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    The Devil's Advocate

    4.3 (630 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    By appointment only

    The Devil's Advocate Photos

    THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - The Devil's Advocate

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    Daren R.

    A hidden bar tucked away with a small sign saying Devil's Advocate and an arrow pointing toward a small cement corridor with an uneven stone walkway. Finally found this bar behind huge black barn doors to the entrance. It was busy inside and decided to try one of their ciders. Thistly Cross is a Scottish Cider on tap at 4.4% and was poured in a tall 16oz glass. It was very different from a beer in taste including no foamy head. It was ok but I'm sticking with beer. They have a great bar bites deal for 5£ which includes Cajun Crab Cakes, Chicken & Inverloch, and Haggis Bon Bons. The bathroom was in a tight room without any toilet paper. The dark gothic theme was cool. Basically, spent a short time here and left.

    Ha B.

    Chill place to hang that tends to get wildly busy in the evening. We tried the burger (okay) and the duck leg (yummy). Would come back but might not get the burger again. Duck was delicious though!

    Bar area
    Susan S.

    Great place in Edinburgh and I'd love to come back again. Food and drink were lovely and staff very friendly.

    Lunch menu Dec 2024
    Ashley J.

    This is a really popular spot and one I had bookmarked before our trip. We were being pretty spontaneous other than the soccer match we had booked, so wasn't sure when we would explore Old town. We ended up popping in for lunch on a Sunday and we lucked out that there was a table available! The ambiance is super cute, a nice dining room up top, an outdoor bar area, and downstairs an indoor bar area with some enclosed booths tucked in the hallway. The fish I had was cooked spectacularly --battered perfectly; and my husband really enjoyed his pork dish. I would definitely recommend this place and if you can, book your reservation in advance to guarantee your table.

    Fries
    Alex P.

    Nestled within small alleys or as known in Edinburgh, "Closes", one can discover a world of beauty. From fascinating stories of days when residents would dump toilet waste right into these passageways to the modern day finds like The Devil's Advocate. A scotch focused food establishment, there is a vast and reasonably priced collection of bottles available here for sampling. Three hundred of them to be exact. Food is a classic Scotch selection of seafood and meats. Sure, one might find a pickled vegetable or two laying around somewhere on the plate, but they are certainly not the focus here. Excellent smoked salmon and smoked fish dip, perfectly crisped chips and beautiful main courses adore the menu. The patio is a very pleasant spot to sit and enjoy the architecture of Old Town.

    Pork chops
    Utsav R.

    Marta was fantastic - always a smile and a laugh despite how busy it was. Inside is a bit dark but outside was lovely. Everything we ordered was delicious and cooked to perfection. If there is one thing I'd skip, it'd be the desserts. They were ok, nothing wrong with them, but so many other great options in Edinburgh.

    Laura R.

    After a long walk down a stone path I found this isolated bar called The Devil's Advocate. It had an old tavern feel and was two stories with a bar counter and two bartenders. My hubby ordered drinks and I went straight to the bathroom. After a few minutes I realized there was NO toilet paper in one stall and switched to the next stall which unfortunately did not flush. Cmon people get it together. Frustrated, I left and the hubby had to guzzle his drink.

    Steak and chips
    Marie L.

    The Devil's Advocate lived up to the hype!! I booked reservations well in advance (could only get a later dinner at 8:30pm) since it is a popular spot in Edinburgh. The ambiance is so unique - you feel like you are in an old world restaurant hidden away from the city. The service was superb with constant drink refills and quick service for our appetizer and entrees. I am a huge steak person and thought the meat was cooked perfectly, and paired well with the chips. The arancini was almost the star of the show as the starter - definitely recommend!! The cocktails were also well crafted and delicious. All in all, 10/10 rating from me.

    Whisky flights
    John A.

