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The Witchery by the Castle

Castlehill | The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NF, Scotland (Castle/Royal Mile/High St)
0131-2255613
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Ranked #273 of 1,374 restaurants in Edinburgh
Price range: $0 - $82
Cuisines: Seafood, Scottish, British
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Special Occasion Dining
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, After-hours, Dessert
Neighbourhood: Castle/Royal Mile/High St
Description: Located in a historic 16th century building at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, James Thomson's Witchery is the most atmospheric and spectacular dining destination in the city. A unique setting, stunning interiors and superlative food, wine and service combine to create memorable dining experiences for locals, visitors and celebrities alike. The staff use the best of Scotland's produce including Angus beef, lamb, game and seafood. Nestled in the most historic part of the building, The Witchery dining room is rich, warm and atmospheric, with tapestries, mirrors and carvings hanging on oak-panelled walls. Spectacularly painted and gilded ceilings, similar to those at the Palace of Holyrood House, celebrate the links with France in the Auld Alliance, whilst much of the panelling was rescued from St Giles Cathedral and a Burgundian Chateau. Gilded antique leather screens, polished church candlesticks and opulent red leather seating complete the surroundings of this splendid dining location.
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1,095 reviews from our community

65% Recommend
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Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Durham
1 review
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

I know Edinburgh restaurants well having lived there and with family still in the city. My husband and I had never eaten at The Witchery and we're looking forward to our meal. Venue is lovely (although I was facing a toilet door) but the food was very disappointing. We struggled to select and out of a party of four, three... More

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Edinburgh
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

After returning home from our honeymoon last week, my husband and I decided to treat ourselves to dinner at the Witchery - somewhere I had always wanted to go to. We reserved a table in the Secret Garden part of the restaurant which was lovely and atmospheric and the service was truly impeccable. However, we both felt let down by... More

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See 2 more reviews by Guest25 for Edinburgh
Delamere, United Kingdom
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

We booked to go for lunch on the two course special offer in March 2013. The restaurant is a stones throw from Edinburgh Castle. You walk down a stone alleyway and a staircase into the magical dining room. Staff took our coats and showed us to our table. It had an intimate feel despite being very busy. We started by... More

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See 2 more reviews by RoryA2013 for Edinburgh
Leicester, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW via mobile

My friend and I went for Lunch,we chose the 2 course set lunch.It really was excellent.The staff where friendly and attentive,beautiful,interesting surroundings and a lovely relaxed atmosphere.It isn't a "cheap lunch" but we felt it was good value for money.Look forward to going there again next time we are in Edinburgh.

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See 3 more reviews by sue775 for Edinburgh
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 June 2013

We have had such exceptional meals everywhere we have gone on our visit to Edinburgh; but, the Witchery was very disappointing. Starting with the bread, everything was mediocre. My friend had the dish called "three little pigs" and said that it was salty and not what she expected. I had the Jerusalem Artichoke Tart with braised leeks. The leeks were... More

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See 3 more reviews by Diane D for Edinburgh
england
1 review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013 via mobile

We went to the Witchery for a 40th birthday celebration. The experience was very good until the food arrived. It was over cooked and cold. We had waited so long for it and were very hungry so we just ate it!!! It was half term so maybe the usual chef was on holiday?

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London, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013

A real let down. Expensive disappointing food. Scallops ordinary, asparagus pulpy and inedible, lamb chop chewy. Desserts lovely though. Spanish red wine acidic,but maybe just my bad choice. Cold at our table due to the door being left open, but closed on request. Complained to duty manager about the disappointing food, but I didn't sense any genuine concern and no... More

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See 6 more reviews by Brian C for Edinburgh
Hitchin,UK
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
32 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

Have eaten here twice both times 10/10 romantic great food and wine,this is one of my favourite place in Edinburgh always a treat. Go and spoil your selves u wont be disappointed

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See 6 more reviews by Richie2675 for Edinburgh
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

The surroundings are beautiful, the staff are 5 star the food is a delight. Having just visited for the 4th time my husband and I will absolutely be back again soon!

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See 2 more reviews by Rebecca M for Edinburgh
Ascot, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
23 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

We needed somewhere rather late in the evening because we'd arrived late. The Witchery was open and stylish. The food was Scottish style and fine, though the portions were small. The waiting was effective. The wines were very over priced with a markup of about 5 times.

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