Café Royal Oyster Bar
- Telephone 0131 556 1884
- Opening times Mon–Wed 11am–11pm; Thu 11am–midnight; Fri/Sat 11am–1am; Sun 12.30–11pm
- Bar open Mon–Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 12.30–10pm
- Food served Mon–Thu noon–2pm, 5–9.30pm; Fri–Sun noon–9.30pm.
- Average price £27 (lunch); £27 (evening meal)
- Website www.caferoyaledinburgh.co.uk
Jump to comments (4)
The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.
In the sixties, Woollies wanted to knock down the Café Royal and use the space for its Princes Street shop. Thankfully the Café Royal was made of sterner stuff and still stands as a perfectly preserved Victorian bar. It’s well worth a visit to feast your eyes on glorious stained glass, plasterwork ceilings and ceramic murals. The restaurant is divided from the main bar by short panels, cleverly allowing its hubbub to spill into the fairly formal space. Seafood is the focus here, from oysters to Cullen skink to fish stew, although there are a few meat dishes, including venison. A simple smoked salmon and prawn salad steals the starters’ show, the kitchen wisely avoiding the temptation to over-fuss good raw ingredients. Scallops and black pudding don’t push boundaries, but taste and look as good as they should. However, a fish stew disappoints with flabby salmon and bland sauce. That said, news of a new chef with plans to bring desserts in-house will be no doubt welcomed by their fiercely loyal local followers.
- High point: Friendly service in a unique location
- Low point: Uneven food quality
More Theatrical than Edinburgh in August, it is a perfect Victorian relic tucked down an alley off Princes Street. The fantastically atmospheric room-a riot of stained glass, murals, mirrors and wood paneling-that's the star. Taste Scottish produce at its best. Pop in to Edinburgh's hidden gem to sample a selection of Scottish cask ales, malt whiskies and why not try our home smoked delights, we smoke food on the premises every day. Don't miss the best oysters and mussels in town. Food is served all day in the bar and restaurant, the bar is open for drinks till late.
Guardian Newspaper–21 June 2008 Irvine Welsh’s (author) favorite restaurant in Edinburgh “As well as being an amazingly beautiful building, the Café Royal is also a great place for seafood. My usual order is a glass of champagne and a plate of oysters. They’re just gorgeous here”
Telegraph Newspaper–24 May 2008 “This polished gem set near Edinburgh’s Castle Rock is worth visiting just to ogle its Victorian opulence. If there had been a pub on board the Titanic, this would have been it.”
Text supplied by third party.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 8
- Provides: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Free wi-fi
- Music on stereo: Nothing
- Capacity: 40
- Largest group: 40
- Open since: 1863
- House wine: £15.50 per bottle
Comments & ratings
- 4. AlexB – 14 Nov 2012, 2:40pm Report
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Yesterday myself (I am a South African lady) and my partner (a Scottish Chef) had the misfortune of coming to The Cafe Royal. We received shocking service and had a very unpleasant experience. I ordered 6 natural oysters and upon revival noticed that they were not very fresh. They had a off-white/ yellow thick sticky liquid which I know means that they are either old or dead, they did not smell very pleasant either- my partner checked and confirmed as he deals with oysters on a daily basis at his restaurant. I told the waiter that they are perhaps not fresh and that I would not risk another plate. he took the oysters to the kitchen and then returned them after a while back to me saying that the chef said that these where Scottish oysters and meant to be like that. I am South African by origin and I have an accent BUT I have been in this country long enough and have had oysters here on numerous occasions, never have they looked like this! I proceeded to say that I would not like them and will not take the risk of being ill- he then told me that either way I would have to pay for them no matter what I thought! I paid for them in shock only to be approached by a lovely waitress who apologized on behalf of her colleague and chef and returned my money. I find this absolutely shocking service to be told that even though the food was bad I would have to pay for it anyway, and to say that it is Scottish oysters after hearing I am a foreigner is even worse of an excuse!
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3.
Judy – 21 Jul 2011, 8:22am
Café Royal Oyster Bar
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We ate there last night & OMG! Standard of food was appauling, from start to finish. The oysters were poor, I asked for a mix of 3 natural & 3 special, the natural came slightly warm fixed to a plate with mashed potatoe! For main course we had a steak which came with burnt mushroom & onion, 15 mins later more came & the onion was raw this time, my fish stew was awful, a tasteless gloop. Pud was meant to be a toffee, pear sponge which was an M&S sticky toffee pud with slices of hard unripe pear on top - yuk! Some of the service was ok but clearly geared towards tourists but I couldnt recommend this to anyone. Later last night both of us were feeling slightly unwell, only I have made it to work today - beware!!!!!! Much better places in Edinburgh to have oysters if your a fan.
- 2. Midweek Foodie – 13 Oct 2009, 9:41am Report
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Oh dear, went last night for a special meal and the surroundings, the service and the wine were absolutely lovely.
Unfortunately the lobster wasn't. It was overcooked and didn't taste great but we gave it the benefit of the doubt. A few hours later it became clear that the overcooking had been an attempt to hide the fact that this lobster had been residing in the kitchen for rather longer than recommended! Maybe a Monday night wasn't the best time to go but definitely not an experience to be recommended - unless you're a fan of a spot of food poisoning!
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1.
R Dineen – 13 Jan 2009, 2:22pm
Café Royal Oyster Bar
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Ate there today at lunchtime and had a fantastic meal in wonderful surroundings. this place came recommended as we had no idea where to go to lunch but knew we wanted oysters. And what a wonderful place for lunch.
Try it yourself
Average rating /5 from 2 reviews of Café Royal Oyster Bar.
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