My wife and I were visiting Edinburgh and had been told by several people that you simply cannot leave the city without experiencing a meal at The Witchery. Based on its reputation, we made a reservation with high expectations and were genuinely looking forward to what we thought would be a memorable dining experience.
The restaurant itself has a beautiful atmosphere, and the service was excellent. The staff were welcoming, attentive, and professional throughout our visit.
Unfortunately, the food was a major disappointment. We shared the 28-Day Aged Scotch Côte de Boeuf and ordered it medium, as recommended by the chef. Regrettably, it was one of the toughest steaks I have ever eaten. The meat was extremely difficult to cut and chew, and the gristly edges were so hard they were almost inedible. It was unlike any quality steak I have had before, especially at a restaurant with such a prestigious reputation.
Given the price and the acclaim surrounding The Witchery, we expected an exceptional meal. Instead, we left feeling disappointed that the food did not come close to matching the outstanding service or the restaurant’s reputation.
I truly wanted to love this experience, but based on the quality of the meal we received, I cannot recommend it. I sincerely hope this was an isolated incident, as the restaurant’s atmosphere and staff deserve much better than the food we were served.
The witchery was one of the most memorable meals of our trip. We booked a 10:30pm dinner here to celebrate our engagement and it was the absolute best time. Experiencing it candelit at night creates a beautiful, intimate, and bewitching atmosphere. The kir royale, bouillabaisse, duck, and apple tart were out of this world! This place deserves all the praise and more. The service was excellent, the staff being very professional and personable. They served our dessert on these cute plates for our engagement! This is a must to your edinburgh trip!!
5
Dining at the Witchery is a wonderfully sensorial experience The ambience is magical with the main level room historic, warm and moody aesthetic to the upper level that is reminiscent of a garden house in France. I enjoyed an absolutely delicious dinner and as a Pescatarian, the Witchery offered many culinary infulgences to fit my needs. The sole dish was perfectly made and the apple tart with warm custard was delicious. I was particularly impressed with the balance of pastry to apples and the Witchery interpretation of a classic petit four - delish and delightful!!
The service was outstanding - professional but also warm, personable and well informed. If you are looking for some sensorial magic , this is the spot to indulge yourself !!
4
Lunch at The Witchery was definitely one of the more memorable dining experiences I had in Edinburgh.
The chicken was absolutely amazing. One of those meals where you clean the plate without even realizing it. The lunch special was a great value at around £37 for two courses, but be aware that nearly everything else is à la carte, including bread and water, so extras can add up quickly. Ordering from the regular menu is noticeably pricier.
The atmosphere is exactly what you’d expect from The Witchery — dramatic, historic, and incredibly unique. I was seated in the older dining room, which is very dark and a bit tighter in space. A few guests who wandered in from the newer side commented that they preferred the brighter, more open feel there. If you can’t get dinner reservations, I’d absolutely recommend trying for lunch reservations instead, though that may limit which dining room is available.
Service was attentive with multiple servers checking in throughout the meal, though at times that actually slowed things down a bit. It took nearly 20 minutes to receive my bill after a nearby couple who finished later had already paid and left. The staff also seemed more focused on resetting tables for incoming guests than wrapping up service for diners who were still there.
That said, the food alone made the experience worthwhile, and I’d definitely return — especially to try dining in the newer side next time.
5
The most beautiful restaurant in the UK and one of the most beautiful in the world. It really feels special from the movement you walk in. However, it’s more than a stunning space. The service is world class. The cocktails and wine were all delicious. Every dish we had was fantastic. Overall, it just a gorgeous place, but a great dining experience start to finish.
