The King's Wark — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

I had the best service here, in years, including high dining visits.

I got attended by 3 of the staff, not the usual single server and they worked as a team, as clockwork. I got my beer served in seconds. I hardly finished talking to the person helping me to choose at the bar, and the drink just showed up served by a colleague. This high sped flow repeated with my main and dessert. It was honestly a joy seeing them handing everything with such ease. When I needed something, all I needed was one look at one of them and they came. Incredible staff.

I also liked some details I observed about laying things out in advance. The closest drink menu board to the bar was low and alcohol free beers, which I have never seen before even displayed, let alone closest to the bar. Every table had tap water, glasses, salt and pepper. My basic needs were anticipated without asking already. The longer I stayed the more details I fell in love with.

The smoked haddock chowder was very tasty and rich. The place was roomy but cozy at the same time.

I will certainly return. The scotch egg from the next table is inviting...

The King’s Wark is one of Leith institutions, located in The Shore area in a 1400’s stone & wood building. As we booked a table for 3 we were greeted by our friendly waiter and sat in the restaurant section of this beautiful pub. I got the Beer Battered Haddock with hand cut chips and house tartar sauce (AKA fish and chips), whilst my mates picked the Scottish Angus Burger and the Pan Seared Seabass with potatoes and crème fraiche. The food quality was very good apart from my soggy and extremely pale chips, a real shame indeed. We then proceeded to dissect an Eton Mess, no surprises there (either way) followed by a couple of espresso coffees. The only negative minor bombshell was the unilateral addition of a 10% service charge on the bill which was not clarified in either menu (the one outside and the table one) … that meant no tip was needed as they self-grabbed it. Apart from that, The King’s Wark worth...

I've eaten in The Kings Wark a couple of times over the last few years, and every time I go, I say that I really should go back, but it always takes me ages to get around to it. I'm not sure why - the food is lovely and very reasonably priced, and portions are generous compared to a lot of seafood. It's unpretentious, a bit unfashionable, but really very good quality. The clientele is a mixed bag which gives it a slightly continental feeling compared to most Scottish pubs. Young trendy couples, older ladies catching up, and middle aged tourists - all are welcome. The only things letting it down are the inability to reserve a table (understandable when they are so busy) which creates a slightly haphazard approach to queuing. It always seems understaffed too, which probably doesn't help - they can't quite keep up with the speed of service and keeping an eye on queue jumpers, which is a shame. Still -...