What is it? The Black Grape is an award-winning wine bar and small plates restaurant on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile. Stylish yet relaxed, it’s the kind of place that instantly feels like a local secret.
Who would it suit? Perfect for foodies, couples, and groups of friends, The Black Grape combines inventive cooking with a buzzing atmosphere and spot-on hospitality.
Location 240 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Website theblackgrape.co.uk/
The experience
Visiting on a weekday evening in May, the Black Grape Edinburgh is a rare treat; a locally owned bar and restaurant offering fantastic hospitality and atmosphere as well as really, really good food.
Owner, Murray, has serious form when it comes to creating engaging drinks menus. His cocktail menu covers all the bases. It’s playful and oozes class. Pancho’s margarita is a delicious, sour delight thanks to some excellent tequila, local honey, bee pollen and lime. Yum.
The food
Since food envy is real in my world, I was relieved to discover that plates are made to share so I could enjoy my partner’s choice of cured sea trout (delicate and delicious), hummus with butternut squash (‘the best hummus I’ve ever had’) and the seared scallops with shellfish bisque (‘heaven’).
Over on my side of the table, I attempted to shield my choices from her fork but she still managed to tuck into the meaty wild mushroom spring roll packed with unami flavours, and the perfectly cooked scotch egg with a bit of heat for good measure.
We took up their offer of trying a few different glasses of wine from the comprehensive wine list to match the various plates on offer. We were pleasantly surprised to discover some new favourites. Dessert was a hardship but we pushed through. Fresh raspberry sorbet and vanilla ice cream tasted even better with the accompanying local tawny port from Leith.
The verdict
The best measure of a restaurant is how quickly you plan to return. My partner loved The Black Grape so much, she immediately booked a table for 20 for a work dinner.
On a Royal Mile filled with tourist traps, The Black Grape Edinburgh stands out for all the right reasons.
Fantastic.
Jo Morris visited the Black Grape for noted. in May 2025.