    Mediocre execution overshadows the amazing bones of this gastropub. Nestled within Advocate's Close, finding the place is an adventure within the Edinburgh castle walls. Upon entry, the juxtaposition of old and new further enhances the experience. The towering industrial shelf of whisky behind the bar catches the eye (in stark contrast to the more traditional pubs that line the royal mile with their ornate, carved wooden bars). The bar gives way to a converted pump house -- both a nod to the history of the area and a clever collection of multi-level stone flanked rooms, allowing the place both to accommodate larger gatherings and offer an intimate dining experience. As with any restaurant though, I am looking for decent food and, more importantly, an inviting place for the evening. The whisky menu shines here. We ordered two flights which give us interesting tours of both Scottish regions and different sherry-casked varieties. Not being a whisky drinker, however, I was looking for more exposition from the restaurant. Our server was clueless and the supposed expert that came to our table exuded exasperation at our questions. They missed an opportunity to narrate their offerings which made our group feel a bit slighted for even asking. Food is at the higher range of average. The cheese and charcuterie board was tasty but felt sourced from the local Sainsbury instead of a lean into local flavors. Similarly entrees (chicken, venison, steak) were good enough but no standouts to report. The jury is still out on restaurant groups and whether they foster mediocrity in pursuit of profit. Bon Vivant Group -- you've got some good underpinnings here -- Edinburgh deserves welcoming service and more than tourist fare!

    Flatiron steak 8oz.
    Spencer F.

    This is a tourist centric restaurant with international staff. More upscale and out of the way from the Royal Mile. Indoor and outdoor seating. Food menu is the usual fair, nothing that stands out as uniquely Scottish. Food was cooked to our liking. Portions were European size, not American. I had the pork chop (6-7oz), and it was good, but I wanted more. Beef was good, but only 8oz. I would come back as the ambiance was good, and as the night goes on, it turns into more pub/bar atmosphere.

    Armando S.

    Make Sure to Make Reservations for Upstairs Showed up 3 Hours Before Close on a Weekday and was Unable to be Seated Did Enjoy Some Lovely Drinks Though

    Mark M.

    Nice bar but they will only sit you to eat unless you have a paid reservation from their web site. The place had all kinds of tables free at the time we walked in, and even though we would have been 30 minutes for a quick bite, the rude hostess refused to help us, even for the entire afternoon. Wow, talk about unwelcoming!

    Drinks (which were messed up and the waiter made us feel guilty for it!)

    This place is not allergy friendly!! Not only did they rush us walking in, but they were constantly making us feel like a bother. We were late by 5 min (under the no-show period) and they asked us what we wanted before everyone in our party had a menu. With no understanding or warning they said "order in 2min or we can't serve you." There was a lack of communication, grace, and kindness that was honestly disappointing. Someone in our party has a serious allergy and they warned us about cross contamination, but did not warn us about what she could and could not eat. This allergy was also specified on our booking! She left hungry and with a slight allergic reaction. We felt like we had to leave as soon as we ate because they were acting as though we weren't paying customers. Two members of our party heard them allow another table to order food when they told us we could not get anything else... even the bar snacks on the drink menu that are available until 2am. The food was fine and the ambiance is what we expected. It is a very cool location! At the end of the day, we get the kitchen was closing, but we were rushed in and out in a 50min period, which was rude and unnecessary. If they warned us about the strict kitchen closing time before hand it would have been fine! We were heavily dissatisfied in how we were treated and that outweighed the positives for our party. Do not recommend unless you don't have allergies and want to be rushed out like a bother in under 60min

    Steak and fries

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    2 years ago

    A wonderful experience. Food was delicious. The atmosphere was high end pub/restaurant. Waitstaff was very helpful and kind.

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    2 years ago

    Funky location. Great atmosphere. Good pints and whiskey . I highly recommend as a pub.

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    2 years ago

    Good food and reservations are a must, perhaps a week in advance if not more. Great ambience and friendly staff.

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    Page 2 of 16

    The Devil's Advocate Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - The Devil's Advocate

    Make sure to call in for a reservation the day before, or just drop in for a drink.

