Makars Mash Bar is a scottish restaurant in Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Rated 4.8 stars from 10163 Google reviews. Known for slow-cooked meat and exceptional mash and sides. Best for families and groups. Price range: £20–30.
Makars Mash Bar is rated 4.8★ on Google (10,163 reviews) and 4.8★ on TripAdvisor (11,153 reviews) — a consistent rating across both platforms.
Rankings updated June 2026
Makars Mash Bar
Across 9,720 rated reviews, 95% gave four or five stars.
| Rating | 4.8★ |
| Reviews | 10,163 |
| 1-star share | 1.3% |
| Best for | Lunch |
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google — shown in English, with the original beneath
“Amazing food, super friendly staff, great service and a cozy ambiance :)”
“I ordered the slow cooked lamb shank and haggis pie which was served quickly.”
“All the family enjoyed the beef, lamb, sausage and chicken.”
Consistently rated across Google and TripAdvisor
21,316 reviews across two platforms
Quick Verdict
Makars Mash Bar in Grassmarket delivers authentic slow-cooked lamb, beef, and haggis with impeccable service in a cozy, bustling atmosphere.
You want authentic Scottish comfort food with tender, flavour-rich meat and legendary mash — but arrive with a reservation or expect a wait.
About Makars Mash Bar
Makars Mash Bar is a temple to slow-cooked Scottish meat and the mash that anchors every plate. Lamb shanks, beef shoulder, and haggis pies emerge tender enough to eat without teeth, paired with inventive mash variations—bacon and onion, cheddar, whisky cream—that elevate the humble potato to an art form. The kitchen moves fast despite constant crowds, and staff (Roman, Andrew, Jess, Anna among the praised) combine genuine warmth with efficiency. Vegan and vegetarian options (Lion's Mane mushroom bites, roasted broccoli) are treated with the same care as the meat. Tomato soup and sticky toffee dessert are standouts. The space is casual and cozy, with a trendy edge that draws college students, families, and tourists alike. Reservations are essential; the app-based waiting system is a lifesaver. Pricing sits at £20–30, fair for the quality and portion sizes. Dogs are welcome outside, and the venue is fully accessible.
Makars Mash Bar lands in the category of venues that are as much about the cocktails as the food — a destination choice rather than a convenience one.
In the last 90 days, Makars Mash Bar has drawn 50 substantial written reviews (50+ characters of genuine feedback) — recent momentum that is one of the signals behind its place on the hot list.
What Stands Out
Slow-cooked meat
Lamb shanks and beef shoulder consistently praised for tenderness and depth of flavour; reviewers note meat so soft 'you don't need teeth' and beef 'incredibly flavorful with depth, cooked perfectly'.
Exceptional mash and sides
Mash varieties (bacon and onion, cheddar, whisky cream) elevated beyond standard accompaniment; one reviewer called it 'the miracle of Makar's Gourmet Mash-Bar' and 'Heaven in potato form'.
Friendly, attentive staff
Named staff (Roman, Andrew, Jess, Anna, Liv) consistently highlighted for warmth and speed; reviewers praise 'speedy service', 'incredibly friendly and knowledgeable' help, and staff who 'fulfil all requests'.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Makars Mash Bar
Yes. Makars is consistently busy, and walk-ins face waits of 45 minutes to an hour. The venue accepts reservations via app and SMS alerts when tables free up. Booking is strongly recommended for both lunch and dinner.
Yes. The Lion's Mane Mushroom Bites with cherry tomato and whisky cream sauce (made vegan with olive oil mashed potatoes) and roasted broccoli sides receive the same care as meat dishes. Healthy options and small plates are available.
Absolutely. Makars is family-friendly with a kids' menu, high chairs, and a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Generous portions and a variety of flavours appeal to all ages.
The slow-cooked lamb shank and beef shoulder are signature dishes, served with inventive mash variations. Tomato soup and sticky toffee dessert are also highly praised. Haggis pie and the Bonnie Prince Charlie chicken are local favourites.
Yes. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area, making it a pet-friendly option in the Grassmarket.
Expect £20–30 per person. Reviewers consistently note the pricing is fair and reasonable for the quality and generous portions provided.
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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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