Extremely unique dining experience, decor, ambiance. Extremely friendly and receptive staff. We splurged and went for the two- person lamb Wellington. Pricey but worth it for a one-time experience. We shared lobster bisque and steak tartare. The lobster bisque was disappointing but everything else to include the starter bread and butter were all extremely good. Make a reservation in advance or get turned away, this place it very busy. read more

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We had a lunch/early evening meal here as it has been something we have wanted to do on our visit. The Witchery is a lovely designed with two rooms hidden down a beautiful close. Reservations are hard to come by so schedule in advance. The decor fits the idea of Witchery and it feels like a mixed dinning experience. Some fine dinning but not super formal. The staff overall were friendly and attentive. Our initial waiter less so. He seemed to loose interest when we order just one drink. He was friendly but not attentive; however, other staff were wonderful and took up his role when he vanished on us. One of the nice things by s is that we did not even have to say anything as they just filled in as he stopped paying attention. They were amazing. The food was solid but mixed. The appetizer smoked salmon and the desert pavlova were both lovely. Fresh, clean, and well balanced. We loved both the start and end of our meal. The middle was less exciting, the risotto was very well done with deep mushroom and complex umami flavor. Perfectly prepared and an excellent dish. The fish pie was beautiful and light, but lacked depth and complexity of flavor. It was solid but considering what the place trends towards in terms of culinary expertise it was underwhelming. We ambiance was wondering and the prices for lunch were higher but reasonable. Having the fish for dinner and at dinner prices would be very disappointing. We have friends who have had the beef and lamb and haggis and have raved about those meals. It is definitely a place we recommend and will come back, probably for a full dinner so we can see what that experience is lacking. Overall it is lovely dinning option, perhaps a little inconsistent in some areas but still worth a visit. read more

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As long as you don't expect incredible food, The Witchery by the Castle is a total bargain for lunch after sightseeing. The setting and location are an absolute 5/5, and frankly, that is exactly what you are paying for. Service is adequate and the prices are extremely fair for what you get. The beef was good and is definitely what I'd recommend. The fish pie, however, had way too many bones in it and went unfinished. Given what we tasted, I think I would have been pretty disappointed if I had ordered a pricey multi-course meal off the main menu. But at £37.50, the set lunch menu is a great deal and worth a recommendation just for the spectacular ambiance. read more

I wanted to try the tea service with the family. It was a very mixed experience. The waiter was not welcoming or friendly. We ordered the tea service. That same waiter seemed very annoyed as soon as we got there and would even almost throw the tea kettle down on the table. I don't know what that was about. The manager would walk around and ask how things were and he actually the only "nice" staff member. If we asked for more hot water, the waiter would roll his eyes. I understand it gets busy but that's not an excuse for being rude. Now to the food, I had to switch out a sandwhich due to an allergy. I was not able to tell the waiter ahead of time because when he took our order he quickly left and didn't return to our table. I told the manager about my allergy and they were able to swap it out. I appreciate that. The sandwhich were nothing special. It was just okay but for the price I was expecting more flavor. The deserts weee the stars here. There was so much treats we had to take some to go. Also another weird thing that happened was that a patron was drunk in the corner and was yelling at her family member. Very strange. It took the staff a while to deal with that patron and she was eventually asked to leave. Again, a very mixed experience. read more

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The Witchery is super gorgeous. We were lucky enough to eat in the main dining room. Our server, Beck, was super sweet and did a great job checking in on us. It's obviously a high end establishment so the prices reflect that. I very much enjoyed the Lamb Wellington. It was delicious. The ambiance was gorgeous and they were very kind to us and allowed me to take photos inside with my phone in various areas so long as it didn't disrupt staff or customers which is 100% reasonable. If I had money to splurge I'd go there often. If you're in Edinburgh it's worth going at least once for the experience! read more

