Restaurant
The Kitchin
Tom and Michaela Kitchin's Michelin-starred restaurant in a converted whisky warehouse in Leith, cooking Scottish seasonal produce under the motto From Nature to Plate.
The Witchery by the Castle
Candlelit historic dining rooms at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, serving classic dishes built on Scottish produce, with nine suites to stay in.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic fine dining, Scottish
- Area
- Old Town, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Official site
- thewitchery.com
Good to know
- Two dining rooms
- Afternoon tea
- Set lunch
- Notable wine list
- Suites
Why we recommend it
The Witchery by the Castle occupies a cluster of historic buildings at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, at the top of the Royal Mile. It is known for its candlelit, historic dining rooms. The restaurant has a sister property in Prestonfield House, and the business also offers nine suites, each with its own name and character.
There are two dining rooms. The Original Dining Room is a 16th-century oak-panelled room lit by candles, with baroque decoration. The Secret Garden, reached by stone stairs, has lavish detail and hanging tapestries, and the restaurant describes it as the most atmospheric dining room in Edinburgh. Both suit a special occasion or a last-night dinner in the city.
The menu focuses on long-standing classics built on Scottish produce rather than experimental cooking. Dishes have included Scotch beef ribeye with béarnaise sauce, omelette Arnold Bennett, lobster thermidor and a Pink Lady apple tart tatin. Alongside the à la carte, served all day, there is a set lunch menu, and afternoon tea is served on weekday afternoons. The wine list has received an AA Notable Wine List award.
The restaurant opens every day from noon, with last reservations at 10.30pm, so it works for lunch after a morning at the castle or for a late dinner after a show. Note two important restrictions: the restaurant cannot take reservations for more than six people, and it cannot accommodate children under ten, including infants. Booking is essential for dinner, particularly in summer and over Christmas and Hogmanay, when it runs special menus. Contact is by email through the address on its website.
The Witchery suits couples, small groups of adults and anyone wanting a memorable setting. The set lunch is the most affordable way to experience the rooms. Its location makes it easy to combine with the castle, Camera Obscura and the Scotch Whisky Experience, all within a short walk on Castlehill. After dinner, walk down the Royal Mile past St Giles' Cathedral, or take the steps down to the Grassmarket, which has many pubs for a nightcap. If you want to stay the night in the same setting, the suites are booked directly through the restaurant's website.
The Witchery by the Castle FAQs
When is The Witchery open?
It is open every day from 12:00, with last reservations at 22:30.
Can children dine at The Witchery?
No. The restaurant cannot accommodate children under ten, including infants.
What is the maximum group size?
Reservations are limited to groups of up to six people.
What are the dining rooms like?
The Original Dining Room is a candlelit 16th-century oak-panelled room, and the Secret Garden is reached by stone stairs and has tapestries and lavish details.
Is there a set lunch?
Yes, a set lunch menu of two or three courses is offered, alongside the à la carte.
Does The Witchery serve afternoon tea?
Yes, afternoon tea is served on weekday afternoons.
Can you stay at The Witchery?
Yes, there are nine suites, booked through its website.
Where is The Witchery?
It is at 352 Castlehill on the Royal Mile, EH1 2NF, at the gates of Edinburgh Castle.