The Witchery by the Castle

The Witchery by the Castle stands at 352 Castlehill on the Royal Mile, directly beside the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland's capital. It is among the city's best-known special-occasion restaurants, famous for its theatrical gothic interiors: dark panelled walls, red leather, tapestries, painted ceilings and candlelight fill the historic dining rooms, and a separate Secret Garden room offers a lighter alternative. The menu is Scottish and traditional in spirit, with Scottish beef and seafood among the principal mains and Cullen skink, the smoked haddock soup from the north-east coast, a classic starter. Steaks and shellfish are the dishes visitors most often order, and the restaurant works with Scottish suppliers. The atmosphere is romantic, intimate and slightly dramatic, and noise levels are moderate; couples and visitors marking occasions form much of the clientele. Dress is smart casual. The wine list is long and weighty, with a strong reputation among visitors, and Scottish whiskies are available to close the meal. A three-course dinner costs roughly £65-£90 per person (~$87-$121) before drinks. Reservations are essential, particularly for the most atmospheric tables, and weekend dinners, summer evenings and the August festival are best booked weeks ahead. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, and visitors should verify times online. The cobbled Castlehill approach is steep and can be uneven, so comfortable shoes are advisable, and the location makes the restaurant easy to combine with a castle visit or the Scotch Whisky Experience next door.