Cannonball sits beside Edinburgh Castle and is as much a whisky bar as a restaurant. With over 450 Scottish whiskies and a menu of classic Scottish dishes, it is a favourite for visitors wanting an authentic Scottish experience in the most dramatic possible setting. The whisky selection includes rare and vintage bottles.
Cannonball is a whisky bar and restaurant occupying the former house of Edinburgh's first water-pumping station on Castlehill, at the very top of the Royal Mile immediately beside the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. The building takes its name from a cannonball lodged in its west gable wall during the Jacobite siege of 1745. The restaurant's dual identity — serious whisky destination and Scottish dining room — is reflected in a collection of over 450 Scottish malt whiskies ranging from daily drams to rare and vintage expressions, alongside a menu that serves classic Scottish dishes with care: Highland venison, Scottish smoked salmon, Cullen skink, haggis bon bons, and seasonal game in the shooting months. The cooking does not attempt the ambition of Leith's fine-dining addresses, but it is honest and well sourced, making Cannonball one of the better options on the Royal Mile for visitors who want genuinely Scottish food alongside an introduction to Scottish whisky culture. The dining rooms are warm and handsomely appointed with a historical character appropriate to the 16th-century building. The position directly beside Edinburgh Castle is matchless for atmosphere; the building's own history adds to the sense of dining in Edinburgh's living past. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Location
356 Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NE
Highlights
- Over 450 Scottish malt whiskies — one of Edinburgh's most comprehensive whisky collections in a historic Castlehill building
- Immediately beside Edinburgh Castle esplanade — among the most dramatic restaurant locations in Scotland
- Classic Scottish menu: Highland venison, Cullen skink, smoked salmon, and seasonal game
- Historic 16th-century building with the Jacobite cannonball embedded in its gable wall
- Genuine whisky expertise from staff who can guide visitors through regional styles and rare bottles
Tips for visiting
- Ask for a whisky recommendation matched to the food — the team can pair a dram with venison or game dishes well
- The pre-dinner whisky flight is a good introduction to Scottish regional styles for first-time malt explorers
- Reserve a window table if one is available — the view towards Castle Esplanade is the best in the dining room
- The lunch menu is slightly less expensive than dinner and the same historic setting applies
- Combine a visit with the Castle above — the two together make a full morning of Edinburgh's most famous historic site
Accessibility
Cannonball is in a historic 16th-century building on Castlehill. The ground-floor dining areas are accessible, but the building's age means some steps and uneven surfaces exist throughout. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the restaurant before booking to confirm which areas are accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Do guests need to drink whisky to enjoy Cannonball?
Not at all — the cocktail menu, wine list, and soft drinks are all available. The whisky collection is the main draw but the restaurant is fully accessible to non-whisky drinkers.
Is Cannonball mainly a tourist restaurant?
The Royal Mile location means visitors are the primary clientele, but the whisky collection and food quality are genuine and not tourist-grade. It is a legitimate destination rather than a trap.
Can guests visit Cannonball just for whisky without dining?
Yes, the bar operates independently and guests are welcome to visit solely for whisky. The team can conduct informal tastings and help select from the extensive collection.
What is Cullen skink?
Cullen skink is a traditional Scottish smoked haddock soup, thickened with potato and cream. It is named after the fishing village of Cullen on the Moray Firth and is one of Scotland's most distinctive dishes.