The Witchery By The Castle - Menu Cover is gorgeous - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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The Witchery is a must visit in Edinburgh. Pro tip: plan lunch after visiting Edinburgh Castle because you'll definitely have an appetite. Our party all opted for the lunch menu, and everything was absolutely delicious. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was moody, and the setting was beautiful. Highly recommend. read more

The Witchery By The Castle - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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I went to The Witchery for both lunch and dinner, once in the original dining room and once in their secret garden dining area. Neither dining area is overly large, so you'll definitely want a reservation rather than relying on luck to get a seat. The original dining area has the ancient building feel to it, with loads of tiny details to find in the walls and ceilings. The secret garden had higher ceilings, with lots of flowers and a view out of the windows. Both had a really great atmosphere, though my preference was the secret garden. The service really carries the day here. Everyone is very attentive and warm, and you're able to discuss the building with some of them if you're interested in the history of the place too. The menu has a variety to it, but it's not too extensive. Interestingly, the smoked butter at lunch was very smoky, but more balanced at dinner. For lunch I had the pea veloute, beef rump, and cheese plate. For dinner, the lobster bisque, cote de boufe, and lime and rhubarb cheesecake. The pea veloute was fresh pea forward! That might seem an obvious statement, but I mean it was like getting all the pea flavor but in a clean, undiluted broth. The beef rump was fine, cooked right and served with a butter that had a vegetal quality to it. I could have appreciated a couple more ounces of it, but I recognize it was on the lunch menu. The cheese really surprised me because the creamy crumbly texture suggested 1-3 years aging but the staff said 2-4 months. The lobster bisque was mostly a disappointment. Merely a tomato soup with a hint of smoke flavor, the jewel was the piece of lobster in the middle of the bowl. One chunk of succulent lobster does not a lobster bisque make. The cote de beouf, however, was a highlight of the day. Well seasoned, good portions, and an au jus that I could only wish was served with the lunch beef. Truffle mash and beans with shallots come with the beouf, but I was able to substitute one of the servings of mash with some new potatoes. I did appreciate that the truffle mash i isn't overly truffle forward, just enough to get the flavor without assaulting you. Lastly, the cheesecake may be a tiny portion, but serves the purpose of bringing the citrus, tart palate cleanse you would want at the end of a meal. Overall, whether you live in, or visit Edinburgh, I can say that a meal at The Witchery is not going to be a waste of your time, and is a good opportunity to button up for a meal that won't break your bank but will still deliver a quality experience. read more

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The original dining room was amazing to experience. We made reservations well in advance for our anniversary to secure a table. The food was excellent and the service was everything we expected. We enjoyed the beef for 2 which was perfect portions for both of us. We also had the mousse and the cheese cake. I highly recommend it if you are looking for something special. read more

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We were attending the Fringe Festival so felt lucky we got a reservation at all, although we had hoped for the terrace seating. Inside was as others have described it -- deep brown wood, low ceilings and doorways. Cozy, historic, just wonderful -- as was our server. Our reservation was for lunch, and so we didn't really order that much food! My partner had the lobster, and I'm pretty sure she ate the shell. I had the burrata salad, which was creamy, fresh and delicious. We were too full for dessert, but they brought over small lemon meringue tarts. As others have shared, they do charge for everything -- including bread. I don't recall being charged for tap water, but I wouldn't be surprised if that were the practice. But the food quality and flavor really made those minor things worth a visit. read more

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Dined at The Witchery in Edinburgh and came away a bit mixed. This is definitely a higher-end spot with a limited menu. We both had the salmon--it was good, but not particularly memorable. Dessert was similar. Overall, I'd describe the food as "okay," which stands out more given the price point--you go in expecting something outstanding. We also have a long list of dietary restrictions, and the staff handled that well. My wife has gluten and dairy allergies, and I have a tree nut allergy, Alpha-Gal, and diabetes, so we're not exactly a low-maintenance table. They were accommodating and helpful, and service overall was very good. We had to shuffle our reservation the same day, and the staff were understanding and easy to work with, which was appreciated. We had to shuffle our reservation the same day, and the staff were understanding and helpful, which was appreciated. Where this place really shines is the ambiance. The setting is exceptional--especially the Secret Garden dining room, with great views and beautifully over-the-top décor. It's one of those places that feels like an experience as much as a meal. Good for: dates Not ideal for: small kids, business meals Worth it for the atmosphere, but the food didn't quite live up to the setting. read more

