The Witchery by the Castle Menu Guide to Dishes, and Reviews
Kitten Manchester Menu Guide to Prices, Dishes, and Reviews shows how diners often search for full insights before booking. In the same way, many visitors to Edinburgh want to know every detail about the witchery by the castle menu before they dine.
The Witchery by the Castle is located right beside the gates of Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile. The restaurant opened in 1979 under the vision of chef-restaurateur James Thompson. Since then, it has become one of Scotland’s most famous dining destinations.
The building itself is historic, dating back to the 16th century. The interiors feature oak panels, tapestries, rich fabrics, and candlelit dining rooms. This gives guests the feeling of dining in a gothic castle.
About the Owner
James Thompson, a leading Scottish restaurateur, founded The Witchery in 1979. He is known for restoring historic buildings and turning them into luxury destinations. His passion for antiques, architecture, and fine dining shapes every detail, from the décor to the witchery by the castle menu. His vision has made the restaurant a global destination for food lovers.
Locations in the UK
The Witchery by the Castle has only one main location in the United Kingdom. It sits on Castlehill, part of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland. Unlike chains that spread across multiple cities, this venue focuses on its exclusive atmosphere. Guests often pair dining here with a tour of Edinburgh Castle.
Reviews from Guests
Reviews for The Witchery are consistently glowing on platforms such as Google and TripAdvisor. Visitors praise the gothic setting, candlelit rooms, and exceptional service. The restaurant often receives comments about its romantic appeal and unique Scottish character.
One guest described the experience as “a once-in-a-lifetime dinner in the most magical place in Edinburgh.” Another praised the freshness of the seafood and the creativity of the desserts. While the prices are high, many reviewers argue the quality and atmosphere justify the cost.
The Witchery by the Castle Menu Overview
The menus at The Witchery include an À La Carte menu, Afternoon Tea, and a Two-Course Lunch menu. Each highlights fresh Scottish produce, seafood, and classic European influences.
The menu is known for luxurious items like lobster, oysters, caviar, and aged Scotch beef. Vegetarian and vegan guests also find seasonal options such as courgette flowers, jackfruit moussaka, and artichoke dishes.
Below, we break down each section of the witchery by the castle menu in detail with tables for clarity.
À La Carte Menu
The À La Carte menu is available all day. It offers starters, main courses, sharing dishes, and desserts.
Starters
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bareii Caviar | 30g with blinis & crème fraîche | £140 |
| Oscietra Caviar | 30g with blinis & crème fraîche | £190 |
| Oysters | Cumbrae rock oysters with mignonette, lemon, tabasco | 6 for £27 / 12 for £54 |
| Hand-Dived Scallops | With romesco, olives, and sea herbs | £36 |
| Stuffed Courgette Flower (Vegan) | With lemon & chilli pickle | £16 |
| Haggis | With pineapple chutney & potato bhaji | £16 |
Main Courses
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lobster Thermidor | Half or whole lobster with chips | £55 / £110 |
| Lemon Sole | With capers, gherkins, parsley & butter | £39 |
| Roast Halibut | With smoked cod roe & sea herbs | £39 |
| Loch Duart Salmon | With tomato butter sauce & charred leek | £34 |
| Creedy Carver Duck | With crumpet, carrots & walnut ketchup | £44 |
| Beef Fillet | 28-day aged, with tomatoes & Béarnaise | £64 |
| Aubergine & Jackfruit Moussaka (Vegan) | With pine kernels & herb oil | £30 |
Sharing Dishes
| Dish | For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lamb Wellington | Two people | £110 |
| Côte de Boeuf | Two people, 600g aged beef | £115 |
Desserts
| Dessert | Price |
|---|---|
| Passionfruit Trifle | £12 |
| Chocolate Torte | £11.50 |
| Peach Melba | £11.50 |
| Lemon & Yoghurt Sponge (Vegan) | £11.50 |
| Apple Tart Tatin (for two) | £24.50 |
| Cheese Selection | £17.95 |
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is another highlight of the witchery by the castle menu. It is priced between £50–£75 per person depending on champagne choices.
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Afternoon Tea | £50 |
| Champagne Afternoon Tea | £65 |
| Rosé Champagne Afternoon Tea | £75 |
The menu includes savoury sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and a range of cakes. Popular cakes include lemon tart, pistachio gâteau, and Battenberg. Guests also enjoy premium teas like Earl Grey, Peppermint, and the Witchery Blend.
Two-Course Lunch Menu
The Two-Course Lunch is a more affordable way to experience the restaurant. Priced at £34.50 per person, it is available from noon to 4:30 pm, except in July, August, and the festive period.
| Course | Dish Options |
|---|---|
| Starters | Celeriac & Artichoke Velouté, Smoked Sea Trout, Ham Hock Terrine |
| Mains | Navarin of Lamb, Fish Pie, Pumpkin Risotto |
This lunch menu shows how the witchery by the castle menu can balance both luxury and accessibility.
The Wine List
The Witchery is also famous for its wine cellar. With over 800 selections, it is one of Scotland’s largest private collections. Guests can pair caviar with vintage champagne or choose rare Bordeaux to match steak. The sommelier often helps guests pick wines suited to their dishes.
Opening and Closing Times
The Witchery is open seven days a week.
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm |
Reservations are highly recommended because of limited seating and high demand.
Delivery and Takeaway
Currently, The Witchery does not provide home delivery or takeaway. The focus remains on the full in-house dining experience. Guests are encouraged to book tables well in advance.
While The Witchery is unique, readers may also look at other UK dining guides. For instance, Tesco Cafe Menu Guide to Dishes, Prices, Locations & Reviews shows a more casual and family-friendly option. By comparison, The Witchery offers a more exclusive, fine dining experience with historic atmosphere and premium ingredients.
History and Atmosphere
The restaurant’s name comes from the tragic witch trials that took place on Castlehill in the 16th and 17th centuries. This gothic past fits the mood inside. With oak-panelled walls, antique tapestries, and deep red fabrics, dining here feels like stepping into another era.
The Secret Garden dining room is another highlight. Hidden behind an old gate, it opens into a courtyard filled with ivy and stone walls, topped with a dramatic glass ceiling. Guests often say this is one of the most romantic spots in all of Scotland.
Seasonal Dishes and Specials
The menu changes with the seasons. In summer, lighter seafood and fresh Scottish berries often appear. In autumn and winter, game like venison and pheasant join the menu. Desserts also follow seasonal fruits, such as apples in autumn and strawberries in summer. This constant refresh ensures the witchery by the castle menu always feels exciting.
Why Choose The Witchery by the Castle
People choose this restaurant not just for food but for an unforgettable atmosphere. Dining here feels like stepping back into Scotland’s past. The candlelight, tapestries, and gothic design all make it one of the most romantic spots in the UK.
The combination of premium Scottish ingredients, seasonal creativity, and attentive service makes it stand out. Every element of the witchery by the castle menu contributes to a memorable visit.
Conclusion
The Witchery by the Castle is more than just a restaurant—it is an Edinburgh institution. From caviar and lobster to haggis and artichoke, the witchery by the castle menu blends local Scottish heritage with world-class presentation.
Its reviews, historic charm, and one-of-a-kind setting make it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Edinburgh. Whether you go for Afternoon Tea, the lavish À La Carte menu, or a two-course lunch, the experience is unforgettable.
For travelers seeking more than a meal, this place delivers a memory. And with every dish, The Witchery proves why it is one of the most famous dining destinations in Scotland.
