Ресторан · Edinburgh · ⭐ 9.1/10 · 5115 reviews · $$$ · updated: 2026-06-30 21:24:42
Address: 9 Advocate's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1ND, United Kingdom
A whisky bar and Scottish kitchen in a Victorian pump house
The Devil’s Advocate is one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric bar-restaurants, tucked away up Advocate’s Close in the Old Town — just off the well-trodden tourist paths, in an old Victorian pump house. Soft amber lighting, bare brick and stone walls, raw wood and candle-lit booths create a warm, characterful space, complete with a mezzanine dining area and a 300-strong whisky shelf. It’s a place that rewards seeking out.
What to order
The kitchen serves comforting, seasonal Scottish dishes that celebrate the best of local produce. Signatures include a black haggis with celeriac purée, crispy leeks and apple gel, and whisky-cured Scottish salmon with sourdough melba toast and horseradish aioli. Venison is a highlight, and the steaks — selected by master butcher John Ritchie — are excellent, alongside dishes like duck breast with black pudding boulangère. To drink, choose from over 300 Scottish and world whiskies, plus inventive seasonal cocktails.
Who it’s for
This is a great choice for whisky lovers, a cosy dinner or a date in a hidden, atmospheric setting. With its award-winning bar and Scottish kitchen, it suits both a relaxed drink and a proper meal.
The space
The bar commands the ground floor of the old pump house, with a mezzanine dining level tucked up a steep stair — the best perch for watching the room below. By night the candles take over, flickering off stone and old timber, while a handful of sheltered tables out in the close catch the daytime trade.
Questions and answers
What kind of food does The Devil’s Advocate serve? Comforting, seasonal Scottish dishes celebrating local produce.
What should I order? The black haggis, whisky-cured Scottish salmon, venison or a master-butcher steak.
What about whisky? There’s a collection of over 300 Scottish and world whiskies, plus inventive cocktails.
What makes the setting special? A hidden Victorian pump house up Advocate’s Close, with stone walls and candle-lit booths.
Do I need to book? For dinner, yes — the hidden setting is no secret anymore, and tables go quickly at weekends; booking online is straightforward.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:00–00:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00–00:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00–00:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00–00:00 |
| Friday | 12:00–01:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00–01:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00–00:00 |
Photos
Show 3 more photos
Visitor reviews
Show 1 more reviews
A very nicely decorated place, very friendly staff. We had wonderful seats upstairs. The choice was wide, and the food wonderful! Our booking was a little late in the evening, so not everything on the menu was available,…
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 21:24:42
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: edinburgh-trend.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
If you have the chance to book, it's a place you absolutely must visit! A wide selection of whisky, interesting drinks and incredible food. The staff are kind, professional but very approachable and engaging! One small d…
Definitely try it in Edinburgh! A wonderful restaurant in the very heart of the city. They have a big whisky selection. The drinks choice is incredible. The food is wonderful. We had ribeye, flat iron, venison and cod. T…
The Devil's Advocate is an atmospheric and wonderful restaurant and whisky bar in Edinburgh, located – fittingly – in the Advocate's Close area of the Old Town. The close itself is charming and well signposted. Both appr…
Just a stunning, buzzing last meal in Edinburgh – fantastic food, wonderful service and a lively local atmosphere! Definitely book a table! We tried it in our first week in Edinburgh but couldn't get in, but we managed t…
Our visit to the Devil's Advocate was, honestly, the highlight of our trip to Edinburgh. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was completely different: cosy, dimly lit and full of character. The bar alone is some…