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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 #267 of 1,347 restaurants in Edinburgh
Price range: £0 - £50
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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1,049 reviews from our community

65% Recommend
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Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
113 reviews 113 reviews
78 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 41 cities Reviews in 41 cities
68 helpful votes 68 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

I dined at the Witchery a few weeks ago with my sister, her husband and my fiancé. It was a bit of a celebration, organized by my sister before her trip to Edinburgh. They chose the Witchery as my brother in law had been there about 20 years ago and wanted to return. The location can not be beaten, right... More

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See 30 more reviews by Savitar for Edinburgh
maidenhead
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

I have not been to Edinburgh for more than 10 years. On finding out was returning I was thrilled at the prospect of having time to go to The Witchery again for dinner. I ended up booking a night there for 8 of us including colleagues from US and Germany. I was really disappointed by The Witchery it has lost... More

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See 3 more reviews by goombie for Edinburgh
Toronto, Canada
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

I think the restaurant did not live up to it's hype...for my money the food and service was better at the 'Tower' restaurant.

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See 5 more reviews by Jan B for Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

Enjoyed a wonderful, romantic anniversary lunch in the courtyard and ended up spending most of the afternoon there. Had the impression of being in a garden. Had a lovely window seat. Food was good without being too showy. Friendly and unobtrusive staff.

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See 2 more reviews by roseperu for Edinburgh
Preston, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

Lunch at the Witchery made my weekend special. We went for the 2 course light lunch and were not disappointed, but its the skill of the waiting on team that make this special - discreet, quiet, yet personable. Its not often you see this level of service - impeccable.

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See 4 more reviews by BethSWoody for Edinburgh
Chicago, Illinois
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

If you are looking for a really unique place to go in Edinburgh, give this a try. Try and get a table in the lower area, it is more cozy and romantic. The food and service is excellent and most of the menu comes from local producers too. Good stuff!

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See 3 more reviews by MacPaddington for Edinburgh
Glasgow, United Kingdom
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

My parents were over for Mother's Day from America, my mom was so excited to enjoy this beautiful restaurant after a day of sightseeing in Edinburgh. Most of us ordered the pre theatre menu which included a starter and a main for £15.99. Now I have been to high end restaurants before, I understand portion size in these types of... More

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Dartford, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

I had heard great things about this place and the images on line certainly seem to agree with the tales. upon arrival to the secret garden we were treated to a first class experience from all the staff and the food was some of the best ive ever had. the staff were formal yet freindly, the decor was amazing and... More

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See 4 more reviews by Danny L for Edinburgh
York
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013 NEW

Atmosphere is a difficult thing to create but this place has oodles of it. The food and wine were incredible and service exceptional. Definitely going to re-visit Edinburgh just to try the restaurant again.

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See 2 more reviews by DesboYork for Edinburgh
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013 via mobile

I visited with a group of friends and we chose the 3 course set menu for £33. Between us we tried everything - even the dull veggie option of cauliflower cheese- and it was entirely average. Certainly not what we expected given this restaurant's reputation for fine dining. We had agreed to return the table by 9 and at 845... More

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