Hawksmoor Edinburgh is a steak house in Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Rated 4.5 stars from 2075 Google reviews. Known for steak precision and wine list and cocktails. Best for groups and special occasions. Price range: €€€.
Rankings updated May 2026
Hawksmoor Edinburgh
Across 2,043 Google reviews, 87% gave four or five stars.
Quick Verdict
Edinburgh's premier steakhouse delivers restaurant-grade beef and refined hospitality in a beautiful historic room — book ahead.
You want the best steak in Edinburgh and don't mind paying for precision cooking and attentive service in an upscale setting.
About Hawksmoor Edinburgh
Hawksmoor Edinburgh sits in a historic Grassmarket building and has earned its reputation as the city's premier steakhouse. Reviewers consistently praise the ribeye and sirloin—cooked to exact specification—alongside standout sides like triple-fried chips and bone marrow gravy. The wine list is a serious draw, curated to complement the meat-forward menu, and the cocktail programme is equally accomplished. Service strikes the balance between attentive and unobtrusive: staff remember names, cater to dietary needs, and move with purpose without hovering. The early evening set menu delivers exceptional value, while the Sunday roast (when available) draws solo diners and groups alike. The room itself—with its upscale decor, pleasant lighting, and vibrant but controlled energy—feels like a genuine occasion space. Accessibility is well-considered, with wheelchair-friendly entrance, restroom, and seating. The venue welcomes families, LGBTQ+ guests, and tourists, though parking in the zone remains challenging and reservations are essential across all dayparts.
Hawksmoor Edinburgh earns its romantic reputation through both atmosphere and a serious wines and cocktails — the kind of place where a dinner for two tends to extend well past dessert.
What Stands Out
Steak precision
Multiple reviewers cite ribeye and sirloin cooked to perfection, with one calling it 'the best steak I've had in my life' and another praising 'beautifully tender' meat simply cooked with precision.
Wine list and cocktails
Reviewers describe a 'killer wine list' and 'great cocktails served'; the venue is ranked #4 in Grassmarket and highlights both Great wine list and Great cocktails.
Attentive, personable service
Staff are repeatedly called 'extremely attentive,' 'polite,' 'welcoming,' and 'impeccable'; one reviewer named server Archie a 'superstar' and another praised host Johanna as 'delightful and welcoming.'
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Amazing atmosphere, very kind staff, delicious food, good prices”
“Great place to visit, great cocktails served, lovely food and service too.”
“Perfectly cooked Ribeye steak and tasty bone marrow gravy”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Common Questions
How consistently good is Hawksmoor Edinburgh?
Across 2,043 Google reviews, 87% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing Hawksmoor Edinburgh among Grassmarket's most reliably rated steak houses.
Is Hawksmoor Edinburgh good for a date night?
Yes — Hawksmoor Edinburgh is rated as a Romantic setting by its regulars on Google, with a strong wine list and cocktail programme. Reservations are recommended, particularly for evenings.
Do you need to book Hawksmoor Edinburgh in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for lunch and dinner — Hawksmoor Edinburgh is a popular choice in Grassmarket and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
Is Hawksmoor Edinburgh family friendly?
Hawksmoor Edinburgh accommodates families — Google visitors note facilities for children, and the relaxed atmosphere suits all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawksmoor Edinburgh
Yes. The venue is marked popular for solo dining, and a recent solo reviewer praised the welcoming service, oysters, bone marrow, and Sunday roast, calling it a '5 stars recommendation.' Arrive early or book ahead to secure a table.
Yes. Reservations are required across all dayparts—breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The venue is consistently busy, especially at peak times. Book at least a week ahead for weekends and special occasions.
The early evening set menu (available until 3pm) offers exceptional value. Reviewers call it 'amazing value' and 'fantastic value,' and it includes starters, mains, and sides at a fraction of à la carte pricing.
Yes. The menu includes vegetarian options alongside the steak-focused offerings. Salads, side dishes, and fish selections (like hake) are also available and well-reviewed.
Yes. The venue is marked family-friendly with high chairs available. However, it's an upscale, busy restaurant, so it suits families with older children or those comfortable in a vibrant, formal setting.
Staff are attentive to intolerances and allergies. Reviewers note that servers provide 'detailed explanations of the menu' and are willing to accommodate special requests and dietary needs.
Also in Grassmarket
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Rankings are recalculated monthly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this month.
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