9 great places to enjoy a Sunday roast in Edinburgh
With hearty portions and trimmings galore, these are our favourite spots for a Sunday staple
Ardfern
10–12 Bonnington Road
As you’d expect from a Roberta Hall-McCarron venture, the Sunday roast here is a cut above. Expect glorious thick slices of beef rump cap, Yorkshire pudding stuffed with ox tongue, cubes of hash browns, glistening roasted carrot, hispi cabbage and rainbow chard. A roast for a special occasion.
Hawksmoor
23 West Register Street
It’s no surprise that a top steak restaurant does a tip-top roast. Hawksmoor’s interior is reminiscent of a well-heeled 1920s New York steakhouse but, joyfully, you don't have to earn like a Wall Street banker to enjoy the roast. Prime cuts of meat, doused in rich gravy, served with classic sides; it’s a great way to sample their dry-aged beef without the hefty price tag.
The Raeburn
112 Raeburn Place
For big groups and those with kids, the roomy dining space here is a strong option. Plenty of gravy coats generous slices of sirloin (cooked to your preference) with huge fluffy Yorkshires, honey-roasted carrots and crunchy roasties. Chicken supreme and nut roast options are also available.
Roseleaf
23/24 Sandport Place
In terms of Sunday roast atmosphere, the Roseleaf has nailed it. Purists might be disappointed that the beef comes fully cooked in the middle, but there's no denying the trimmings are exactly as they should be. Laid-back Sunday feels with chichi teapot cocktails flowing and craft pints winking in the pub-dim light make this a top contender for vibes alone.
The Spanish Butcher
58a North Castle Street
Surrounded by Spanish classics isn't the obvious spot for a quintessentially British roast, but The Spanish Butcher serves a banger. It’s helped by Galician beef (high-fat and flavoursome) and an Iberian understanding of flavour (lavish with the salt and hot on the coals). Together, that means each slice has a salty, savoury edge and a super tender middle.
The Voyage Of Buck
29–31 William Street
Inky blue walls and atmospheric lighting subliminally trigger a sigh of relaxation as you settle in for Sunday roast action at Buck’s. A generous slice of tender beef is the right side of pink, with silky gravy, beautifully seasoned potato terrine, fat puffy Yorkshire pudding and a trio of quality veg from a kitchen that knows how to treat it.
Also try… comedy club/restaurant combo The Gilded Saloon, Stockbridge stalwart The Antiquary and newcomer Le Petit Beefbar on George Street for more smashing Sunday roasts around town.
This TipList is taken from Eat & Drink 365, our sister mag recommending the best in restaurants, bars, cafés and more across Edinburgh. Want a copy? It’s available online or across all good stockists in Scotland’s capital.