We were advised to make reservations in April for our dinner in August. I read reviews and couldn't believe the reviews were correct in that they charge for still water!!!! I heard the other tables complain and even gave the other table their leftover water We knew this and just decided one night for a great expensive dinner would be worth it. We were definitely correct. We all ordered the salmon which melted in my mouth! We ordered rolls which they charge per person. The butter is WONDERFUL! We ordered a side of cheesy cauliflower and it was also delicious. The staff, ambience and food was a great way to spend our night before visiting The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Event. read more

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Lovely afternoon tea spread complete with unlimited tea refills! They let you try 2 different types of tea which is nice if you're undecided. It is a little on the pricey side but for what you're getting and the aesthetic, it's worth it. You can upgrade to a glass of champagne if you'd like for an additional cost. Service was alright. read more

The Witchery By The Castle - Witchery Haggis - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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The ambiance alone is worth the five stars. The interior is a gorgeous piece of rustic flare complete with beautifully-decorated wooden walls, accented with tasteful faux foliage, and red velvet tablecloths. The staff is friendly and as professional as you would expect to find in any fine dining restaurant. The menu offers different selections throughout the day, but if you play your cards right, you'll start off the day at the Edinburgh Castle right next door and reserve a space here for an early dinner. The prices will be higher than most other establishments in the area, but trust me the experience is worth it. In case you're interested, I got the Beef Tartare - uncooked beef - which comes with the most delicious chips / fries I've tasted yet, (and I'm American), and a simple salad to round it all out. They have an extensive wine list, but the cocktails leave a bit to be desired. While whiskey-heavy, the balance just doesn't seem to be there. If any place is worth the splurge in Edinburgh, this is it. read more

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The restaurant is located near Edinburgh Castle. The ambiance is elegant, with a dark and beautiful atmosphere. It's an expensive restaurant, known for being upscale and fancy. Be aware that they charge for tap water. We chose the light lunch menu, which was a 2-course meal for 34 pounds. The food tastes great, but the portions are small. The staff is attentive, professional, and kind. I recommend making a reservation, although we managed a walk-in. Overall, visit for the beautiful ambiance. The restaurant is highly regarded with quality food, but I don't think it's worth the cost for the portion size. read more

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Booked the Witchery on a recommendation of a friend and we enjoyed the experience. I reserve the garden which I recommend as it's very airy and has a great view of Edinburgh. We were promptly seated for our reservation and cocktails arrived quickly. I opted for the oysters to start which came with a wonderful mignonette. I then had the steak tartar which was prepared fantastically, and I was able to pair it with a nice glass of pinot as there are quite a few wine-by-the-glass options. Service was excellent and very attentive. read more

Our dinner at The Witchey was beyond expectations. Our server Straun was an outstanding server, so knowledgeable about the menu and gave us above and beyond service. He really made our dining memorable! My husband said it was the best fillet he's ever had. And my sole was so flavorful, I hadn't had this type of fish before and I was beyond impressed. As a dessert lover, you can't skip the desserts, the chocolate torte was the best treat I had my whole holiday. A beautiful establishment with a wonderful atmosphere. I hope one day we can come back. read more

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Food was very good - a bit over-smoked. Building/architecture is lovely. Customer service was atrocious. They added 18 pounds (about $25) to our lunch bill without consent. They add a "discretionary" 12.5% fee -- I guess like a tip. But they just add it, apparently to all bills, without notice until you go to pay. They added another 1 pound King Fee - whatever that is. They also charged 4 pounds for a bottle of filtered water that they brought while I was in the bathroom and only my kid was at the table. On top of that, we got there early and asked to sit at a bench inside. They said that was for hotel guests and made us sit in the cold for 30 minutes. No one used the bench inside the entry area. All that is bad enough anywhere, but especially bad for a place that charges prices as high as this place. read more

