The Witchery by the Castle
- Telephone 0131 225 5613
- Food served Mon–Sun noon–4pm, 5.30–11.30pm.
- Pre-theatre times Mon–Sun 5.30–6.30pm.
- Average price £15.95 (set lunch); £38 (evening meal)
- Pre-theatre price £15.95
- Website www.thewitchery.com
Jump to comments (5)
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.
One of Edinburgh’s most famous restaurants, celebrated as much for its location near the Castle and historic atmosphere as for the food. There are two distinct dining areas: the darkly romantic 16th- century Witchery, its red leather seats, and old oak panelling illuminated by flickering candles; and the Secret Garden, a pretty covered courtyard overlooking a terrace. Its reputation attracts visiting celebrities, tourists and locals out for a special occasion, although many of the set-price menus mean the bill doesn’t have to be as grand as the surroundings. The cooking has been somewhat eclipsed by the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants but is still of an excellent standard and uses high-quality British produce. A delicate Buckie crab is paired with discs of tomato, mango and grapefruit jelly while the shellfish bisque is velvety smooth. From the roasts and grills, the Cairngorm venison is packed with deep smoky flavours and the chicken is deliciously moist. Desserts are rich and indulgent – luckily you can taste them all in the Witchery pudding selection platter.
- High point: Lavish interiors and romantic atmosphere
- Low point: It boasts a fine wine cellar but there's nothing for under £20
Located in an historic sixteenth-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 location,stunning interiors and superlative food, wine and service create memorable and magical dining experiences for locals, visitors and celebrities alike. Ewan MacGregor, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Jack Nicholson and Clarissa Dickson Wright have all succumbed to its charms, with Andrew Lloyd Webber calling it the prettiest restaurant ever! Originally built for an Edinburgh merchant in 1595, this historic building on the Royal Mile now includes the jewel-like Witchery dining room, the spectacular Secret Garden and a collection of totally indulgent and opulent suites.
Text supplied by third party.
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 14
- Private dining: 50 / 60
- No. overnight rooms: 8
- Provides: Gluten-free options, Children's high chairs, Pre-theatre menu, Post-theatre menu, Outdoor tables, Free wi-fi
- Music on stereo: light jazz and classical
- Capacity: 110
- Largest group: 40 / 50
- Open since: 1979
- House wine: £21.50 per bottle
Comments & ratings
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5.
TR – 18 May 2011, 11:08am
The Witchery by the Castle
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As an Edinburgh resident for 11 years and self proclaimed foodie I have always looked for an opportunity to dine at the Witchery. This opportunity finally presented itself last night and unfortunately I can't hide my dissappointment. I am by no means adverse to paying high prices for fine dining but the extortionate costs at this establishment are not adequately backed up by culinary technique, flair, presentation or quality of ingredients. My £28 main course featured 5 scallops, a scoop of stodgey mash potato and some lambs lettuce. The scallops on there own were good but certainly not worth £5 a mouthful. Other low points included a dry, under seasoned potted duck with little or no evidence of the fois gras stated on the menu and an uninspiring pork 3 ways main (£27) which featured an over cooked chop, a bland piece of loin and a slice of bacon with no accompliment. Whilst non of the food was bad it just lacked the lip smacking, gastronomic wow factor that should come with paying £75+ per head. The Witchery will no doubt appeal to wealthy American tourists who will be taken in by the quirky surroundings but Edinburgh offers some far more exciting and innovative restaurants in this price range.
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4.
Brodieman – 20 Feb 2011, 10:25pm
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Lunch here a bargain. Staff friendly without being effusive. Dinner presented well-designed and executed choices. Surprised at the negative reviews - I've always enjoyed splendid food here in a unique atmosphere.
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3.
Bean – 24 Sep 2010, 12:57pm
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We visited this restaurant a couple of weeks ago for a birthday treat and came away VERY disappointed. Having been once many years ago and enjoying it at the time, I was looking forward to re-visiting. Sadly, I shall never return.
The duck breast and lentils main course I had was overcooked, tough and had no flavour whatsoever. At £23 for this, you expect something pretty special. My partner's food didn't live up to expectations either.
Seems to me like they're relying on the ambience and romance of the building, which seems to mainly attract tourists! It's just a shame that the food doesn't match up.
Avoid this place! There's so many other lovely restaurants in Edinburgh, (particularly down the Shore in Leith) that offer much tastier food at a fraction of the cost of the Witchery.
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2.
CG23 – 31 Aug 2009, 5:46pm
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Been here a few times, never come across that waiter, but I will tell you that the place is beautiful, service has always been 100% (Worth tipping)
The food is very good, and very tasty. House red is great value for money I love coming here, its a real treat! If you new to Edinburgh its worth trying.
- 1. thw witchery resturaunt edinburgh – 25 Jan 2009, 10:25pm Report
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we went to the witchery december 2008 there was 6 of us in our party.
We had heard so much about this eatery and wanted to try as had friends who came from abroad what a let down from the server who was quite rude to the food my steak was so tough had to send back and they had the cheek to say thet would cook it more! when I said I dont think so they took off the bill the apple tart was dire and you would have needed you own teeth to eat it . Our bill was over £400 as we had bottles of wine too, I can honestly say it is over rated and very dissapointing I would not recommend it either there are very nice resturaunts off Princess street which have top class food at a fraction of the price .
Take my advice and dont go on the hype that says the witchery is the in place to eat.
Average rating /5 from 4 reviews of The Witchery by the Castle.
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