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This was our 4th visit to the Grand Cafe as we’ve always enjoyed it, however, we were all most disappointed on this particular visit due to the low temperature within the dining area. The food is always great but on this occasion it cooled too quickly on our plates purely because the heating was inadequate. We actually sent some food back for reheating and 2 cups of coffee were subtracted from our bill for the same reason! Please check the temperatures in your dining area & adjust as required, otherwise we certainly won’t be booking up again.
Maria McDermid - dined in restaurant 20/02/2020
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The restaurant did not have our confirmed booking. Thankfully they were able to accommodate us as it was a birthday dinner out.
Liked the background music but the live music was too loud to hear yourself speak on the balcony.
Sheila Kinghorn - dined in restaurant 26/10/2019
The Grand Café is a lovingly restored restaurant that channels old time opulence. Set in a landmark Edinburgh building, the decor is inspired by the ‘grand cafés’ of Europe.
Dating back to 1905, this spectacular space encompasses two floors with original walnut wood panelling, marble pillars and ornate cornicing. Yet while the feel may be gorgeously Edwardian, the menus are decidedly contemporary. That’s because the kitchen is led by Chris Niven, a finalist from the 2017 Masterchef: The Professionals show. He promises a menu of unpretentious dishes, from early morning breakfasts to fine dining to late night cocktails and drams until 3am.
Live piano music played on the balcony baby grand adds that extra touch of flair.
H3. Classic and contemporary Scottish cuisine
The Grand Cafe offers an easy and elegant menu where seasonality, flavour and sourcing is at the heart of everything. Every dish has been designed from scratch and will be custom-made for each diner.
Scottish producers are very much at the fore with starters such as the Isle Of Arran haggis croquette with roast turnip & whisky velouté, mains like the baked Peterhead hake with seaweed butter, and desserts such as the steamed marmalade sponge with whisky butterscotch sauce and crème fraiche sorbet. The grill selection offers the finest grass-fed, hand-selected, 28-day dry-aged Buccleuch Scotch beef in the form of a range of steaks and burgers.
Vegetarians can enjoy dishes like the herb gnocchi with burnt leek, crème fraiche, leek purée, watercress and hazelnut or the roasted cauliflower with mint, golden raisins, apple, grapes and candied walnuts.
Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea are also served.
H3. North Bridge transport links and attractions
The Grand Café is just a three-minute stroll from Waverley Station and can be found amid a cluster of sightseeing attractions. Pay parking is close by on Calton Road. As the Edinburgh Festival Theatre is just a seven-minute walk away, this would make an extra special pre-theatre dining choice.