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Tolbooth Tavern, Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Tolbooth Tavern

4.6
4.6
239 Reviews
£25 and under
Scottish

Make a booking

2+ people
21:30
Booked 6 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for groups
Built in 1591, the Tolbooth Tavern in Edinburgh was formerly part of the original Canongate Tolbooth. This medieval building was used to divide the Royal Burgh of Edinburgh and Canongate.

The Tolbooth Tavern is a cosy traditional Scottish pub full of character and charm. The small exterior gives way to a spacious bar and mezzanine dining area. It boasts a fantastic spot along the Royal Mile.

Serving hearty home-cooked Scottish fayre using locally sourced produce, we are sure to keep you full before a full day on the tourist trail or join us for an evening exploring our fine whisky collection.

Our house favourites include Cullen skink, Tolbooth burgers, freshly landed Scottish fish n chips and our Tolbooth steak and sausage pie.

If you want to embrace dark history and immerse yourself in a spooky atmosphere, The Tolbooth Tavern is a must visit whilst in Edinburgh.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Scottish, Burgers, Gastro Pub
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 12:00–00:00
  • Phone number
    0131 557 1333
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Our team will look after you
  • Catering
    All of our produce is locally sourced and home cooked including Scottish classics that you are sure to enjoy after a busy day sightseeing.
  • Private party facilities
    We have a fabulous mezzanine area, ideal for semi-private events
  • Area
    Old Town
  • Cross Street
    Centrally located on the Canongate towards the bottom of the Royal Mile
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    There is limited on-street parking and pay parking nearby. <br /><br />Waverley Train Station and the tram line are just a 10-minute walk away as well as an abundance of local visitor attractions.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

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Experiences

  • Burns Day At The Tolbooth

    £40.00 per person

    Prepaid

    25 Jan 2025 only
    Join us at one of Edinburgh’s oldest and most charming pubs for a day filled with tradition, delicious food, and Scottish spirit. Guests will be welcomed by the enchanting melodies of our piper, Chris Norton, setting the perfect tone for the occasion. Our chef has prepared a hearty, home-cooked 3-course meal featuring Scottish classics to honour the day. As part of the festivities, witness the iconic Address to the Haggis, a time-honoured ritual accompanied by a dram of Dalmore 12-Year-Old whisky, adding a touch of Scottish elegance to the ceremony. With set dining times to suit every schedule, you can join us at the hour that fits best and be part of this cherished celebration. Set Times: 12:00pm, 2:30pm, 5:00pm, and 8:00pm

What 239 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseEnergetic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tolbooth Tavern offers a delightful blend of Scottish charm and history. Guests praise its "great food" and "friendly staff." The atmosphere is "definitively Scottish," making it a "fun experience." While some found prices slightly high, the "excellent service" and delicious dishes like Cullen Skink and steak pie make it a must-visit. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity.

239 Reviews
  1. James

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely loved Tolbooth Tavern. The staff are incredibly friendly and the food totally amazing. The steak pie is to die for. The tavern is so lovely with its quirky charm. We loved every second. Thankyou everyone.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Tara

    East Sussex

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 9 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a gamble trying to find an authentic pub with great food but this place did not disappoint. Worth the short walk out of the centre for a proper Scottish welcome, traditional pub, friendly staff and amazing food. Rounded off our short trip to Edinburgh perfectly.

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  3. Enrico

    Edinburgh

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 4 November 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Pub storico. Ambiente caldo e accogliente. Staff cortese e preparato. Buon cibo con porzioni abbondanti (unica pecca ...il fish and chips rimane un po' troppo unto). Ottime birre ed ampia selezione di whisky. Conto nella media di Edimburgo.

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  4. Jess

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 2 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was absolutely lovely, we had a variety and each person loved their chosen meal. All staff members were friendly and welcoming, we turned up an hour early for our reservation and we happy to have a drink before our meal if there wasn’t a table available but we were taken to a table right away, Will definitely return next time we come to Edinburgh!

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  5. Ashley

    Dublin

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on 29 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food, staff were very friendly and knowledgeable! Great value for money!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Xara

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was perfect! The atmosphere was so Scottish and cozy! The service very polite! The music awesome too!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Gina

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 25 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I’ve eaten here a few times. Every time has been great! Thoroughly enjoyed the food and drink!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Sandy

    Edinburgh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 25 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good food, nice music, nice service. Will have to come back to try more ☺️

    Is this helpful?

  9. Mary

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 October 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    I had high hopes going into this experience, as I read some great reviews. What I will say first and foremost is it was my birthday, so I wanted to have a good evening. I also made a not so nice decision and showed up early. The restaurant did accommodate me, which was great. However, my service was very low from there. I had to physically and verbally flag my server down multiple times to get normative service. No checking in, or social interaction. Luckily the kitchen was speedy or I don’t know what would have happened. Now, I know he was tired. I heard him say as much to coworkers as he walked by my table (not checking in). But then add that my food lacked seasoning in the main course… it just could have been better.

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  10. Elena

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good food and atmosphere, classic food for these kind of places

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Tolbooth Tavern offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at 0131 557 1333.

Tolbooth Tavern is rated 4.6 stars by 239 OpenTable diners.

Tolbooth Tavern does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2+ people
21:30
Booked 6 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Tolbooth Tavern

167 Canongate, Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8BN

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Centrally located on the Canongate towards the bottom of the Royal Mile
  • Area
    Old Town
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 12:00–00:00
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Scottish, Burgers, Gastro Pub
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    There is limited on-street parking and pay parking nearby. Waverley Train Station and the tram line are just a 10-minute walk away as well as an abundance of local visitor attractions.
  • Payment Options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Our team will look after you
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine
  • Phone number
    0131 557 1333
  • Catering
    All of our produce is locally sourced and home cooked including Scottish classics that you are sure to enjoy after a busy day sightseeing.
  • Private party facilities
    We have a fabulous mezzanine area, ideal for semi-private events
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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