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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 #269 of 1,356 restaurants in Edinburgh
Price range: ₹ 0 - ₹ 4,186
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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1,059 reviews from our community

65% Recommend
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Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Leicester, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

Whilst decor and atmosphere is good and the menu provided a variety of choices, I was left disappointed by the Fisherman's Pie which was too salty. Although staff were very apologetic and replaced the pie with a less saltier one, along with not charging us for the drinks, the replacement pie was more creamier than expected. Also had to wait... More

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See 2 more reviews by Vanisha M for Edinburgh
firenze
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW via mobile

Just few words. I've never written any kind of reviews,but this time I want to suggest people to go somewhere else. The atmosphere is very good but the food and the service ( a Jung man too confident and not professional) is absolutely terrible. Save your money and go somewhere else. Believe me.

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1 review
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW via mobile

Horrible service and poor food. Every time i had to ask for something i have been waiting the waiter for more than 5/10 minutes. Food on average and for sure not as good as you would expect for these prices. Avoid this restaurant and look for something else in Edinburgh. You will easily find a better restaurant if you are... More

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NC
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

We loved the greenery along the entry pathway and the welcoming service at the top of the stairs above the restaurant. Everything was cosy and elegant, the service was quietly pleasant and attentive, and the food was top-notch. We had a fresh pea hot soup for starters which was the most beautiful emerald green and just delicious!

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Stockholm, Sweden
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

Excellent service, beautiful restaurant and delicious food to very reasonable prices. This was my second visit to the witchery and the secret garden. It is defiantely one of my absolute favourite restaurants.

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See 2 more reviews by Engstrand for Edinburgh
Leeds, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

From the moment you enter the small candlelit alleyway that leads you to The Secret Garden, you know you are in for something special. There's something amazingly theatrical about entering the small conservatory reception area, to then be led down the fairy-lit staircase and led to your seat via only candlelight. On appearances alone, this was easily the most stunning... More

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Edinburgh, Scotland
Top Contributor
70 reviews 70 reviews
31 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
134 helpful votes 134 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013

We hadn't been to the Witchery for a few years but with good news to be celebrated we decided to try it. So, so glad we did. We had a simply magical evening. It's so romantic and cosy. The service was outstanding and the food divine. Could not fault a single thing - a perfect evening. Fantastic job by wait... More

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See 13 more reviews by rmlj for Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
116 reviews 116 reviews
81 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 41 cities Reviews in 41 cities
69 helpful votes 69 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013

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
29 reviews 29 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013

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
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

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

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