The King's Wark is a gastropub in Leith, Edinburgh. Rated 4.5 stars from 1533 Google reviews. Known for sunday roast and warm, attentive service. Best for sunday roast and groups and families. Price range: £20–30.
Rankings updated May 2026
The King's Wark
Across 1,520 Google reviews, 90% gave four or five stars.
Quick Verdict
A historic Leith institution where classic pub food, attentive service, and cosy fireplace warmth make it a standout for Sunday roast and special occasions.
You want an exceptional Sunday roast in a historic, dog-friendly setting with staff who treat you like regulars.
About The King's Wark
The King's Wark is a historic gastropub anchoring Leith's Shore, housed in a building steeped in 17th-century character. Reviewers consistently praise the cosy, atmospheric dining room—warmed by a working fireplace—where locals and visitors alike gather for traditional pub fare executed to high standard. The menu balances classic comfort (fish and chips, Sunday roast, haggis in pastry) with refined touches: venison, mussels, lamb stew, and vegetarian options sit alongside an impressive selection of real ales, wines, and cocktails. Staff are repeatedly noted for attentiveness and warmth, even under pressure on busy nights. The kitchen delivers generous portions of well-cooked vegetables and standout desserts like sticky toffee pudding. Dog-friendly inside and out, with high chairs and accessible seating, it welcomes families, solo diners, and groups with equal ease. Brunch, lunch, and dinner reservations are recommended, especially weekends.
The King's Wark earns its romantic reputation through both atmosphere and a serious wine selection — the kind of place where a dinner for two tends to extend well past dessert.
What Stands Out
Sunday roast
Multiple recent 5-star reviews single out the Sunday roast as exceptional, with one reviewer calling it 'probably one of the best Sunday roasts I've had' and another naming it among the top ten dinners of their life.
Warm, attentive service
Reviewers consistently highlight staff friendliness and attentiveness, with one noting they 'were received like kings' despite arriving without reservation on a busy night, and another praising staff for making a birthday celebration 'so special'.
Historic atmosphere with fireplace
The cosy, atmospheric setting in a historic building with working fireplace is mentioned across reviews as a key draw, with one recent visitor describing it as 'a cosy and atmospheric dining room' perfect for people-watching on the Shore.
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Really well priced for the location, great service and tasty food.”
“Seafood or Steak, chicken or fish, Whatever you choose, it's always delish.”
“Classic pub food served to a high standard in a cosy atmosphere.”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Common Questions
How consistently good is The King's Wark?
Across 1,520 Google reviews, 90% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing The King's Wark among Leith's most reliably rated gastropubs.
Is The King's Wark good for a date night?
Yes — The King's Wark is rated as a Romantic setting by its regulars on Google, with a strong wine list. Reservations are recommended, particularly for evenings.
Do you need to book The King's Wark in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for lunch and dinner — The King's Wark is a popular choice in Leith and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
Is The King's Wark family friendly?
The King's Wark accommodates families — Google visitors note facilities for children, and the casual atmosphere suits all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions about The King's Wark
Yes—reviewers consistently praise it as one of Edinburgh's best Sunday roast destinations. The roast includes well-cooked vegetables and standout sides. Booking in advance is recommended, especially on busy weekends.
Yes. Dogs are allowed both inside and outside. It's a dog-friendly venue popular with locals walking the Shore.
Reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, particularly on weekends and busy evenings. Walk-ins are welcomed when space permits.
Cosy and historic, with a working fireplace, casual seating, and a mix of locals and visitors. It's family-friendly and welcoming without being formal.
Yes. The menu includes vegetarian options such as veggie haggis in pastry, and reviewers note there's 'something for everyone' on the menu.
£20–30 per person. Reviewers describe it as 'really well priced for the location' with generous portion sizes.
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