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    Beer & Skittles - Opening night for Beer and Skittles! Great sports bar, cocktails and garden

    Beer & Skittles

    4.3(3 reviews)
    0.5 miNew Town
    ££

    Great new bar in the basement of Steak at Picardy place, a huge refurb has resulted in an…read moreamazeballs bar to enjoy a few drinks! I'd even be tempted to come and watch the sport here. They do beer cocktails yay. We tried a tequila based sangria style one and a beery take on a Moscow mule. Both were really tasty. They have a huge range of draft and craft beers and do bottles with chaser shots a personal fav was the Aussie bundy rum with my beer! Bar snacks are on to keep you going but not full meals yet, though you could always head up to Steak if you're peckish.

    Interesting sports bar under Steak on Picardy Place. I was a bit unsure as a previous reviewer said…read moreit was a bit of a lads' place. Anyhow the OH persuaded me to give it a shot for a quick drink to shelter from the rain whilst we deliberated on a venue for dinner. I'm glad he did. In addition to a decent selection of craft beers, there's a hefty cocktail menu. I tried the Ginger Tom Collins & it hit the spot. Just the right amount of ginger to pack a punch but not enough to be overpowering. The OH had a pint of draft beer & seemed happy enough. The low ceiling means it gets noisy even if it's not packed. There was a stag do, 2 birthday parties and hen group as well as some other folks. It was only just possible to hold a convo at normal volume & be heard. There's a decent sized courtyard out the back too but it was too wet & cold to try it out. I'd definitely visit again but maybe on a week night when it might be a little less noisy.

    Bramble - Nomad Soul

    Bramble

    4.5(97 reviews)
    0.4 miNew Town
    ££

    If you blink, you might miss The Bramble--but you'd be making a huge mistake. Tucked away down a…read morenondescript staircase off Queen Street, this speakeasy-style cocktail bar is exactly the kind of spot you hope to stumble into in Edinburgh. My family and I came here on a whim and ended up getting far more than great drinks. One of the bartenders, a local with the friendliness of a lifelong pub regular and the insight of a Michelin concierge offered up genuinely helpful food recommendations. He had a perfect mix of laid back charm, genuine enthusiasm, and a sharp wit. That kind of service is rare, and it stuck with us. Now, the drinks. Phenomenal. Not just "good for Scotland" or "pretty decent for a bar that doesn't scream look at me" these cocktails were creative, expertly made, and well presented. You can tell these folks care about their craft. Each drink was layered and complex without being fussy. If you're into spirits, this is your place. Yes, the bathrooms are a bit of a squeeze. Definitely built for function, not luxury, but they were absolutely spotless. Like, hospital-pristine. Whoever maintains them deserves a raise and maybe a trophy. Bottom line: Bramble nails it. Great atmosphere, unforgettable drinks, and service that actually makes you feel like you're in the right place at the right time. Skip the tourist traps and find your way down those stairs.

    Excellent cocktails, very quaint and comfortable atmosphere. Outgoing and personable staff. We had…read morea little bit of a hard time finding it, *** look for the green astroturfing just underneath the dry cleaners** there is a stairwell leading you down to their entrance.

    Photos
    Bramble
    Bramble - Outside

    Outside

    Bramble - Interior

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    Interior

    Bryant & Mack Private Detectives - Difficult to find, but well worth it!

