Seemor
Whiski Bar & RestaurantB-Worth Trying
119 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SG
· Scottish restaurant, Bar, British restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (4044 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Lively Royal Mile pub-restaurant with strong whisky program, classic Scottish dishes, and nightly music; great atmosphere, variable service speed, and prices that feel high for some.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Whiski Bar delivers solid neighborhood dining anchored by exceptional whisky expertise and prime Royal Mile location with lively pub atmosphere. However, inconsistent food quality—ranging from praised haggis towers to reports of cold chips and bland sauces—and frequent peak-time delays prevent higher performance. The grade reflects a capable gastropub that excels in beverage curation but shows variable execution in its core food and service delivery.
Restaurant Summary
On the Royal Mile, Whiski Bar hums with cozy pub energy and nightly tunes. Guests rave about the whisky guidance and warm service when on form—"they helped me find new favourites"—though peak nights can feel hectic and slow. The cooking leans classic Scottish with a modern pub polish—think haggis tower, steak pie, and gluten-free fish and chips—delivering comforting crowd-pleasers more than culinary fireworks. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional: hearty mains, rich sauces, and desserts like sticky toffee pudding. Whisky flights are the star, backed by knowledgeable recommendations. Families fit in fine earlier in the evening: burgers, fish and chips, pies, and ice cream suit younger palates, though music nights raise the volume. There is no explicit kids menu cited, but enough kid-friendly staples appear; late-night policies (pay as you order) and crowds make late visits less ideal for children.
At a Glance
- Deep whisky list with guided flights and helpful recommendations
- Lively atmosphere with nightly music and cozy pub feel
- Peak-time waits for tables and food can be long
- Prices feel high for some, especially whisky and drinks
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- extensive_whisky_flights
- nightly_live_music
- prime_royal_mile_location
What People Love
- Warm, characterful pub vibe
- Knowledgeable whisky suggestions that match preferences
- Classics like steak pie and haggis tower
- Consistent live music buzz
Points of Concern
- Service can be slow or brusque during busy periods; manage expectations on timing
- Some guests report high drink prices compared with nearby pubs
- One serious gluten-free cross-contamination claim versus several positive GF mentions
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (defensive owner tone, tourist-trap claims) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- For innovation 7+ restaurants only: Expect adventurous flavors—here innovation is lower, so this does not apply
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£34-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair the Scottish Cheese Selection (£14.95) with a Speyside flight (£39) for a balanced tasting
- Finish with Cranachan (£8.95) if you prefer lighter, fruity desserts
Perfect For
- Pre-show whisky flights and pub bites
- Casual Scottish comfort-food dinner on the Royal Mile
- Solo sipper exploring drams at the bar
- Groups seeking live music and a lively night
Location Insights
Area: Iconic Royal Mile stretch serving tourists and locals; historic, high footfall, lively evenings with music and pub crawls.
Safety: Generally safe, busy and well-lit tourist corridor; crowding and pickpocket awareness typical for central hotspots.
Nearby: Close to St Giles, the Castle approach, tours, souvenir shops, and other pubs; frequent festival spillover.
Royal MileThe Royal Mile is a bustling stretch of historic streets lined with pubs, restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Dining here ranges from casual eateries catering to tourists to upscale restaurants serving traditional Scottish cuisine. The atmosphere is lively and often busy, especially during festivals and peak tourist seasons.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–01:00
Tuesday10:00–01:00
Wednesday10:00–01:00
Thursday10:00–01:00
Friday10:00–01:00
Saturday09:00–01:00
Sunday09:00–01:00
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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