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Tolbooth Tavern, Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Tolbooth Tavern

4.6
4.6
252 Reviews
£25 and under
Scottish

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 13 times today
  • 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. 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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What 252 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
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Edinburgh/Midlothian

    Best Ambience

  • Edinburgh

    Best Ambience

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tolbooth Tavern offers a quintessential Scottish dining experience with "amazing food" and "great atmosphere." Guests rave about the "friendly and welcoming staff," the charming ambiance, and standout dishes like the steak pie and haggis. While some found service could be improved, many highlight its historic charm and "fantastic" whisky menu.

252 Reviews
  1. Maik

    NRW

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place to be for dining or a few drinks. Historical building outside AND inseide ! all in great shape. very clean restrooms. Great dining ! We take the sirloin steaks and a Haddock with chips and vegetables. very tasty !

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  2. Valerio

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing experience! It was our first time visiting Scotland, and after hearing good things about the Tolbooth Tavern, my family and I decided to give it a try. We were 100% satisfied! The food was excellent—we tried haggis for the first time, and it was absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was perfect; the noise level was just right—not too loud (we’re not fans of loud music), but still with delightful Scottish music playing in the background. The staff were super nice, and the overall vibe was very enjoyable. I would totally recommend this place!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Joseph

    New York City

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 1 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Great dinner and environment. Great whisky menu. Good overall vibe

    Is this helpful?

  4. Suzie

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service. Hearty food. Good value. Really enjoyed our evening. Made to be very welcome.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Isabella

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 26 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent food, especially soup and salmon. Excellent service

    Is this helpful?

  6. KAREN

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 January 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Loved the inside of the pub but food was very bland. This place came recommended on Instagram and was very disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Jacqueline

    Glasgow

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 11 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent through from Glasgow. Wonderful service made us feel so welcome.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Bruno

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 3 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Super lecker Essen, wahnsinnige Auswahl an Whiskeys, nette und echt schnelle Kellner! Einfach ein vollkommen gelungener Abend! Gerne wieder bei unserem nächsten Besuch in Edinburgh :)

    Is this helpful?

  9. Clay

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 29 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and great atmosphere- highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  10. sylvie

    Glasgow

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Un peu déçue par rapport aux autres fois surtout le cran à han qui n'est plus aussi bon

    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 252 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
19:00
Booked 13 times today

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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