We weren't planning on eating here, but we heard about the unique environment and the delicious food. We decided to try our luck. Thankfully, there was an opening. I love that they take you coat at the hostess stand. The ambiance in the original dining room was dark and cozy and the staff was a little stuffy and snobby. The halibut was pure perfection. It was was so tender and the sauce was amazing. I could done without the sea help style garnish beneath the halibut. I also got the truffle mash, which were good, but they were just a little bit dry and starchy. My spouse got the filet which was good but not worth the price. It was worth the experience and I'm glad we ate here, but next time I'd like to dine in the garden room. read more

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This place is magical. It's like stepping back in time staying in an apartment in the heart of Edinburgh right next to the castle. Paul is a wonderful host and will help you with all your needs. The fish pie in the restaurant is something dreams are made of. The staff is wonderful. The stairs to the turret suite are scary but well worth it. read more

Very popular spot due to the location being right near the castle so absolutely make a reservation if you're interested. It is an upscale dining experience, including an asterisk on the menu noting that each patron must order at least one item from the 'mains' section so come hungry! As noted in most of the reviews, the interior of the restaurant is quite beautiful and elegant. The Baragoule of Mammola Artichoke didn't blow me away but between the shellfish bisque, burrata, North Sea halibut, ambiance and service, the the overall dining experience was very memorable! read more

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The Witchery really is a beautiful spot for a fancy dinner in old town Edinburgh. It is a classy dark and dim spot to have dinner. The service was solid, the menu is simple and the setup inside. The scallops were great. The drinks were fun and memorable as well. I would definitely get a reservation in the original dining room for the ambiance. The prices are fair but if you are going for a fancy dinner then it won't matter what you are going to spend but be prepared for a little sticker shock. It is also right next to the scotch experience if you want to get your tour and a before drink dinner in that way as well. read more

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We were in Edinburgh and had lunch here. The staff and experience was amazing. Food was excellent as the service. This is a must if your in Edinburgh on the Royal Mile. read more

This is a really lovely restaurant and the food was very good! We came shortly after Christmas after a day of wandering around town. We booked the reservation kind of far in advance because it does get quite busy. We started with the scallops which were really tasty and then ordered the lamb Wellington for two. This was some of the best I've ever had and they had cooked the lamb perfectly! It's also served with sides of spinach and mashed potatoes, which were both very good. The service was prompt and attentive and they even accommodated us a bit early too, which was nice because we were able to head back to our hotel early after a very full day. Would definitely come back for the lamb Wellington! read more

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I did not stay in the hotel but I did eat at the restaurant so that is the basis for my review. I gave them a high ratings on the rooms because the pictures certainly make it look like a fantastic place to stay. The location is perfect right on the royal mile and near the Edinburgh castle. The service at the restaurant was impeccable even with the food mishaps. The food however could have been better. The steak dish that I ordered medium rare did come out way more rare than I expected and even when they brought it back out for me it was still too rare. It was disappointing because that dish alone was expensive by itself. The other food that we ordered was good but I wouldn't say any of the food was stand out fantastic by any means especially for the price of the dinner. The atmosphere is fun and really puts you into the Scottish mood. We dined in the original dining room but they also have a secret garden room that looked fun as well. Honestly I may even go back next time I visit Edinburgh because of the fun vibe. I just wish the food was better prepared for the price that you are paying. Also one other thing that bugged me was that a couple that were say after us got service before us and I just think that's improper. We dined here in May 2026. I do recommend if you want to go for the atmosphere. read more

The haggis was wonderful as was there 3 times cooked chips - a must. The service very attentive. read more

