Witchery By The Castle

Tucked in right next to Edinburgh Castle, this is the sort of outrageously spectacular location any restaurant owner would skin and salt their own children to possess. Inside it's as if you've walked onto the set of a Basil Rathbone film, for the great man could be duelling with Errol Flynn or smoking a pipe in conversation with Doctor Watson, and neither scene would look out of place, for this is possibly the most gorgeous restaurant interior on the planet (and I really do mean you could argue it).

Food? I wouldn't say it is quite up to the standards of the very best restaurants, but if it isn't superlative then it is at least extremely good. The Aberdeen Angus beef topped with pate de foie gras is sensational, as are the desserts. The vegetarian options are limited in terms of choice but jolly good in terms of taste. Indeed, the only criticism (if you can call it that) which I could level is that the generous portions might perhaps be a shade too big to enjoy a three-course meal. The service was perfectly fine - not great, not bad, just efficient and friendly.

While the cost of a meal is high, as one would expect, I would recommend the Witchery to anyone without a moment's thought.

There is no question that the setting of the Witchery is incredible.  Just down the hill from Edinburgh Castle, it is a short walk to this location after you've had a castle tour.
The atmosphere of this restaurant is also incredible.  We were fortunate enough to be seated in 'The Secret Garden', and I would agree it was indeed very romantic.
That being said, there were two main concerns regarding our experience there.  First, the speediness of the service.  We waited and waited for our food.  We heard the table next to us ask the server to check on the delay, and it was then brought out shortly after.  We waited a while longer and then did the same.  Who knows how long it may have normally taken.  (We were wanting to get more sightseeing in around Edinburgh, and did not wish to spend our limited amount of time there in this restaurant!)
Second, we were not impressed with the taste of the food.  Although it sounded exquisite as presented on the menu, and the dish presentation was done well, it had no taste at all (especially the cream of broccoli soup), and did not leave us feeling satisfied.  (We ended up glad we took seconds on our bread offerings during the long wait for our entrees!).
Lesson learned - if you want to experience the great atmosphere of this locale, I would strongly recommend you stop by for afternoon tea and dessert instead.