Seemor
Cafe RoyalA-Worth Trying
19 W Register St, Edinburgh EH2 2AA
· Restaurant, Pub
· 4.4/5 Google (3531 reviews)
Reservations
Historic oyster-and-seafood-led Scottish pub-restaurant with striking decor and quality dishes; lively vibe and inconsistent service—book for the room and oysters, manage expectations on attentiveness.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Cafe Royal delivers A-grade performance anchored by exceptional historic setting and strong seafood execution, particularly oysters and fish pie. However, inconsistent service and variable execution during peak times—including stock-outs and longer waits—prevent the restaurant from reaching grade A territory. It remains a worthwhile destination for seafood and atmosphere, though reliability varies.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, all stained glass and polished mirrors that make first-time visitors pause. Service can swing from attentive to harried; one diner noted, "we loved the oysters, but waited too long for check-ins." However, the historic oyster bar and beautiful surroundings keep fans returning for seafood and whisky. The cooking leans elevated Scottish with modern accents—think treacle-cured salmon, mussels in curry butter, and a hearty fish pie—solidly produce-driven classics rather than flashy fusion. Oysters are the calling card, and roasts can be excellent, though consistency fluctuates on busy days and some mains (like fish and chips) draw mixed notes. Families should read the fine print: multiple reviews report restrictions on minors in certain areas/times, and there is no kids menu. While accessible dishes exist (burger, fish and chips), policies and a lively bar scene mean it suits grown-up outings more than kid-centric meals.
At a Glance
- Spectacular historic interior and iconic oyster bar
- Strong seafood execution—oysters, mussels, fish pie praised
- Service inconsistency and long waits at peak times
- Stock-outs and inflexibility on some orders (oysters, roasts)
- Family policy restrictions reported; confirm under-18 rules before booking
What Sets It Apart
- iconic_oyster_bar
- victorian_edwardian_interior
- elevated_scottish_menu
What People Love
- The wow-factor stained glass and mirrors
- Fresh, flavorful oysters and mussels
- Comforting signature fish pie
- Lively pub energy with well-kept ales and whiskies
Points of Concern
- Service can be slow or brusque at peak times; several reports of missed items or billing errors
- Popular items sell out (roasts, certain seafood) during busy days
- Some mains inconsistent (fish and chips texture, occasional over-salty seasoning)
- Review patterns show wide variance on service speed during events (rugby, concerts), so plan timing carefully
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£45-65 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Seafood focus is strongest: oysters, mussels, and fish pie deliver the best consistency for the price
- Desserts at £17 are premium; share one if managing spend
- Steaks are quality but raise check totals quickly (ribeye £40, fillet £44)
Perfect For
- Seafood and oyster cravings in a grand historic pub
- Pre-theatre or post-sightseeing drinks and bites
- Date night in a characterful room
- Whisky flights with upscale bar snacks
Location Insights
Area: Elegant New Town street near Princes Street—historic, central, popular with visitors and office crowds.
Safety: Generally safe, busy thoroughfares, strong foot traffic and lighting in evenings.
Nearby: Steps from Princes Street shopping, Waverley Station, theatres, and other landmark pubs.
New TownThe dining scene in New Town is diverse, featuring a range of upscale restaurants, trendy cafes, and traditional pubs. The area attracts a sophisticated crowd looking for quality dining experiences in a stylish, historic setting. It is well-connected and considered safe, making it popular for both locals and visitors.
West Register StreetWest Register Street is a busy thoroughfare within New Town, characterized by a mix of commercial offices and retail outlets. Dining options here cater to lunchtime crowds and evening diners seeking contemporary and classic fare in a convenient city center location.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–23:00
Tuesday11:00–23:00
Wednesday11:00–23:00
Thursday11:00–00:00
Friday11:00–01:00
Saturday11:00–01:00
Sunday11:00–23:00
Available: Reservations
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