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional, but we would especially like to recognize Stewart for making our visit truly memorable. He went above and beyond to ensure that everything was perfect, providing attentive, friendly, and professional service throughout our time there. Stewart's genuine hospitality made us feel incredibly welcome, and his recommendations and attention to detail enhanced our experience immensely. It is rare to encounter someone so dedicated to customer service, and he is a true credit to Café Royal. You must try one of his Bloody Maries. The food, atmosphere, and historic surroundings were wonderful, but it was the outstanding service that will stay with us long after our trip. We highly recommend Café Royal to anyone visiting Edinburgh and look forward to returning on our next visit to Scotland. Thank you, Stewart, and the entire Café Royal team, for such a fantastic experience. Slainte mhath”

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• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “A recent business trip brought me to Café Royal three times — solo, with a friend, and for a proper business lunch. Not once did it put a foot wrong. The seafood is rather extraordinary. The oysters are in a league of their own, the seashells with young asparagus are a genuinely lovely touch, and the scallops are the sort of thing you find yourself thinking about on the flight home. The fish and chips, meanwhile, manage to be both reassuringly classic and rather elegant. No mean feat. The staff are an absolute delight. Friendly without being fussy, attentive without hovering. I stayed in the restaurant throughout, though I'm told the pub is equally worth your time. I'll be rectifying that on my next visit. Do book ahead, particularly for dinner. You'll thank yourself for it.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “The Café Royal is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric places we visited in Edinburgh. The stunning Victorian interior alone makes it worth a visit — the incredible stained glass, the detailed tile murals and all the historic details create a truly unique setting that feels both elegant and full of character. It almost feels like stepping into another era. Yes, it can get quite loud inside, but somehow that only adds to the atmosphere. The whole place feels lively, warm and authentic rather than overly polished or touristy. The staff were exceptionally kind, welcoming and attentive throughout our visit, even when the restaurant was very busy. And the food was excellent. Whether you choose traditional Scottish dishes like haggis or go for fish, everything was beautifully prepared and absolutely delicious. You can tell that they take real pride in both the quality of the food and the overall experience. A wonderful combination of history, atmosphere, great service and genuinely good food. We would happily return.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “Here’s a polished 5-star review you can use: ⸻ We had an excellent dinner at Vayla tonight. The service was outstanding from start to finish, attentive without being intrusive and genuinely welcoming. The recommendations were spot on and really elevated the whole experience. Every dish we tried was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. Overall, a fantastic evening. Great atmosphere, excellent service, and thoughtful guidance from the staff. We would highly recommend Vayla and would happily return.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·5 months ago

  “Most everything was fantastic. The service was good, the waitress and bartenders were friendly and helpful. The food was fantastic, best burger I’ve had in Scotland. My Negroni was delicious as well… the only thing that took away from the experience was their inability or unwillingness to make a cocktail that was off menu. I asked for a Boulevardier, a simple riff on a Negroni changing gin to rye, and they said they would have to charge me for 3 individual shots, despite having a Negroni on the menu for £11.50. Seemed ridiculous for a place with a full bar and multiple advertised cocktails.”

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• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Stopped in for a gin and tonic and beers with friends. Food menu looked good but on the pricier side, we only came for drinks this time. Got a table for a bit and enjoyed the ornate details all around.”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Benji and his two colleagues were absolutely amazing! We were two female travelers, and we had such an unforgettable experience. They really looked out for us the whole time—even when we were a bit tipsy, they made sure to remind us to drink water 🥹 They made some of the best cocktails we’ve ever had, and we ended up having one of the coolest, most genuine conversations with them. They also kindly redirected anyone who came up to our table, making sure we felt comfortable and safe. Their support and care honestly melted our hearts. We truly loved this experience and highly recommend going there at least once in your life. And when you do, remember this comment—you might just find yourself in one of the best bar experiences ever ✨”

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