Whiski Bar & Restaurant is a scottish restaurant in Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Rated 4.4 stars from 4077 Google reviews. Known for food that stops you mid-meal and whisky knowledge that's actually useful. Best for whisky tasting and scottish dinner. Price range: £20–30.
Rankings updated April 2026
Whiski Bar & Restaurant
Quick Verdict
A tourist-aware Scottish pub that doesn't cut corners on food or whisky knowledge. Reviewers return because the steak sandwich and beef stew pie are genuinely good, and the staff actually know what they're talking about.
You want traditional Scottish food and a proper whisky selection in a historic room that doesn't feel like a theme park—arrive before 6pm or book ahead.
About Whiski Bar & Restaurant
Whiski Bar & Restaurant sits on the Grassmarket with the setup of a proper Scottish pub—fireplace, live music, whisky selection that takes up real wall space—but it's built around food that reviewers keep mentioning unprompted. The steak sandwich gets called "probably the best one I've had in a long time." The beef stew pie arrives with meat "gorging out," chunks visible, pastry perched on top. You'll find traditional Scottish dishes alongside cocktails and a whisky list organised by region and taste profile. Service moves at its own pace (one reviewer noted it was slow), but staff are consistently described as friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere reads cosy and historic—reviewers mention it "tells a story"—and it's full by 6pm most nights. Tourists come here. So do locals on repeat visits. The space has outdoor seating, a bar for solo diners, and enough room for groups. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner all happen here.
What Stands Out
Food that stops you mid-meal
A reviewer ate the steak sandwich so fast they "didn't even get the chance to take pictures — it was too good and I devoured it immediately." The beef stew pie is praised for quantity and quality of meat. Multiple reviewers mention "delicious food" and "amazing food" without qualification.
Whisky knowledge that's actually useful
Reviewers specifically mention "Amazing list of whiskies and various selections tours according to regions or tastes" and note that explanations are "written down clearly." One visitor came specifically for a whisky tasting and called it "a fantastic experience."
Staff who remember why you came back
Described as "friendly and helpful," "very nice, efficient and caring," and "friendly and welcoming." One reviewer wished they'd caught the waitress's name because "she was phenomenal." Repeat visitors cite "friendly service" as a reason they return.
What Customers Say
Great food, quick and friendly service, lovely atmosphere and amazing Scottish music!
They have a lot of traditional dishes on the menu and several other tasty things to try out.
If you want good music, live or through speakers, friendly service and amazing food, this is the place for you.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Whiski Bar & Restaurant
The steak sandwich. One reviewer called it "probably the best one I've had in a long time" and ate it so quickly they didn't photograph it. The beef stew pie also draws consistent praise—meat chunks visible, substantial portions.
Reservations are recommended, especially between 6–8pm. A reviewer noted the place fills by 6pm on busy nights and standing room appears at the bar by 9pm, but crowd levels vary. Walk-ins are accepted but you might wait.
Yes. One reviewer called it "a tourist trap but the prices are reasonable and food good." It's on the Grassmarket and marketed as a Scottish experience. That said, repeat visitors (locals) cite the food and service as reasons they return.
Reviewers specifically praise the "amazing list of whiskies" organised by region and taste. The staff provide written explanations for tastings. One visitor came specifically for a whisky tasting and found it "a fantastic experience."
One reviewer noted it was "very slow." Others praise it as "quick and friendly." Service speed appears inconsistent, but staff attitude is consistently described as welcoming and helpful.
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