A cozy Royal Mile stop for Scottish classics, cocktails, and breakfast, but the food can be uneven and the service complaints are serious enough to keep expectations in check.
Copper Still delivers solid food quality anchored by praised Scottish mains and desserts, but inconsistent execution across the kitchen prevents a stronger grade. Service swings between attentive and inattentive, and while the Royal Mile setting attracts diners, uneven performance keeps it from approaching grade A territory.
Copper Still feels like one of those Royal Mile places that can be exactly what you want after a wander through Edinburgh: warm lighting, a cozy room, cocktails, and a plate of Scottish classics that may land beautifully or merely do the job. The best reviews sound genuinely delighted—one guest called the atmosphere “amazing,” another said the food was “delicious,” and several mention a comfortable, welcoming room with a lovely view over the Mile. On the plate, the kitchen leans classic rather than inventive: haggis, Cullen skink, fish and chips, steaks, burgers, breakfasts, and a few Scottish desserts. When it’s on, it’s very on—salmon, haggis, soup, and sticky toffee pudding get repeated love—but there are enough complaints about undercooked eggs, uneven steaks, and occasional inconsistency that this is not a set-it-and-forget-it choice. It’s best for people who want familiar Scottish comfort food in a central, lively setting rather than culinary fireworks. For families, the menu actually has plenty that children would recognize, including burgers, fish and chips, mac and cheese, toast, eggs, and ice cream. The catch is that at least one family reported being turned away because of a child-age policy, so this is not a place I’d rely on as a hassle-free kid stop. If you’re coming with children, it’s worth calling ahead rather than assuming the front-of-house signs tell the full story.
Area vibe: Historic, tourist-heavy area with many attractions and traditional pubs.
Safety: Generally busy and well-lit in evenings but pickpocketing can occur during peak tourist times.
What's nearby: On or near the Royal Mile and High Street, close to Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles' Cathedral, and major tram/bus stops.