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Hours
Sun
12:00 - 23:00
Mon
11:00 - 23:00
Tue
11:00 - 23:00
Wed
11:00 - 23:00
Thu
11:00 - 23:00
Fri
11:00 - 1:00
Sat
11:00 - 1:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Does this restaurant serve Bar / Pub food?
Details
About
The Guild of Foresters offers the authentic Portobello experience. An ever evolving menu using only the best ingredients from Edinburgh and it's surrounding areas. Seasonal menu changes and daily specials means you'll only ever be spoiled for choice. Our bar offers the best selection of local and international beer in Portobello. And we have an extensive selection in the fridges if a pint isn't your thing. Foresters Guild; On the doorstep of Portobello.
PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £15.00
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub, Scottish
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
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4.5
459 reviews
Excellent
279
Very good
111
Average
30
Poor
19
Terrible
20
Karen C
261 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We've been here a few times and it's been good every times.
This time we had starters of seared scallops and calamari, both very good, then flat iron steak and a burger. Both excellent, the steak was requested medium rare and it actually came as requested, something that often just doesn't happen. It hadn't been rested though so there was blood all over the plate. The fries were really good, crispy and full of flavour. The meat is locally sourced and there's a list on the wall advising where everything comes from.
The Better Half also had sticky toffee pudding which I'm advised was very good, with excellent ice cream.
Two starters, two mains, one dessert, a glass of wine, three and a half pints of Guinness and a single malt totalled £77, which I think was very reasonable.
The service was good, staff very friendly and efficient and took time to talk properly, even though they were busy.
The whole place is on the flat,including the toilets with plenty of space between tables and they're Covid aware.
All in all really good.
Written 27 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ami478
London161 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
Came here for dinner on a Tuesday night as we were staying in the local area.
During our trip to Edinburgh my boyfriend and I had eaten at several restaurants but this restaurant actually came out top in terms of quality of food and value for money. The 10oz rump steak was cooked to perfection (requested medium) and was succulent and juicy. The deep fried haddock was on the same level - it had been cooked beautifully and had the perfect crispy batter, served alongside tartar sauce and peas.
The sticky toffee pudding was amazing - I won't forget it for a long time! It was generously sized and every bite was heavenly.
Also, our server was very friendly.
The only disappointment I have is not coming back here to eat a second time during the trip - I'd be back in no time if I was staying in the area again!
Written 21 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KAREN FOX
31 contributions
Sept 2021 • couples
Popped in today for an unexpected lunch after finding ourselves in the area. An absolute gem of a find and we’re hoping to go back soon. Ordered the baked cod and the porty cheesesteak, what seemed like half a joint of brisket was so tender it virtually melted in your mouth. Quality of the food only matched by the staff, even when busy they were attentive friendly and had everything under control. Quality not reflected in the price however, they put far more expensive establishments to shame. We will be back.
Written 20 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter S
Whitehaven2 contributions
May 2022 • family
Having eaten previously at this pub I knew it was expensive but trendy staff 'big up' what's on offer. (OK you guys!)
I popped in for a lunchtime beer with my Daughter and we had a drink and were then offered a menu..
I thought I would have the Sourdough bread at £4.95 while my daughter had a very small baja fish (bassa) for £7.95.
My bread arrived with the butter. Two small slices cut in two to make four small pieces.
I was astonished and disappointed and said so to the barman..
A polite shrug of the shoulders spoke volumes.
Looking again at the menu later I notice they offer soup of the day and Sourdough for £5.95 which on my reckoning makes the soup £1 or as I rather suspect a complete rip off for just the bread alone.
You pay your money and make your choice whilst the Foresters just milk your lack of pragmatism. (sorry you guys!)
Written 5 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Always-on-the-level
Edinburgh187 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
Spur of the moment lunch suggestion led us to here and it was a great choice.
The service was very good, the food was very good but I’m going to drop a star for the drinks, no alcoholic drinks were ordered and the soft drinks we ordered were in small glasses and full of ice so the actual volume was tiny! I know it’s a pub trick of making margin but at least do it in large glasses!
Value for money for the food was good and couldn’t fault it or the service. its just a pity about the soft drinks....
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarionMain
Edinburgh4 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Husband and I had an early dinner here on 23rd. We live in area so not sure why we haven't tried before.
We had our 2 Cavaliers with us and as the front bar admits dogs we decided to give it a go and very glad we did.
Both had large fish and chips, very nice indeed but struggled to finish the chips due to portion size.
Staff were good with our dogs, providing a bowl of water and friendly strokes and cuddles
Nicely decorated pub/restaurant with average prices for decent pub grub.
Will certainly return after a walk on the beach with the pups and try something different. Menu is typical of it's sort and there is something for everyone. May well try the chicken supreme with celeriac puree next time. Sounds lush
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles B
Edinburgh1 contribution
Aug 2023 • family
We were four adults, two small children, one baby and a large dog having an early supper in one of the Beach Huts. The staff were amazing, looking after adults, children and dog with equal enthusiasm.
