A distinctive underground wine bar with excellent atmosphere, broad wine flights and reliable food, though wine pricing and occasional expertise gaps warrant checking the bill and asking specific questions.
Whighams Wine Cellars delivers solid food quality anchored by standout dishes like seafood, fish and chips, and haggis croquettes, paired with attentive service that keeps diners engaged. The distinctive below-street-level cellar setting with romantic nooks and occasional live music creates genuine appeal, though uneven wine expertise and modest consistency prevent a stronger showing.
Whighams is the sort of place that rewards a little curiosity: descend below Hope Street and the city gives way to vaulted, dimly lit cellar rooms, intimate nooks and, on selected evenings, live jazz. Guests repeatedly describe the setting as cozy, romantic and unexpectedly memorable, while the welcome is usually warm and quick. It works equally well for a glass before dinner, a tasting flight or a relaxed meal. The cooking is confident British and Scottish comfort food rather than a cutting-edge tasting-menu exercise. Cullen skink, fish and chips, haggis croquettes, seafood and sticky toffee pudding are the safest bets, with Goan fish and vegetable curries adding welcome variety. Wine flights are a particular draw, though one detailed visit found the pairing advice and glass pricing underwhelming; ask what you are being poured and what it costs before ordering. Families can manage here, especially with the burger, fish and chips, linguine, fries and familiar soup on the current menu. There is no supplied dedicated children's menu, and the cellar atmosphere is more suited to a relaxed meal than a noisy family rush. Picky eaters have several recognizable choices, while adventurous children can explore mussels, curry or haggis croquettes.
Area vibe: Elegant Georgian commercial and cultural district centered on Princes Street and George Street.
Safety: Generally safe and well-lit with steady evening footfall from restaurants and bars.
What's nearby: Close to Princes Street, the Royal Mile approach, theatres, galleries, hotels and Haymarket/rail links.
The safest orders range from Cullen skink and haggis croquettes to fish and chips, with Goan curries for something less traditional.
Expect an atmospheric cellar and occasional live music, but check wine prices, book busy evenings, and keep the meal budget in mind.
Historic vaulted cellars, intimate seating, and occasional live jazz give Whighams a distinctly romantic evening atmosphere.