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Cafe Royal - Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian
Cafe Royal - Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian
Cafe Royal - Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian
Cafe Royal - Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian
Cafe Royal - Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Midlothian

Cafe Royal - Edinburgh

4.3
4.3
1009 Reviews
£26 to £40
Continental
Top Tags:
Edinburgh's hidden gem! Traditional oyster bar and restaurant serving fine food and a great selection of continental lagers, beers and local ales.

We're proud of our history without being complacent and we love to see a happy customer. We've always focused on making our pub unique and we are sure you will notice. So pull up a seat, take a tour round our pub and discover what sets us apart from the rest.

** Please note all bookings are for our restaurant, we offer first come first served for drinks in our bar area.

*** Please note due to licencing restrictions under 18's are not permitted in the main bar, we can seat under 18's and over 5's in the restaurant for dining. We cannot allow under 18's in the restaurant after 10pm.

**** As we are a listed building we do not have Accessible toilets on the ground floor.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 25 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Continental, Seafood, Scottish
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed, Sun 11:00 am–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am
  • Phone number
    0131 556 1884
  • Website
    https://www.caferoyaledinburgh.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Location
    19 West Register Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH2 2AA
  • Neighborhood
    Edinburgh
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    St. Andrew's Square Tram/Bus stop is a short walk away<br />Princes Street bus stops (Apple Store/Waverley Station)
  • Additional
    Beer, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wine

What 1,009 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

1,009 Reviews

  1. NeilM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good. Couldn't fault anything. Nice place for a celebratory dinner.

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  2. Scotland

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    Noisy but energetic environment. We struggles to find the restaurant through the pub but eventually found it although not signed clearly, especially in a busy room. Staff were friendly, but did not go above and beyond. We had to request for water every time we ran out and had to ask for cutlery which was required for the dish. The main issue was the food was lukewarm and the plates were cold for both mains and dessert. The food was nice but for a rather expensive meal, we expected a bit more.

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  3. EmmaB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    We have been here a few times and used to love it but were disappointed yesterday. Food was served cold, burgers were uncooked and water wasn’t as often topped up on the table. Waiters were nice and pleasant but I think the chef may need to review his comments as he stated we should order something else if we don’t like pink burgers. This is incorrect as burgers should be cooked through. Waiting times between meals being cooked and brought to tables must improve as food is arriving at the table colder than it should be. The waiters are trying to bring it to tables as quickly as they can when it arrives at the bar area, but it may be food is sitting too long in the kitchen As I said this restaurant is of high standard and quality and charges high prices. It never let us down before so hoping this could be a slip up and possibly an off day and it will be resolved for others. Food should be of the quality that you are paying for at all times. Won’t rush back but hopefully issues can be fixed soon.

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  4. LizardA

    Louisville

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food2service1ambience4
    We were disappointed with our experience.. we arrived for our reservation and rudely told to wait at the bar. Service was slow and that extended to our wait to pay the bill..

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  5. Rantran

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great place/food. Wonderful service and atmosphere.

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  6. SueF

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent choice for a birthday lunch. The food was fabulous and the service was perfect. Such a beautiful place to eat.

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  7. CherriL

    Phoenix

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We are from the USA. Cafe was recommended by one of my Scottish clients - Loved it!!!!

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  8. SKah

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    Oyster were very poor quality. Hardly anything to eat. Too small. Mussels were not tasty. A lot better places to eat in Edinburgh.

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  9. Francesca

    London

    53 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    53 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Really good night at the Cafe Royal. Food was excellent, particularly the sea food linguine and the risotto. My only criticism 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.

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  10. JamesY

    Dunbartonshire

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    All round a good experience and will definitely go back. Staff helpful and friendly. Good sea food.

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  11. BobS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely outstanding as usual. One of my favourite places in Edinburgh.

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  12. JamesD

    Seattle

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The oysters were a great starter that my wife and I shared. My wife had mussels as her main course. The broth served withe mussels was outstanding. I had the fish and chips. They may have been the best dish and chips I have ever had. The young lady who served us was outstanding. Friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable about the menu.

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  13. FionaS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    I love going to the Cafe Royal and have done for years. The interior and ambience is terrific and the staff are professional and friendly. The food menu is limited which is a pity but the Fish Pie was good. The Kale side dish was a bit too salty for me. Drinks menu exceptional and a fair price tag! Michael the Manager provided exceptional service. Thank you, Fiona

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  14. SuzieG

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience1
    On arrival I enquired about available space for 2 people, only to be told abruptly by a member of staff that the restaurant was 'fully booked' even though the restaurant had tables free. So I went on the app & tables were available so I reserved via that. I informed the gentleman in the restaurant that I had booked a table for later but if one came available sooner we were in the bar area, not long after we were seated in the restaurant. There were 3 men working in the restaurant area & 2 were not very helpful at all, never even got asked if we enjoyed our meal at all, only 1 of the 3 members of staff seemed to engage in conversation. Spent a lot of money but experience was really poor.

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  15. LGMommy

    Hawaii

    24 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    The place is very nice with a great selection of alcohol, especially whisky. Service was just average and the food took almost an hour to arrive. Food also quite average. Restaurant is intimate with lovely decor and ambiance. Best for drinks only.

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  16. AlisonJ

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience2
    Always enjoyed food here but it was not good on Saturday was very greasy. Since eating here I have been very sick Waiters were not nice apart from young girl she was lovely Will not return

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  17. PeterC

    Edinburgh

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    Pretty good overall but the waiter was very dull and miserable. No chat at all, never smiled once just did not make us feel comfortable or welcome.

