Tolbooth Tavern

Name: Tolbooth Tavern
Address: 167 Canongate, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH8 8BN
Telephone: 0131 557 1333
Price range: £25 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

244 Reviews

£25 and under

Scottish

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2 people

30 Dec 2024

7:30 pm

Booked 14 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.

Order delivery or takeout

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 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
0131 557 1333
Website
https://www.tolboothtavern.co.uk/
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

Location
167 Canongate, Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 8BN
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

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Experiences

Burns Day At The Tolbooth
GBP 40.00 per person
Prepaid
25 Jan 2025 only
Join us at one of Edinburgh’s oldest and most charming pubs for a day filled with tradition, delicious food, and Scottish spirit. Guests will be welcomed by the enchanting melodies of our piper, Chris Norton, setting the perfect tone for the occasion. Our chef has prepared a hearty, home-cooked 3-course meal featuring Scottish classics to honour the day. As part of the festivities, witness the iconic Address to the Haggis, a time-honoured ritual accompanied by a dram of Dalmore 12-Year-Old whisky, adding a touch of Scottish elegance to the ceremony. With set dining times to suit every schedule, you can join us at the hour that fits best and be part of this cherished celebration. Set Times: 12:00pm, 2:30pm, 5:00pm, and 8:00pm

Popular dishes

Cullen SkinkGBP 8.25
Traditional smoked haddock soup, with potato, onion & cream. Served with crusty bread
Soup of the DayGBP 6.25
Served with crusty bread and butter
Mushrooms on Toasted Bloomer GBP 8.25
In a garlic & cream sauce with shaved Grana Padano
Smoked Scottish SalmonGBP 9.25
Served with oatcakes & butter
Haggis Bon-BonsGBP 7.65
With a sweet chilli sauce
Red Pepper & Goat's Cheese CroquettesGBP 8.65
With sweet chilli sauce
Homemade Smoked Mackerel PateGBP 8.25
Served with oatcakes & butter
Chicken Liver PateGBP 8.45
Served with oatcakes, butter and onion marmalade.
Warm Black Pudding saladGBP 8.95
Stornoway black pudding served on braised red cabbage with crisp pancetta & apple sauce
Panko Crusted Haggis CakeGBP 8.95
Macsween’s haggis, coated in panko breadcrumbs, served with creamy mash & whisky cream sauce

Main Course

8oz Sirloin SteakGBP 28.95
Dry aged, prime scotch beef, served with chunky chips, rocket & Grana Padano salad and a sauce of your choice - choose from Pepper, Whisky Cream or Garlic butter
Freshly Landed Scottish Fish & ChipsGBP 17.95
Hand-battered haddock fillet served with thick cut chips & tartare sauce
Homemade Steak PieGBP 17.95
Served with thick-cut chips & seasonal veg
Homemade Steak & Haggis PieGBP 18.95
served with thick-cut chips & seasonal veg
Macaroni CheeseGBP 14.95
A blend of 4 Scottish cheeses and parmesan. Topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Served with fries or garlic bread
Chicken BalmoralGBP 22.95
Haggis - stuffed chicken breast wrapped in pancetta & served with whisky sauce & seasonal veg
Haggis, Neeps and TattiesGBP 16.95
MacSween's Haggis with creamy mash, crushed neeps & a whisky cream sauce (vegetarian option also available)
Chicken, Avocado & Bacon SaladGBP 16.95
With mixed leaves, boiled egg, cherry tomato & red onion in a ranch dressing
Goat's Cheese, Avocado & Roasted Red Pepper SaladGBP 16.95
With mixed leaves, red onion, & cherry tomato in a Dijon & balsamic vinaigrette dressing
10oz Ribeye SteakGBP 34.95
Prime Scotch beef served with chunky chips, roasted cherry tomatoes, rocket & Grana Padano salad and a sauce of your choice – Choose from Pepper, Whisky Cream or Garlic Butter.

