Cafe Royal Edinburgh
The most beautiful pub?
I could recommend the Cafe Royal for the rotating range of beer, or the spectacular seafood on offer, or the central but hidden location. But really, the reason I think the pub stands out is the interior.
The Cafe Royal is one of the most beautiful bars I’ve ever seen! Opened in 1863, it’s now a listed building as it’s such an amazing example of a Victorian pub. The ceiling is painted in gold leaf and around the bar there are six tiled murals from Royal Doulton, all depicting a different inventor such as James Watt (inventor of the steam engine) and Benjamin Franklin.
The bar is actually split into two by a carved walnut screen. The main area is the Circle Bar which offers pub food and a chance to grab a pint. On the other side is the Oyster Bar which offers a fine dining option.
The food on offer is also pretty spectacular. Both halves of the bar offer fresh seafood and other traditional Scottish food like Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Scallops and black pudding (my favourite!) and a few different salmon dishes. The beer and whisky selection is good as well.
The bar is a wee bit hidden, tucked behind the Apple store, beside the Archivists’ Garden at the east end of Princes Street and can be a bit busy with the post-work crowd but absolutely worth stopping past even just to take a peek inside.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Edinburgh guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh
Rogue Bros – Fabulous gourmet sandwich eatery
I had Mushroom and Thyme soup that was astonishingly delicious and homemade Apple and Rhubarb Crumble with Creme Pat Custard that was to die for.
By
Mark
Gorman
Dubilaka Cliffs – Sunset spot
"Dubilaka Cliffs" on the outskirts of Edinburgh is for wildflower lovers, campfire setters, bird-watchers and photography buffs...
By
Tamsin
Grainger
Milk Cafe at the Sculpture Workshop – Hmm yummy!
The "Milk Cafe at the Sculpture Workshop" in Edinburgh is far away from the busy centre and has an outside seating area which catches the sun most of the day...
By
Tamsin
Grainger
National Museum Collections Centre – Treasure trove
The National Museum Collection Centre in Granton, Edinburgh is a treasure trove. Book a private visit and see what not many people get to see...
By
Tamsin
Grainger
Kukina – The borek place
"Kukina" in Edinburgh is known among my circle of friends as 'the borek place.' But I have to admit: once I had one their gozleme, I could never go back...
By
Fiona
Diack
Piershill Cemetery – Magical mystery
"Piershill Cemetery" in Edinburgh has a large Jewish section (quite uncommon), but the main thing that caught my eye was the tomb of the Great Lafayette...
By
Fiona
Diack
Pilrig Park – UK's only siege works site
This park holds a hidden treasure from the 16th century! These siege works are believed to be the only ones from the 16th century found in Britain.
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
Dean Cemetery – Hidden stories
"Dean Cemetery" in Edinburgh keeps some fascinating stories hidden in the gravestones. My favorite is that of the man behind the phrase 'botched job...'
By
Fiona
Diack
Campervan Brewery – COVID-friendly beer spot
"Campervan Brewery" and their amazing taproom in Edinburgh is the perfect place for a post-lockdown pint. You should try their Trainspotting beer!
By
Fiona
Diack
Considerat Chocolate – Incredible vegan donuts
Plant based or not, if you love donuts, you HAVE to take a trip to "Considerat Chocolate" in Edinburgh! You won't even notice they're vegan...
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints – Hidden finds!
"J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints" is one of the tons of Harry Potter-related sights in Edinburgh that most fans miss. Tourists wander right past it!
By
Sarah
Mackenzie
Nott Wine Bar – Charcuterie boards & artisan coffee
Edinburgh's Leith Walk is filling up fast with trendy new coffee shops, bakeries, and local maker stores - "Nott Wine Bar" is one of my favourites!
By