The Outsider Restaurant

Featured reviews

• A

  Adriana Krizova

  ·2 months ago

  “This was an extremely disappointing experience, especially since it was recommended by a local guide. We had to wait quite a long time for our food. I ordered a burger, and it arrived with dry, overcooked meat, a burnt bun, and a sad little slice of what was supposed to be cheddar cheese. It was topped with a strange sauce that didn’t work at all. The fries were clearly frozen and also far too salty. My partner ordered the bacon focaccia. The focaccia was burnt, and it contained only three very thin slices of dry bacon. The sauces were also very disappointing. We complained, and the staff said they would inform the manager. They didn’t charge us for the burger, which we appreciated, and the staff were friendly. Unfortunately, the food itself was of a very poor quality, so we can’t recommend this place.”

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• J

  J

  ·3 months ago

  “As you can see in the picture, we were quite impatient, but with good reason: the food was amazing! It was the first meal we had in Edinburgh and it left the bar in the roof. We, honestly, were tempted to repeat (every day). Really friendly staff, lovely establishment, and delicious food. We really recommend it!”

• S

  sober street rat

  ·3 months ago

  “Had a few occasions to have lunch&dinner here. Lovely atmosphere when not too busy and a great castle view but can be quite noisy during peak hours. Steak frites is my all time favorite from their lunch menu for being so delicious yet affordable. Toilet downstairs.”

• J

  Josie Ong

  ·4 months ago

  “Things that were just ok: Onion starter, vegetable soup special, rhubarb gin fizz cocktail tasted more like a wine, pappardelle had too smoky of a flavor. Things that were better: the fish and risotto. They DO NOT do take away boxes of any kind, only tinfoil. For our group of 4 they charged a 12% automatic tip. Ambience was good by the window for evening but also less busy inside at the time. Presentation is great but looks better than it tastes.”

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• M

  Mei Yong

  ·4 months ago

  “We were recommended The Outsider by our hotel concierge. The atmosphere is lovely here but it can be rather noisy. If you are lucky, you might get a window side table that overlooks the castle. We ordered soup of the day (£6.70) and langoustines (£23.80) to share. Both were totally delicious and bread came with the soup which I enjoyed as I love bread. The Steamed langoustines was cooked with garlic butter,white wine and served with fries. The Pan fried hake, with coconut and ginger broth and broccoli was also delicious £ 25.70. To finish off, we had a panna cotta. Their service needs improvement. It’s difficult to get staff attention and they served us the dessert with our table very dirty. We had to request them to clean it and I felt that we should not have needed to do that. Otherwise I would have given them a 5 star review.”

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• Z

  zab

  ·4 months ago

  “What an amazing restaurant! The inside is calm and has a rustic feel to it, with beautiful views of the castle through the window. We got the buckwheat and spinach pancakes with mushrooms and the pan fried gnocchi with roast butternut and crowdie and we both enjoyed our meals very much. The gnocchi was divine! And at such a good price under £10! We shared the chocolate pavé, which was beautiful, which came with peanut and yoghurt ice cream, which had a subtle, fresh flavour. Plating was also beautiful. Also something small and maybe just something I appreciate, but I loved the water jug which had a gorgeous laminar flow. If I am ever in Edinburgh again I will definitely be coming back 😍😍”

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• E

  Eva-Maria Oberauer

  ·4 months ago

  “Visited the Outsider on recommendation and had the most amazing meal, both my friend and I were absolutely smitten with our meals. Started with braised onion, shared a beautiful hake in a light curry sauce with veg and an on point steak, just perfectly done. They did our affogato with Bailey's and with a decaffeinated espresso and the service was helpful and very friendly. A perfect experience that came with a great view of Edinburgh Castle as cherry on top. Highly recommended for that special meal in Edinburgh.”

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• P

  Pamela McCormack

  ·4 months ago

  “Incredible food, really special. Stunning views of the Castle and really nice atmosphere. I’ll definitely be back again next time I’m in Edinburgh. Everything was done with incredible taste. The hake was absolutely amazing & steak delicious! Highly recommend to book a table in advance & ask for a window table, to see the castle.”

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• T

  Tewfic Kidess

  ·5 months ago

  “We were thrown away by the hard-to-find sign board but walked in to a dinning room with live light candles and a warm hospitable atmosphere. The portions were very large and the prices are reasonable, especially for the quality, freshness, and portion size. There were tables with fronds chatting about all the way to business people rewarding themselves to a nice meal after a well fought day. I went there with my daughter, we ordered the muscles, delivered fresh from a small island north of Scotland, and a side of olives! These olives were large and perfectly coated in spices and olive oil. Every single bite of the muscles took us to by surprise in freshness and complexity of flavors. i also couldn’t stop admiring the water kettle, which turned out to be a collectible from the 50s. I highly recommend this restaurant and it’s surprisingly reasonably priced.”

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• K

  Kara

  ·8 months ago

  “What a great recommendation! I only had 2 nights to visit edinburgh for the first time so had to be decisive about dinner choices. So glad I listened to the locals’ recommendation and had a fabulous dinner at the Outsider. The service - impeccable. Very friendly and warm but not in an in genuine way at all, it felt like we were good friends. Drink- I was able to sit in a quiet corner with my book and had my first Barcelona spritz. Highly recommend if aperol spritz could be good, but you’d prefer something less bitter. Also amazing selection of wines to pair with your dinner. I started with the mutton and goat terrine, forgot to take a photo but it was good, flavours paired well together. Mains - Pan roasted duck breast. Just amazing! Perfectly tender and not overcooked, just right. Beans were perfectly seasoned with just enough of sourness from the vinaigrette. Dessert - The dark chocolate truffles were great but the chocolate espresso pavé and peanut ice cream was just spectacular. I am not even a fan of peanuts and I loved every bite - probably the best dessert i’ve had in a restaurant. Hope to be back one day!”

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