Burgers

6oz burger patties served in a brioche bun with chopped lettuce, sliced tomato & our house sauce. Served with fries. Extra toppings - cheese, bacon, Fried onions £1.50, Haggis £3.00

Classic BurgerGBP 14.95
CheeseburgerGBP 15.95
Bacon and Cheese BurgerGBP 16.95
Haggis BurgerGBP 17.95
Moving Mountains Veggie BurgerGBP 15.95
Panko Chicken BurgerGBP 15.95

Sides

FriesGBP 4.75
Thick-Cut ChipsGBP 5.10
Onion RingsGBP 5.75
Mixed SaladGBP 4.95
Seasonal VegGBP 4.75
Honey-Glazed Mini SausagesGBP 6.75
Garlic BreadGBP 5.85

Dessert

Sticky Toffee PuddingGBP 8.65
served with vanilla ice cream
Chocolate BrownieGBP 8.65
served with whisky cream
CranachanGBP 8.65
Scottish raspberries, whisky, cream & oats
Selection of Scottish Ice-CreamsGBP 6.25
choose 3 scoops from today's flavour
Vanilla CheesecakeGBP 8.65
served with cream
Apple Pie GBP 8.65
Served with vanilla ice cream
Treacle Tart GBP 8.65
Lemon & Ginger treacle tart served warm with Crème Fraiche & orange drizzle
Vanilla CheesecakeGBP 8.65
Served with whisky cream and heather honey

Hot Drinks

AmericanoGBP 3.75
CappuccinoGBP 3.95
LatteGBP 3.95
Flat WhiteGBP 3.95
EspressoGBP 3.50
Hot ChocolateGBP 4.25
Tea / Earl Grey / CamomileGBP 3.75
Baileys LatteGBP 8.55
Gaelic CoffeeGBP 8.95
Hot ToddyGBP 6.50

What 244 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

4.4Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

Edinburgh/Midlothian
Best Ambience
Edinburgh
Best Ambience

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Tolbooth Tavern offers a quintessential Scottish pub experience with a "fun atmosphere" and "great food." Guests appreciate the "friendly staff" and accommodating service, even during busy times. The steak pie and Cullen Skink receive special praise. Located on the Royal Mile, it's a historic venue worth visiting.

244 Reviews

C
Clay
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and great atmosphere- highly recommend!
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s
sylvie
Glasgow
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Un peu déçue par rapport aux autres fois surtout le cran à han qui n'est plus aussi bon
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E
Evelyn
Glasgow
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, service and ambience. Had a great time.
Is this helpful?
A
Ailsa
Dorset
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 29 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The haggis and pie were tasty- took a while to come but Luke our excellent waiter was apologetic and very friendly!
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c
cortney
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 21 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Quintessential Scottish pub with great food, drinks and atmosphere. Loved our time there!
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J
James
Edinburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 12 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely loved Tolbooth Tavern. The staff are incredibly friendly and the food totally amazing. The steak pie is to die for. The tavern is so lovely with its quirky charm. We loved every second. Thankyou everyone.
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T
Tara
East Sussex
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 9 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a gamble trying to find an authentic pub with great food but this place did not disappoint. Worth the short walk out of the centre for a proper Scottish welcome, traditional pub, friendly staff and amazing food. Rounded off our short trip to Edinburgh perfectly.
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E
Enrico
Edinburgh
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on 4 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Pub storico. Ambiente caldo e accogliente. Staff cortese e preparato. Buon cibo con porzioni abbondanti (unica pecca ...il fish and chips rimane un po' troppo unto). Ottime birre ed ampia selezione di whisky. Conto nella media di Edimburgo.
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J
Jess
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 2 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was absolutely lovely, we had a variety and each person loved their chosen meal. All staff members were friendly and welcoming, we turned up an hour early for our reservation and we happy to have a drink before our meal if there wasn’t a table available but we were taken to a table right away, Will definitely return next time we come to Edinburgh!
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A
Ashley
VIP
Dublin
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 29 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food, staff were very friendly and knowledgeable! Great value for money!
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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 244 OpenTable diners.