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Tolbooth Tavern, Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Tolbooth Tavern

4.6
4.6
261 Reviews
£25 and under
Scottish

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2 people
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
22:00
Booked 19 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.

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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
  • 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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Experiences

  • Scottish Sharing Platter

    £26.50 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    Sample some of the Tolbooth Tavern’s favourite Scottish dishes The Tolbooth Tavern loves to showcase local Scottish produce in our cosy pub. With our Scottish tasting platter you will get to sample some of our favourite dishes. Included within the tasting platter is: MacSween’s haggis croquettes with whisky cream sauce Smoked salmon with Scottish oatcakes Medley of mushrooms with garlic cream sauce, on toasted bloomer bread (v) Freshly landed hand battered mini Fish n chips For dessert you will enjoy a traditional Scottish dessert Cranachan. Scottish raspberries, whisky, cream and oats. Minimum of 2 people to book. Must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
    Scottish Sharing Platter photo
  • Whisky Flight

    £25.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    Learn a little more about Scotch whisky! Discover more about whisky through vision, taste, and aroma at the Tolbooth Tavern. You will sample three great Scottish whiskies in our cosy pub. Adults only 18+ for whisky flight. Min of 2 people to book. Must be booked at least 24 hours in advance
    Whisky Flight photo

What 261 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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Edinburgh

    Best Ambience

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Tolbooth Tavern offers a "cozy, authentic" Scottish experience with "excellent food and service." Guests praise the "friendly and accommodating" staff and the "charming atmosphere" of this historic venue. The "haggis and steak pie" are must-tries, and reservations are recommended due to its popularity. A delightful spot for a traditional Scottish meal!
261 Reviews
  1. Verena

    Edinburgh1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very friendly, lovely Tavern , very dog friendly, food is good dessert (especially Toffee Fudge) is brilliant! It’s not cheap but worth it.

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  2. Iva

    Phoenix5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Cozy, authentic, yummy. Lovely evening. We highly recommend.

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  3. Anne

    Edinburgh1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 20 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Friendly service, excellent food. Would highly recommend.

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  4. Chiara

    Edinburgh1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 13 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Abbiamo cenato in questo locale magnifico! È stata davvero una bella esperienza, cibo e whisky buonissimi! Grazie

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  5. lorraine

    Dublin1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 9 March 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food very poor and tasteless. Would expect better quality for the price. Mac and cheese watery and bland. Meat in steak pie tasteless.

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  6. John

    Edinburgh2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 8 March 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great pub with great character and excellent friendly service. Would highly recommend.

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  7. ElaineB

    Yorkshire1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 4 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The staff were amazing and the food was fantastic. Definately a must go when in Edinburgh.

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  8. Keith

    Seattle7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 25 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A wonderful old Scottish pub. Dinner and drinks (cask ales and ciders) were excellent. Service was very friendly and personable. I actually stopped in three times during our week in Edinburgh and I would love to go back. It’s a cozy place on a very touristy avenue so make reservations at least a day early for table service.

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  9. Martin

    Edinburgh1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 22 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Friendly staff, tasty food, quick service, wide set of options for both food and drinks.

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  10. Maik

    NRW2 reviews

    5.0

    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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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 261 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


Booked 19 times today
Experiences are available.
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
  • 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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