    Bryant & Mack Private Detectives

    4.6(17 reviews)
    0.4 miNew Town
    ££

    I was there on 30 October 2025 with a few travel friends, and it turned out to be one of the best…read moresurprises of our trip. The minute we found the door off the little lane on Rose Street, there was an air of mystery... exactly what you hope for from a "detective agency" style speakeasy. Once inside, the vibe was perfect for a chilly Edinburgh evening. Like, moody lighting, vintage-style furnishings, and that cozy, clandestine feel that makes you glad you made the effort to find it. The service was absolutely welcoming. The bartenders were friendly and attentive, and even at 9p, mid week (when you might expect things to be winding down), the place was comfortably busy but not packed, but full enough to feel alive. Drinks menus came in little "confidential" envelopes, which instantly added to the fun. We ordered several cocktails that evening, and every drink was carefully crafted and flavorful, smooth and topped off with warm hospitality. I honestly did not have one bad cocktail. If I were to highlight a few things from our night - I came away loving the atmosphere, the attention to detail, and the general ease at which we were treated which is exactly what I wanted out of a night out in Edinburgh. If you're visiting Newcastle, upon, Tyne, Edinburgh, or just wandering through Rose Street and looking for something a little different... don't walk past this place. Bryant & Mack Private Detectives is a fun little secret with classic cocktails, cozy speakeasy vibes, and service that makes you feel like part of the case, lol. It's a fully immersive experience.

    Awesome speakeasy in New Town…read more It really is on the hidden side, it took me a few minutes longer than I thought it would to find the door (look at the posted pictures, it helps). Once inside (you'll have to knock to get in), you'll find a cool little lounge with great cocktails, chill music, and amiable bartenders. We were surprisingly the only ones in there around 9 pm on a Friday night, which we thought was odd (as did the bartenders), but it meant we got to hang out with them and shoot the shit (meeting bartenders from all over the world is one of my favorite hobbies). Besides the fact that both were into motorcycles (and one came to Edinburgh once and immediately backed up his bags and moved over from Italy - props), we found out that they could make a mean cocktail. We, of course, started on menu, but wanted to see if they could do any variations, which they not only did, but nailed: "do you like bitter or sweet" - bitter "Floral or not so much" - surprise me "base?" - gin Dunno what it was called, but it was one of the nicest gin drinks I had in a town that is crazy for gin at the moment. I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a good cocktail place, the ambiance is on point and the drinks are superb.

    Photos
    Bryant & Mack Private Detectives - Bowery theater

    Bowery theater

    Bryant & Mack Private Detectives
    Bryant & Mack Private Detectives - September gem

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    September gem

    Picardy Place - Pan roasted Scottish Halibut Fillet: Herb Crusted, Confit Turnip, Butter Poached Oyster, Star Anise "Air"

    Picardy Place

    4.6(9 reviews)
    0.5 miNew Town
    £££

    Three and a half skewing positive. Extremely convenient location wedged conveniently between the…read moreinsanely touristy old town and the bourgeoning hipster Mecca of Leith, and directly abutting, I am told the epicenter of the cities gay scene. The lovely century plus old building is beautifully restored and tastefully updated. If the 3rd floor walk up room might count as a negative for some, at this point in life I appreciate anything that forces even an iota of more of something even suggesting of exercise into my life whatsoever. Staff was uniformly courteous and helpful with my needy jet lagged ass. Unfortunately what you gain in terms of a strategic location, and charm inside the premises, you lose in terms of the immediate view outside of your room. While the building itself and a few spare stragglers like it in the immediate area, as well as the plaque outside indicating that Arthur Conan Doyle's birthplace was in a once existing building across the street, suggest the surrounding few acres were once as lovely and ancient as most of the glorious historic streets of this ridiculously enchanting town, its sadly no longer the case. Somehow this district avoided historic preservation, and in its current stage is pretty much comprised of at least 50 percent active construction zones with gaping holes of torn up streets and massive building footprints. The remaining half of the area is already completed monolithic hideously modern shopping malls of the type I would suspect must already be gravely threatened by online shopping. As distressing as the view outside my window was to view during my short stay here, those stores proved convenient when I needed some adapters and a stop at a nearby apple store, and a mere 5 minute stroll put me firmly in the center of some truly breathtaking scenery. At the end of the day it offers a solid value and friendly hospitality in comfy and low key elegant accommodations in a central, if soulless feeling locale. Oh yeah; and one word of advise: This place oddly apparently has 3D TV sets in at least some of the rooms (which by the way, in a cute touch, are each named after one of Scotland's beloved "loches' aka lakes). Be aware that those glasses are in there for the TV, and do not make the same mistake I did and assume they were novelty son glasses there for the guests to take as souvenirs. I guess the fact that the sun barely ever shines in this country would have been a good indication that they wouldn't be offering gratis shades...womp womp...

