A scenic Scottish dining spot with castle views, generous plates, and strong event/private-dining chops — but bar-side attitude, slow service at peak times, and some menu-pricing gripes mean it’s best booked for the experience, not a quick bite.
Cannonball Restaurant & Bar delivers exceptional food quality anchored by standout dishes like venison and risotto, paired with a striking setting overlooking Edinburgh Castle from the historic Royal Mile location. Service warmth and attentiveness shine, particularly for celebrations, though occasional speed inconsistencies and gaps during busy periods prevent a flawless showing.
Cannonball feels like a polished Old Town dinner spot that understands exactly why people walk in: the castle views, the historic setting, and the promise of a properly good Scottish meal. On its best nights, it sounds close to magical — warm bread arriving hot, attentive staff who remember the occasion, and a room that makes birthdays and weddings feel bigger than they are. That said, the bar side has enough attitude complaints and the kitchen enough slow-night stories that it’s not a guaranteed smooth ride. Culinarily, this is classic Scottish fare with a modern, slightly dressed-up edge rather than a chefy experiment. Think haggis bonbons, Cullen skink, fish and chips, venison, lobster macaroni cheese, oysters, and a few richer special-occasion dishes like Beef Wellington for two. The menu has range, but it is still comfort-first and locally rooted; it’s the kind of place where the location and execution matter as much as the plate. When it fires, people call the food memorable and generous. When it misses, the criticism tends to be about pace, pricing, or over-fancy presentation without enough payoff. For families, it can work well if your kids are happy with familiar pub-leaning food: fish and chips, bread and butter, scones, and even simpler brunch items are all on the menu. It is not a kid-centric menu, though, and some dishes lean too Scottish or too upscale for picky eaters, so this is better for adventurous families or older children than for ultra-selective little diners.
Area vibe: Historic tourist and cultural core with medieval streets, museums, and castle views.
Safety: Generally busy and well-lit with high tourist footfall in evenings though pickpocketing can occur.
What's nearby: Adjacent to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile attractions, museums, tour operators, and central tram/bus stops.