Being in town and snagged a table. The setting is so beautiful, as you walk in. Pleasant greeting, stunning room. The menu is so interesting, the dishes so complex. Oysters of course. And scallops. Wonderful wines, gracious service. Pricey but a wonderful treat. Enjoy! read more

The food was good but didn't live up to the prices. Service was ok but No one smiled except the girls at the reception desk. The real attraction is the decor of the place. It's very elaborate and loved that part of it. The whole process of having to sign a legal waiver to get a "doggy bag" was ridiculous. I've eaten all over the world and I've never had to sign a legal document in a restaurant. A real turn off!! Money would have been better spent elsewhere. read more

Welcome to the Witchery, Where I'm sure Dracula, The Wolfman, Frankenstein, The Mummy, The Monster from the Black Lagoon, and Alice Cooper all had an amazing meal but also they aren't know for their recommendations. We came in with reservation for course for an early dinner on a Sunday night and were quickly seated in the main dining room. Our waitress then bought us menus and of course we ordered drinks. I will say drinks were well priced 10 to 13 pounds for an Old Fashioned with 3 different whiskey options. I went with the Maker's Mark Old Fashioned for what I believe was 12 pounds. For apps we went with the Burrata and the Divers Scallops. The Burrata was just just alright and comes with just the Burrata Pesto and Olive Oil. For 17 pounds though that's much better then the 28 pounds for 3 smaller size Sea Scallops 1 of which was way over cooked. I will say we were not at all impressed with the apps. Our waitress wasn't very helpful either and didn't seem to know where was going on either. Not off to a good start. For my entrée I went with the Roast Rump of Borders Lamb. We also had other at our table to had the Grilled Lemon Sole, Arancini, and the 30 Day Dry Dry-Aged Fillet of Scotch Beef. Once our entrees came out there were mixed feelings around the table. Like I said I got the Roast Rump of Borders Lamb. This was amazing what I believe was the best dish at the table. It was cold perfectly medium rare (not options were asked). Though at the other side of things the $75 7oz fillet the was supposed to be cooked medium rare was cooked medium at best, extremely underwhelming. This was the highs and lows and lows from dinner. I was told the Lemon Sole was also very good but was bone in and when asked to have the bone taken out which our waitress said they would they ended up not doing it. We found out when it arrived to the table. The Witchery was so hit or miss for us. For the price the only way for it to make sense is for everything to be prefect. But if you want to live the life eating in the dark thinking you are fancy vampire then The Witchery is for you! read more

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This was our second time here. The first being two years ago. So we knew what to expect. What to expect is a great meal, excellent service and a dark and unique space. My wife started with the shellfish bisque and it was spectacular. Thick. Then when the Gruyère was added, dang! Cheesy thickness. When you added some of the garlicky rouille to the toast and dipped? An absolutely wonderful bite. I started with the oysters on the half shell. Super fresh. I had them with both the Bloody Mary and mignonette. Perfect. Mains were for me the pan fried sole topped with a dollop of caviar. Perfect cook. Silky smooth sauce with lemon and capers. I had mine served on the bone. You can opt for boneless if you wish. Delicate and flaky. Delicious. It came with no side, so I added the new season potatoes. Those were cooked well, but lacked seasoning. My wife ordered the aged scotch beef tartare. Wonderful. The egg yolk added needed richness. It needs to come with more than one toastette though. It also came with chips (fries) and a salad that wasn't really necessary. Dark chocolate torte to finish. A great way to end. A great meal (you do pay a premium) excellent service. Great space. The pros definitely outweigh the cons. So if we get back to Edinburgh, we will stop back in! read more

