The Dogs is a relaxed, neighbourhood bistro on Hanover Street in Edinburgh's New Town. The menu offers honest, hearty British food including slow-cooked meats, offal, and seasonal vegetables at refreshingly affordable prices for Edinburgh. The no-frills, cosy atmosphere is popular with locals.
The Dogs is a relaxed, unapologetically unfussy bistro on Hanover Street in Edinburgh's New Town, occupying the upstairs rooms of a Georgian townhouse. Opened by Andrew Radcliffe in 2009, the restaurant carved a niche by offering honest, well-sourced British cooking — slow-braised meats, offal, seasonal vegetables, and hearty desserts — at prices that undercut most comparable Edinburgh restaurants. The menu is deliberately unglamorous in presentation but thoughtful in sourcing: slow-cooked shoulder of lamb with seasonal greens, devilled kidneys on toast, and a changing daily special built around what the kitchen has sourced that morning. This commitment to lesser-used cuts and older culinary traditions has given The Dogs a loyal following among both Edinburgh residents and visitors looking for substance over style. The room is bright and simple during the day, warmer in the evening, with plain wooden furniture and a relaxed atmosphere that feels genuinely neighbourhood rather than destination-restaurant. The wine list is short and well chosen at accessible price points; Scottish craft ales appear on a modest beer selection. The Dogs does not take reservations; it operates on a walk-in basis and is open daily. Arriving early or accepting a brief wait at quiet times at the bar is the usual approach. For a filling, honest, fairly priced meal in central Edinburgh, The Dogs remains one of the better options.
Location
110 Hanover Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DR
Highlights
- Honest, unfussy British bistro cooking — slow-braised meats, offal, and seasonal vegetables without pretension
- One of Edinburgh's best value-for-money dining options in a central New Town Georgian townhouse
- Walk-in only format — no reservations needed, with daily-changing specials based on morning sourcing
- Devilled kidneys on toast — a forgotten classic done well, emblematic of The Dogs' culinary philosophy
- Relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere on Hanover Street, popular with locals and visitors equally
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm to avoid the peak wait — the restaurant is popular and tables turn quickly
- The daily special is consistently one of the best dishes and reflects what the kitchen found at the market that morning
- Devilled kidneys or slow-braised cuts are the dishes most worth seeking out here — they are done better than almost anywhere else in Edinburgh
- The upstairs location in a Georgian townhouse means some stairs; the ground floor may have limited seating options
- For groups larger than four, come prepared for a wait as larger tables are harder to accommodate without a reservation
Accessibility
The Dogs is located on the upper floors of a Hanover Street Georgian townhouse, accessed by stairs from street level. There is no lift. The restaurant is not accessible for guests with significant mobility requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Does The Dogs take reservations?
No, the restaurant operates strictly on a walk-in basis. Guests are welcome to wait at the bar while a table is prepared.
What type of food does The Dogs serve?
The menu focuses on British bistro cooking: slow-braised meats, offal preparations, seasonal vegetables, and satisfying desserts. It avoids fashionable technique in favour of well-executed traditional cooking.
Is The Dogs expensive?
No — it is one of Edinburgh's most affordable bistro options. A three-course meal with drinks typically costs around £30–£40 per person, which is considerably less than most comparable central Edinburgh restaurants.
Is The Dogs good for vegetarians?
The menu has seasonal vegetable dishes but is primarily focused on meat. Vegetarians will find options but the restaurant's strengths lie in meat and offal cookery.