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Welcome to White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar

White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar, nestled on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, offers a unique seafood dining experience that captivates the senses. Renowned for its fresh, flavorful oysters—like the Caledonian with its fruity notes and Lindisfarne's subtle sweetness—this establishment delights diners with meticulously crafted seafood dishes and tapas-style plates. Highlights include the sumptuous seafood platters and the indulgent Butter Milk Cod, set in a buttery sauce that wins hearts. With a warm ambiance and attentive service, it's a perfect retreat for seafood lovers. Whether you're a local or a traveler, White Horse promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

LOCATIONS
  • White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar
    Royal Mile, 266 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8AA, United Kingdom
    Royal Mile, 266 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8AA, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 131 629 5300

Nestled in the vibrant Royal Mile of Edinburgh, White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar stands as a beacon for seafood aficionados and gastronomes alike. Located at 266 Canongate, this restaurant offers a delightful blend of local and seasonal delicacies, showcasing the best that the ocean has to offer. With a commitment to freshness and quality, White Horse delivers an unforgettable dining experience that has garnered rave reviews from both locals and visitors.

Stepping into the restaurant, you are welcomed by a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for indulging in their renowned oysters and exquisite seafood platters. The menu features a variety of meticulously sourced oysters, including the Carlingford with its nutty sweetness, the big fruity flavors of the Caledonian, and the mineral notes of Lindisfarne. Each oyster tells a story of its origins, providing a unique tasting experience with every bite.

For those looking to feast with friends or family, the hot seafood platter is a must-try. Priced at £110, it features a lavish selection, including a whole lobster, hand-dived scallops, and smoked garlic broth—each element thoughtfully curated to celebrate the ocean's bounty. Equally captivating is the house platter, which brings together a medley of whole lobster, cured salmon, dressed crab, and even octopus, all beautifully presented and bursting with flavor.

Accompanying the seafood are an array of sides that elevate the meal to new heights. The tenderstem broccoli with chili and garlic adds a vibrant crunch, while the seaweed ‘slaw brings a refreshing finish, harmonizing beautifully with the rich flavors of the seafood. For those who enjoy a playful twist, the crab straw fries with brown crab mayo provide a delightful indulgence, perfectly complementing the main dishes.

But what truly sets White Horse apart is not just the food, but the passionate craftsmanship behind each dish. Chef Shawn crafts every plate with precision, ensuring that flavor and presentation go hand in hand. Many patrons, including food enthusiasts, have described their meals as "Michelin worthy," highlighting the emotional resonance brought forth by each carefully prepared dish. Dishes like the Butter Milk Cod, loaded with mussels and caviar, leave guests with a lasting impression, often prompting emotional responses that showcase the meal's undeniable impact.

White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar offers more than a meal; it delivers an experience steeped in flavor, warmth, and a passion for seafood. With attentive service from knowledgeable staff, including friendly faces like Carina and Hubert, every visit feels personal and inviting. Whether you are a seafood lover or just looking for a unique culinary adventure, a visit to White Horse will surely leave you planning your return long before you leave. Join the ranks of satisfied guests who echo the sentiment: if you’re in Edinburgh, this spot is an absolute must-visit.

START YOUR REVIEW OF White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar
Halima Averill
Halima Averill

This restaurant truly deserves more than 5 stars, it’s an absolute gem! The food was nothing short of amazing, with every dish delivering a taste of fine dining. From the flavors to the presentation, everything felt so thoughtfully crafted and indulgent. If you’re searching for a standout dining experience in Edinburgh, look no further this is the place to be. The restaurant specializes in tapas-style dishes, with a strong focus on fresh, flavorful seafood. The variety and quality of the menu are simply incredible. And it’s not just seafood if you’re a beef lover, you’ll find plenty to rave about here too. Every bite was a perfect balance of flavor and texture, and you can really tell the care and skill that goes into each dish. Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh or a local looking for something special, I can’t recommend this spot enough. It’s an absolute must visit for anyone who loves great food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. You’ll leave already planning your next visit!

Wally Riera
Wally Riera

What a lovely place to have some mind-blowing seafood! I highly recommend this amazing restaurant for anyone staying in Edinburgh. Definitely order the Monkfish Satay & Charred Octopus! But everything we ordered was perfection! Both Carina and Hubert took amazing care of us and we cannot wait to return to this lovely establishment in the future. We LOVED this restaurant!