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On a weekday the week of March 17, 2025, I was walking past The Witchery around 2 p.m. and decided to see if I could get a seat. I was able to walk in and get a table for myself since it's not the "season". Everyone else has described the lovely interior and such, so I won't go into great detail. I ordered the two-course lunch and started with the smoked trout, which was out of this world, if small in size. I then had the Scotch beef, which was a very rare and tiny portion, making me wish I had taken the fish pie which I had been informed (but ignored) was a larger helping. In addition to my lunch, I had a glass of wine and some dessert, although the latter was apparently so unremarkable that I cannot remember what it was. The gentleman who checked me in and brought me to my table also ended up being the person to take my order. He was very kind, and was able to answer all my questions about the food, the restaurant, etc. My food was brought by a man in a suit who was also very kind and checked in on me a couple times. A different man in a suit brought my change so that I could tip. A woman was at the check-in when I left, and despite my very friendly "goodbye" she didn't give me the time of day. There was no one else standing there, so I guess she thought I was lucky to have dined there. I do despise that kind of attitude. I ate at many restaurants and pubs while I was in Edinburgh that week, and no one had given me that kind of attitude. I'll admit that I got the impression that the staff are told to be very reserved around guests. The restroom has tiny stalls. There is room for bigger stalls, but the stalls require an act of yoga to close the door and sit. It was a very nice experience, but I don't need to go back. Yelp doesn't allow for half stars, so this restaurant got averaged up half a star. read more

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This place was fine. The bread wasn't great but the duck was a nice dish. It came with two different sauces and a few pieces of asparagus. My friend got the fish which desperately needed salt and totally lacked flavor. The wine and desserts were good but we were disappointed. read more

Great, attentive service in an incredible setting. I was surprised to learn that the restaurant has only been around for about 40 years, but the furnishings, tapestries, and ceilings were taken from a Bordeaux castle. Portions are small and prices are high, but it is truly an experience to remember for ambiance alone. It was even more special with Christmas decor. I really enjoyed the haggis appetizer. Do book out in advance, especially for dinner. read more

The Witchery By The Castle - Christmas decor - British Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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So stunning inside and out, I would go again, we were on our honeymoon in scotland and had our goodbye dinner here before going back home! So special and staff were really amazing, the food was great too! read more

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The experience was lacking because we had booked a reservation through our travel agent for dessert but we were told to leave because " we are the best restaurant and if everyone came for just dessert we would make no money." Snobby snobby snobby. Sooo dont recommend. read more

We were luckily seated in the Secret Garden Room which was so cute and pleasant to be in especially with the rain. Definitely make a reservation before going. Our first attempt we arrived around 5pm and got a reservation for 9pm but came back and changed it for later in the week and got a lunch reservation in the Garden Room rather than the main dining room. We started with a couple of cocktails and the beef tartar. The cocktails were good but nothing special. The beef tartar was flavorful, tender and very enjoyable. For lunch I ordered off of the lunch menu where you could pick a starter and a main. For my starter I got the cured salmon and my main was the seafood pie. My brother got the pigeon for a starter and the wild mushroom lasagne. The salmon and the mushroom lasagne for me were good but again nothing out of the ordinary for me. The pigeon was tasty, a bit tough but flavorful and the sauce paired with it complimented it well. Lastly the seafood pie was delicious! The seafood was all cooked well, not overdone and chewy, the potatoes were light and fluffy, and the whole thing was creamy and not fishy at all. Overall it's a bit pricey and touristy but it was still a very pleasant experience and worth going to if you're visiting Edinburgh. read more

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Yum. Worth the price. Romantic ambiance, but I went with a friend and this was fine. The most memorable dining experience while in Edinburgh. read more

Excellent food, great and attentive servers with a fantastic wine list and spirits. Cosy and comfortable ambiance

My kind of ambiance! Very gothic, chic, and delicious food. A bit on the pricey side, but it's worth it.

The food was good but tbh I expected SO much more for the prices. The service was good but nothing that stood out. The best part of this place was the atmosphere. You're definitely paying for the place, not the food. Cool to do once but wouldn't make it a habit to return. read more

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I was a sucker for the magical greenhouse ambiance. The beef Wellington is delicious, however the sides were a bit bland. Overall, a solid dining experience but felt overhyped for me. read more