My husband and I will be in Edinburgh during our 5th anniversary and are considering having dinner at The Witchery. I've tried to locate info on the dress code situation but couldn't find any...little help? Any comments about dining here?

I ate there for a special occassion with a number of family/friends a couple years ago - 19 people total (we had all traveled to Edinburgh together). We all found the food, wine and service to be supberb; great atmosphere also. Before the trip I had researched the restuarant and found some differing opinions - guide books and many people on this board raved about it; some people on this board did not like it at all. We decided in the end to go there, and were so happy we did.<BR><BR>In terms of dress, we were all dressed &quot;smart casual&quot; - women in pants with blouse or sweater set, men in button down shirts. Most people at the restaurant were similarly dressed.

Thanks Nicole...I'm debating on going only b/c with a limited amount of luggage to carry we aren't sure we want to bring anything besides jeans for just one evening. <BR>Anyway, thanks for the response!

Ani - to solve your problem why not consider leaving the jeans at home? I'm not saying this for &quot;fashion&quot; reasons. Jeans simply take up too much luggage space, are not terribly warm, and take DAYS to dry out. If you take other types of casual slacks instead (both men and women) you can wear them for walking and outdoors, or dress them up for a fancy dinner.

Ani, I really hesitated to post. We ate at The Witchery in Feb. 2001 and were truly disappointed. I honestly could not recommend this restaurant to anyone. The food was just ok, but it was horribly overpriced...even for being a tourist place...and the staff, well...my best explanation is that they behaved as if they were doing us a huge favor. It was so miserable we left before dessert.<BR><BR>I would suggest taking a pair of black pants along and then you can pair those with just about anything and look very nice and go have a very enjoyable dinner elsewhere. There are just too many wonderful places with great staff!<BR><BR>One place we really enjoyed in Edinburgh was the Wee Wendae's (trying to remember the spelling)...it is on the royal mile...thats all I can remember. But...the food was wonderful and the staff were extremely welcoming and helpful. <BR><BR>Although not for dinner...there is a wonderful little tea room called Mrs. Forsyths Tea Room and it is in a close (like an alley) off the royal mile...she is a very friendly lady and makes wonderful scones. We went back several mornings.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!

My husband and I ate there especially so I could answer this questiona nd I'm afraid I agree with mms. It was fine, but not for the money. It did have a wine list to die for, however.<BR><BR>Others disagree. If you search the name you will find it erferred to fequently. I don't know the restaurant mms refers to but I suspect it's Wee Windies. However for class food and jeans I recommend Rogue in Morrison Street or the Marque in Causewayside

Somewhat beside the point, but out of curiosity I took a look at The Witchery's website (www.thewitchery.com), and the menu included this caution: &quot;We suggest if eating oysters that guests avoid spirits and drink alcohol in moderation.&quot; Any idea what the reasoning behind this might be?<BR>

Thanks for the replies...I also read that on the website about oysters...weird!<BR>Well, I think we have been convinced to just tour Witchery during the day, but eat elsewhere.<BR><BR>Janis thanks so much for your suggestion but as far as jeans go, we are a pretty young couple so don't really go with the slacks thing very much. The jeans I wear are not dumpy at all-stylish and low cut with cute tops and boots with heals...they worked so well during our trip to the UK last March also. I do agree they take up room but I couldn't live without em! Plus, if I told my husband he had to wear slacks anywhere besides a fancy restaurant he would FREAK!! LOL