The food was excellent, reasonably priced and speedily served by cheerful and enthusiastic waiting staff who really went the extra mile making a memorable experience for the children, an enjoyable one for the adults and a relaxed one for the dog.
We would go back in a heartbeat.
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
captainmcneill
Edinburgh3 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
On 2 occasions lately several items from the main menu were not available.
The last time there were 6.
None of the following:
Fish cakes, Pulled Pork, Chicken, Truffled potatoes to go with the duck, Sticky Toffee pudding, nor Creme Brulee.
In my opinion thing have gone drastically down hill.
Can't see me returning in the near future. Pity
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catie D
110 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
The smoked salmon was the best smoked salmon me and my partner have ever had. The fish and chips were really nice and fresh, not greasy. My partners steak was cooked exactly the way he wanted and there was little to no fat and gristle. The stormy cocktail was awful, however that is just me and my partners taste. The ginger ale is made in house and I’m sure it would be enjoyed by those who like a strong cocktail.
Despite the restaurant being rather busy the staff were really fun to talk to and we got our food in a reasonable time.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karen S
Scotland11 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
Visited this venue on Sunday 27th March 2022 for a Sunday roast dinner and drinks with friends who were visiting from England.
I found the staff to be very friendly,attentive and nothing was too much trouble.
I'm glad I had booked a table as it was quite busy. We ordered the Sunday roast,individually played as opposed to a sharing platter,again not a problem.
The meal was sublime,the beef was cooked to perfection and you didn't even need a knife to cut it it was so tender and it melted in your mouth.
And it was great value for money.
Can't recommend this place highly enough. I will certainly be returning.
Written 28 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stephc352018
Edinburgh79 contributions
Apr 2022 • family
Have visited twice this week for dinner and drinks. The food is great (especially the breaded chicken katsu curry burger) and the service is fab as well. Particular shout out to Craig and Kieran for being so great.
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zoltán N
Edinburgh2 contributions
Jan 2024 • friends
Shockingly bad experience. Went in for lunch yesterday with my friends. The 2 of us ordered Sunday roast and it was terrible. Meat was cooked to rare to medium rare which i was happy with but there was no seasoning on top so asked for salt immediately. We could barely slice the meat and the meat was full of muscle fibers that it just made the dish not edible…after 10minutes I managed to get the attention of the servers and asked for a large fish and chips and a burger instead. They brought the dishes out and she realised that it was a small fish and chips so the server said she go get the other half…I looked at the haddock and it was actually one fillet but the fish was curved up so it looked tiny. One side had barely any batter on it, the other half was full of batter. I finished it at the end as I was starving but definitely not coming back again food. Not sure why your chefs are working in the industry if they're not enjoying cooking…
Written 29 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SAWithamFamily
Witham59 contributions
Feb 2024 • family
Quick family lunch. Decent pub food, well plated and tasty. To be fair, the price of each offering was a bit above average for pub grub but the place is welcoming and the service is good, and it’s in a really interesting part of the City - plus after a walk on the windy, wet beach it’s a good place to warm up and revive.
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R C
5 contributions
Jul 2024 • friends
Oh dear, several major errors with our lunch, but no offer of rectification.
Ordered the £50 steak for 2 which comes with 2 sides and 2 sauces. We ordered salmon & prawns and 2 loaded fries.
On the menu, the salmon starter states it contains avocado oil, in fact, it came with a thick base of avocado sauce. I am allergic to avocado (ok with oil), so I was unable to eat it after the first discovery mouthful. I have had stomach issues for a few days now.
The prawns were almost raw but tasted good.
The steak came and was cooked well, however we were served an incorrect sauce.
These issues previously highlighted were with the additional charges that staff failed to mention mentioned, nor are listed on the menu.
The loaded fries had an additional charge of £3.50 each on the bill and the salmon starter with the unlisted avocado an additional £2. So the steak for two was actually £59!
The loaded fries were an astonishingly expensive £7.50 each and came in one of those cute little buckets. Shockingly overpriced and a miss by Foresters where they could easily have been seen to be generous at very little extra cost to themselves.
Also had the baked halloumi, which was acceptable. Was very nervous of the green drizzle that this was also unexpected avocado. The pomegranate seeds looked anaemic, which gave an overall unappealing appearance.
The waiter was apologetic about not asking for allergies, and when queried the bill was told about the surcharges, not a nice surprise.
Rather disappointing visit and not handled well by the staff.
Written 10 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnnieMac
Edinburgh4308 contributions
Apr 2021 • family
Ate indoors during first week post lockdown. Great staff & ok food. Chips were fab but burger & especially the cheesesteak were both too dry. Have visited before & the food is usually better. Would still recommend.
Written 3 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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