Cafe Royal Circle Bar in Edinburgh

The interior is stunning and I hear it has a great reputation for seafood, but I chose the ox cheek pie. It looked the business with a proper pastry case but sadly didn't deliver on taste. The filling was very bland and full of a too thin gravy and not enough meat.

Not as good as it was when we visited at Christmas 2021. On that occasion we ate in the bar area which was extremely comfortable with friendly welcoming staff. Food was hot well presented and priced just right. Wine was fairly priced and we were very happy with the whole experience. Unfortunately when we called in for food and drink on Thursday evening 10th February it was very disappointing. The bar area was full but we were offered a table in the restaurant and were told the prices were the same. We were given food menus but no drinks menu. The waiter asked what we would like to drink we asked for 1 white wine and 1 red. The food was good but not hot but still very enjoyable. Ordered another white wine and were horrified when the bill arrived for £81.84. £18.40 for 2 white wine and £12 for 1 red wine plus £7.44 service charge. We expressed our concern over the prices of the wine and the waiter was not concerned and said it would cost more at The Ivy! Not what we expected to hear from a professional member of staff. When we ate in the bar area at Christmas the wine was, in our opinion well priced, so the prices were actually higher in the restaurant and feel we were misinformed. We then asked the waiter to remove the service charge, which he did. Having said that, the decor is charming.

Spectacular interior within a grand building with very interesting history. The whole experience spoilt by quite bossy manager whos attitude influence other staff members. A tense environment to be in where no-one smiles. Also under impression of somehow fake sense of alertness and unnecessary seriousness. Was served a double gin and tonic at £11.40 by a rushing waiter who's actually on his mobile while serving me a drink....without a garnish nor a stearer

A wonderful, heritage rich establishment.Our hostess and waitress was lovely, and the bartender professional professional personal enough given the crowd that day ( although they said it wasn't considered busy as yet ).Their Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters were just the right mix of flavours with simpmy the sweetest, most savoury, freshest oysters.The Oatmeal Stout available on our visit was a nice roasted pint that didn't sit too heavy.We were there for nibbles and a drink, so the scallops were just the thing along with the hearty Whitebait.I recommend the oysters as a must order and the scallops to start your evening.Lovely experience.

I visited here for lunch on a Saturday afternoon with my husband. We were sat in a lovely booth, the surroundings are beautiful. Our waiter was lovely and friendly. We ordered 6 oysters - Asian which was garlic, ginger and soy - OMG these were absolutely the most beautiful, freshest oysters I've tasted. We ended up ordering a second round of 6. We had some of the sandwiches and fries for lunch and they were very tasty also. Good selection of wines and spirits.We will definitely be back.

Hot seafood platter was very tasty. It is more than enough for 2. The staff was lovely and exceptional service.

Just eaten lunch here and I'm fit to burst! Portions big enough for a Highland bear. Excellent salmon and venison and proper old world decor and charm. Book today but don't eat breakfast before you arrive.

Stunning pub dining room. Friendly staff. Brilliant sea food, oyster and salmon starters excellent. Lovely fish pie, ox cheek pie a bit bland. Good covid precautions in place.

If you’re considering coming here for food, go the whole hog and get the hot seafood platter. Lobster, oysters, mussels, prawns all carefully prepared and easy to eat. Service was attentive and it was great value for money. Highly Covid compliant and professionally run.

After an afternoon of walking around Edinburgh, we were just looking for a cup of tea. The Cafe was welcoming and accommodating. We enjoyed their fresh oysters, a few drinks and some of their excellent desserts.