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  18. DirkS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Atmosphere/ decoration can not be beat. Stunning interior. Started with oysters then Cullen skink followed with mussels in white wine, garlic source. Oysters fresh, chilled and great lime, chilly source. Cullen skink stood out as fantastic. Excellent meal and had an outstanding French rose with it.

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  19. richardp

    Edinburgh

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    This was a birthday lunch for my wife. We ordered mussels to start and my wife enjoyed them but I wasn't too keen - I had several fully closed ones (which I know cannot be helped) but it put me off a bit. The accompanying bread was very nice. For mains my wife ordered fish pie and I ordered the steak sandwich. Unfortunately the kale that came with the fish pie was rock hard but they changed it to a salad with no fuss. The fish pie itself was lovely according to my wife. However, my steak sandwich was totally inedible - the steak was riddled with gristle and sinew. I sent it back and decided not to order a replacement - I just ate the accompanying fries instead. We decided not to order a dessert but as a gesture from the restaurant they brought out a lovely sticky toffee pudding and ice cream which was delicious and very nice of them to do. The wine is priced on a par with other city restaurants and the decor is, as well known, stunning. On the whole a slight disappointment but redeemed by a nice gesture. I would happily go back for a drink however, it will be a long time before I choose it for a meal and I'm torn to say whether I'd recommend it. On the whole I'd probably say yes but maybe not for the food.

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  20. AlunB

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A real privilege to have lunch in one of Edinburgh’s iconic venues - memorable!

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  21. RuthB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Lovely food as always, one of our side dishes was not heated through but rectified very quickly. Quick friendly service

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  22. JonathanK

    Edinburgh

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Lovely traditional experience, high quality food and service.

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  23. AliceG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent! The best higgis we ever had ! Staff very friendly and polite.

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  24. IanM

    Glasgow

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Very nice venue and we have been there many time although this visit was some three years plus from our previous one. Menu is good but the oysters are overpriced and not of a good quality. When we visit again these will be off the menu for us.

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  25. JohnD

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Everything was wonderful however it did take quite a while to flag down a waitress to get our check. Otherwise, outstanding.

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  26. FabriceM

    Edinburgh

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Very charming place, good food and service, although restaurant side noisy not much isolated from pub side and very noisy. Still, a good moment.

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  27. JohnC

    London

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    More of a pub than a restaurant - service needs some work. Decent ambience. I would recommend as pub but not currently to eat

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  28. AlanK

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, attentive, friendly staff, in a beautiful building.

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  29. JackieD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Excellent food , fish and chips outstanding , my husband complained that his beer was warm we were given an ice bucket which did the trick , beautiful location

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  30. HeatherC

    Perthshire

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Had table booked for 1215 fir lunch - very busy already at that time. But only of putting thing was person who I think was ? Manager - walked past us several times without acknowledgement- appreciate place busy and he was taking food to customers but to say "hello - someone will be with you shortly" was all it would have taken- 2 seconds. But we always enjoy the overall feel of this place so will be back.

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  31. PamM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Atmospheric, a complete dining experience with excellent food

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  32. NigelK

    Montreal

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience3
    What a pity our special meal during our festival visit did not live up to our expectations. The restaurant looks amazing but staff and food are unfortunately not. It would be really nice of 4 persons ordering bread would get one piece each and with enough butter for everyone. The ox cheeks were tasty and toasted sandwich adequate. But the scallops were unseasoned and salsa verde totally bland. Harissa kale tasted of nothing. Staff did not seem interested if we were enjoying our meal. When receiving our bill for a table of 4 of nearly £200 we received 2 squares of tablet. Are we meant to decide which members of the party are allowed one. All in all a very average costly meal in beautiful Edinburgh

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  33. JoBb

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a great experience, fab service, lovely food & a really good atmosphere. Would love to return soon.

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  34. DaveM

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience3
    I've eaten here in the evenings many times and the food has always been great. This was my first lunchtime meal, with a visitor from China, and I was embarrassed at the poor quality of the food. I recommended the Cullen Skink as a signature Scottish dish. It was sour, watery, contained a few small scraps of fish, and a few chunks of potato. This was clearly a heated up leftover from the previous day. Either that, or the cook needs to go back to school. Fish & chips? Nothing could go wrong, surely. Wrong. The chips were either leftovers or cooked by an amateur - they had been so overcooked that solid husks surrounded voids within which remnants of potatoes hid. The fish itself was good, but I had to lift it up to let the oil/fat that was between the batter and the fish drain away. I'll definitely go back in the evening, but never again will I lunch here.

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  35. PamelaO

    Glasgow

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food. Excellent service and beautiful setting. Highly recommend.

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  36. JohnW

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Cullen skink and fish and chips and steak good but the crab pasta did not taste of crab and we received an inadequate response from the waiter

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  37. AndreaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything so good the place it’s so wonderful the plate are good and all the people that work there are so good

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  38. BillK

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    A very enjoyable evening when we were very well looked after by table staff and enjoyed an excellent meal with lovely wines. A pre-prandial drink in the bar set us up well.

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  39. Andrea

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Went for lunch and ordered fish and chips and mussels with fries both really good and washed down with a bottle of wine, service good, quality of food good, nice ambiance and full of character. Would definitely return.

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  40. MalcolmP

    Glasgow

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Cracking hot seafood platter with rose wine - fantastic ! One of my old favourite Edinburgh haunts.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Cafe Royal - Edinburgh is rated 4.3 stars by 1009 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 25 times today
Google Map for Cafe Royal - Edinburgh

19 West Register Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH2 2AA

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Edinburgh
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed, Sun 11:00 am–11:00 pm Thu–Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am
  • Cuisines
    Continental, Seafood, Scottish
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Public transit
    St. Andrew's Square Tram/Bus stop is a short walk awayPrinces Street bus stops (Apple Store/Waverley Station)
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wine
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