Joe Davis (Chilly)
Joe Davis (Chilly)

White Horse exceeds five stars. I got emotional by the incredible plates prepared by the Michelin worthy head chef, Shawn. This was our best meal in the UK, by far. The Carlingford oysters offered a gentle briny accent without being salty, and the meat was tender and sweet. Sesame Tuna was sushi grade, meaty and seemed to melt in my mouth. The Salmon Tartare was so freaking good I wanted to tip my head back and gulp it down. The Seaweed Slaw was crisp, crunchy and perfectly dressed. But it was the Butter Milk Cod that made me want to hug the chef. Loaded with Mussels and Cavier, this is the plate I'd request just before they put me in the ground. I may have embarrassed myself with Manager Hubert because I couldn't stop saying, "oh my god". It was insanely delicious in its buttery sauce, and yes, the cod was flaky, moist and tender. Along with two glasses of Sauvignon blanc, our bill came in well under 80 (103). If you visit Edinburgh, you need to dine at The White Horse. Much love to Hubert and Shawn.

Geoff Vader
Geoff Vader

You know, I recently popped into Whitehorse Oyster and Seafood Bar for a lunch sitting, and I have to say, it left quite an impression. It's one of those places that just feels like it's found its rhythm within Edinburgh's dining scene, perfectly suited for a relaxed midday meal. My Midday Culinary Delights My main mission that afternoon was to dive into their seafood, and specifically, the Hot Seafood Platter. Let me tell you, it was a real highlight, even for lunch. It came out with such a thoughtful selection of cooked seafood, each piece seemingly chosen to offer a different taste and texture – it was genuinely satisfying without feeling too heavy for the middle of the day. To wash it all down, I tried the Bramble and Vanilla Highball. This drink was a truly refreshing surprise; the blackberry and vanilla notes played off each other beautifully, making for a really well-balanced cocktail that was perfect for a lighter daytime sip. The Midday Vibe and My Takeaway The whole atmosphere at Whitehorse, even at lunchtime, is just so relaxed and comfortable, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely break. It's pretty clear they take their seafood seriously, and both the platter and the highball definitely reinforced that for me. If you're someone who appreciates good, fresh seafood and is looking for a fantastic lunch spot, I'd honestly say Whitehorse Oyster and Seafood Bar is definitely worth checking out. Have you been there yourself for lunch, or are you on the lookout for a great midday seafood fix?

Aysha Shujaat
Aysha Shujaat

Had a great meal at The White Horse in Edinburgh. The ambiance was great and the food was good. The oysters were really fresh and the fish satay had a great flavor base. The beef and oyster dish is a unique combo, although the tempura oyster didn’t hit the sweet spot. The prawn n crab toast is worth a try. The whisky menu is extensive, so definitely worth exploring if you’re into that. Andy, our waiter, was friendly and generous with his time - he gave some great food and whisky recommendations and tastings which really added to the experience. Overall, a solid spot with good food, good service, and a nice atmosphere.

Gabriela Hinder
Gabriela Hinder

Spent two wonderful evenings here with absolutely top-notch service. Attentive and intuitive, Hubert fulfilled every wish without needing much explanation. The oysters – every course was a true explosion of flavor! Thank you, Hubert! Edinburgh will remain one of our fondest memories

leonid yagudayev
leonid yagudayev

An excellent destination for inventive seafood cuisine and outstanding service. If it were possible to give 10 stars for service, I certainly would. Hubert was a warm, humorous, and exceptionally attentive host who elevated our dining experience beyond just the food. His presence made the evening not only enjoyable but also genuinely entertaining. The small plates we ordered were both delicious and creatively presented. Octopus, cod, scallops and monkfish skewers, as well as prawn tempura were 10/10. This place is a definitive must try away from all the turist trap places along the Royal mile.

Nicole Hallak
Nicole Hallak

We were in Edinburgh for a quick 24 hours, and found a little gem of a place called the White Horse Oyster & Seafood bar. It’s tapas style where we got to share several little plates & sides. It is delicious and healthy. The whisky, wine & cocktail menu offers a great selection too. Hubert the manager was amazing. We will definitely be back and highly recommend it.