Hey Palu is a restaurant in Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Rated 4.9 stars from 982 Google reviews. Known for exceptional cocktail craft and attentive, knowledgeable staff. Best for cocktail lovers and groups. Price range: £20–30.
Rankings updated May 2026
Hey Palu
Across 974 Google reviews, 98% gave four or five stars.
Quick Verdict
An intimate, expertly run cocktail bar where craft drinks and genuine hospitality converge—worth booking ahead.
You want exceptional cocktails and attentive service in a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
About Hey Palu
Hey Palu is a cosy, upscale cocktail bar in Grassmarket that has earned a 4.9-star rating across 953 reviews—98% five-star—for its inventive drinks and exceptional hospitality. The bartenders are celebrated for their craft and knowledge, with reviewers consistently praising their ability to recommend bespoke cocktails tailored to individual tastes, and even crafting off-menu creations. The wine list and curated amari selection add depth to an already impressive drinks programme. Beyond cocktails, the Italian bar snack menu delivers generous, thoughtful portions—gluten-free options are accommodated without fuss. The atmosphere balances speakeasy sophistication with genuine warmth: staff remember details like keeping water glasses full, providing napkins when glasses steam up, and writing down recommendations for the city. Dogs are welcome, and the venue is explicitly positioned as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace. Reservations are recommended, particularly for groups and peak times.
Hey Palu 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
Exceptional cocktail craft
Reviewers consistently highlight 'inventive and unique' drinks, with specific praise for the Yuzu margarita, Paper Plane, and Irish Coffee. One guest tried 10 cocktails and found every single one amazing.
Attentive, knowledgeable staff
Multiple reviews cite bartenders by name (Becca, Nikki, Andy) for going 'above and beyond', providing recommendations written down, and maintaining impeccable service even during busy periods like NYE.
Thoughtful hospitality details
Reviewers note staff proactively offering complementary snacks, water, napkins, and gluten-free options; one guest described the experience as 'arrive as a stranger, leave as a friend'.
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Lovely friendly quality Place Great staff great service classy interior.”
“Delicious small bites, Italian beer & nice cocktails.”
“Give your customers a choice and stop automatically adding service charges.”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Common Questions
How consistently good is Hey Palu?
Across 974 Google reviews, 98% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing Hey Palu among Grassmarket's most reliably rated venues.
Is Hey Palu good for a date night?
Yes — Hey Palu 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 Hey Palu in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for meals — Hey Palu is a popular choice in Grassmarket and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hey Palu
Yes. The romantic, cosy atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails make it ideal for couples. The attentive staff and curated amari flights add a sophisticated touch. Reservations recommended.
Yes, dogs are welcome. Staff are enthusiastic about canine guests—one reviewer mentioned staff were 'a bit bummed' they didn't bring theirs despite mentioning it on the reservation.
Yes. Hey Palu offers Italian bar snacks and small bites alongside cocktails. Portions are generous, and gluten-free options are available. Table service is provided.
Yes. Hey Palu is explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly and operates as a transgender safespace, welcoming all guests with genuine hospitality.
Reviewers highlight the Yuzu margarita, Paper Plane, Irish Coffee, and dirty vodka martini as standouts. Staff excel at tailoring recommendations—ask them what suits your taste.
Reservations are recommended, especially for groups and weekends. The bar is compact but well-fitted, and staff accommodate walk-ins when space allows.
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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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