Cafe Royal is a restaurant in Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Rated 4.4 stars from 3584 Google reviews. Known for historic victorian setting and fresh oyster bar and seafood. Best for groups and special occasions. Price range: €€.
Rankings updated May 2026
Cafe Royal
Quick Verdict
A beautifully preserved 1860s pub offering excellent seafood, attentive service, and a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere that justifies its status as an Edinburgh classic.
You want to experience an ornate Victorian pub with excellent seafood and attentive service in the heart of Edinburgh.
About Cafe Royal
Cafe Royal is a historic Edwardian pub in the Grassmarket, built in the 1860s and celebrated for its ornate Victorian interior—tiled and mirrored walls, sparkling island bar, and elegant period décor that transports you to another era. The venue thrives as both a serious drinking destination and restaurant, with an impressive whisky selection and well-stocked lagers. Diners praise the oyster bar's fresh seafood (hot and cold oysters, mussels with rosemary fries) and classics like haggis with bone marrow, fish pie, and Sunday roasts. Service stands out across multiple visits, with staff described as attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable—one reviewer noted staff sharing fascinating stories about the building's history. The atmosphere balances sophistication with relaxation, making it equally suited to solo travellers, groups, and repeat visitors who return specifically for the food and drink quality. At 4.4 stars across 3,584 reviews, it ranks 20th in the Grassmarket zone and maintains a notably higher rating than The Alchemist St James Quarter (4.4 · 1,853 reviews) while competing closely with neighbourhood stalwarts like Hawksmoor (4.5) and Vittoria on the Bridge (4.6).
What Stands Out
Historic Victorian setting
Reviewers repeatedly highlight the ornate 1860s Edwardian interior with tiled and mirrored walls, sparkling island bar, and elegant period décor as a defining feature.
Fresh oyster bar and seafood
Multiple 5-star reviews praise hot and cold oysters, mussels with rosemary fries, and fish pie as delicious and excellent, with one reviewer calling hot oysters 'especially delicious.'
Attentive, knowledgeable service
Diners describe staff as 'superb,' 'attentive to our needs,' 'friendly and helpful,' and willing to share interesting information about the building's history.
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Cafe Royal
Yes. One solo traveller praised the staff as 'sweet, helpful, and very friendly despite being busy,' and noted the relaxed but civilised atmosphere makes it comfortable for dining alone.
The oyster bar is a standout—reviewers rave about hot and cold oysters and mussels with rosemary fries. Scottish classics like haggis with bone marrow and fish pie are also highly praised.
Yes, it's popular and often busy, especially evenings and weekends. One reviewer recommended getting reservations and calling in early to fully appreciate the pub's ornate interior.
The 1860s Edwardian interior features ornate tiled and mirrored walls, a sparkling island bar, and elegant period décor. Reviewers describe it as sophisticated yet relaxed, with a 'lovely civilised atmosphere.'
The pub stocks an impressive whisky selection, well-stocked lagers, and various pints including Pilot IPA on tap. Drinks are described as 'good' and 'not that expensive.'
Also in Grassmarket
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