    A bar that's open until 3am is always a winner with a great team of bar staff and plentiful…read moresheepskin, which is great when your face gets a little warm from the vodka and wine and you want to snuggle up (i.e my entire New Year). it's a completely perfect place to spend the wee hours. What used to be a private members club is set in a tremendous Georgian townhouse set over 3 floors comprising of a restaurant, the main bar, a whisky bar, and four luxurious hotel rooms. The food during normal operating hours is pretty good, could do with fancying down as it's all a bit fiddly with the amount of jars and plates but it's really topnotch. However, we went on a meal deal kinda day but I don't doubt that the food normally might be a wee bit pricey.

    Photos
    Picardy Place - Photo from official website

    Photo from official website

    Picardy Place - Pan roasted Scottish Halibut Fillet: Herb Crusted, Confit Turnip, Butter Poached Oyster, Star Anise "Air"

    Pan roasted Scottish Halibut Fillet: Herb Crusted, Confit Turnip, Butter Poached Oyster, Star Anise "Air"

    Picardy Place - Amuse Bouche: White Onion Espuma, Curry Oil & Baby Herbs

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    Amuse Bouche: White Onion Espuma, Curry Oil & Baby Herbs

    Panda & Sons - Cereal Killer

    Panda & Sons

    4.6(115 reviews)
    0.6 miNew Town
    ££

    Panda & Sons is one of the top speakeasy around the UK and I see why. The aesthetics and delicate…read morecocktails make it worth a visit. The service was great. I ordered the bird cage and it was nicely smoked and had a great smooth taste. I don't think I would've liked this drink anywhere else but I liked it here. It wasn't all about the presentation but the drink was actually good. I must say you have to make a reservation well in advance. Many people come here in groups. Overall I definitely recommend this speakeasy in Edinburgh.

    I want a redo. Being…read moresomeone who makes cocktails at home as a hobby, I'm always someone that's looking for cool bars to try when I travel. When I visited Edinburgh recently Panda & Sons was one of the places I was looking to the most. However my experience was left feeling very mid. It's one of those things when you research a bar where I live and see also this fun and fancy decor and think to yourself, "Looks cool but are the drinks actually good?" I didn't want to think this though. I spent a little time reading the Switching method in their menu and thought that was a cool preparation method. But when I tasted my Birdcage for example, all I really tasted was Whiskey. I barely tasted any Aperol or anything else. The reason why Im still giving this place a higher review than I normally would is because of the service and ambience. If you've never been, getting down to the actual bar for the first time is a treat in itself. I feel like this was just an off night. It definitely was a full house the night me and my friends went so it's understandable that maybe things just slipped this particular night. I know from personal experience that when the ratios are a bit off, sometimes the flavors just kinda fall flat like an old soda and that's kinda what I tasted in my drinks that night...at the same time I still at least tasted alcohol. A good amount. Now you may laugh and say, "What do you mean? Why wouldn't there be?" Well...where I come from in the states theres places have cool decor and service but serve you drinks with barely any booze and charge you and arm and leg. Thankfully I was stumbling home a bit that night so no harm and no foul. I shall return for the runback the next time I come to Scotland!

    Photos
    Panda & Sons - Osaka Spritz - singer fresh!

    Osaka Spritz - singer fresh!

    Panda & Sons - One of the spaces

    One of the spaces

    Panda & Sons - Birdcage (back left), Mr. Worldwide (front right)... can't remember name whisky drink in front

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    Birdcage (back left), Mr. Worldwide (front right)... can't remember name whisky drink in front

    The Devil's Advocate - wine_bars - Updated May 2026

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