Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
Scotland's beloved mash bar where premium Scottish meats meet nine distinctive potato creations.
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar is an acclaimed Scottish restaurant in Edinburgh's Old Town, celebrated for its innovative take on classic comfort food. The restaurant's signature concept pairs premium Scottish meats—including slow-cooked lamb, beef, and house-made haggis—with a choice of nine distinctive mashed potato varieties, from smoked Applewood cheese to crispy bacon and spring onion. Winner of TripAdvisor's Traveller's Choice Award for eight consecutive years and ranked number two for casual dining in the UK, Makars delivers an intimate, welcoming dining experience with locally sourced ingredients and exceptional service.
A brief summary to Makars Mash Bar
- 9-12 Bank St, Edinburgh, EH1 2LN, GB
- +441312261178
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-8:30 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-8:30 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-8:30 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-8:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-9:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-9:30 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-8 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early or book ahead, especially during peak hours and weekends, as this popular restaurant fills quickly despite its welcoming walk-in policy.
- Spend time selecting your mash pairing—this is not an afterthought but the creative heart of your meal. The smoked Applewood cheese and crispy bacon varieties are particularly acclaimed.
- Inform staff of any dietary requirements or allergies when ordering; the kitchen is exceptionally attentive to gluten-free, vegan, and other dietary needs and will prepare accordingly.
- If seated outside, request a table with views toward Edinburgh Castle for a memorable dining experience with the city's most iconic landmark as your backdrop.
- Try the slow-cooked lamb shank or house-made haggis—these signature dishes showcase the kitchen's mastery of traditional Scottish flavors and modern technique.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Makars Mash Bar location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Makars Mash Bar
A Scottish Culinary Institution
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar has established itself as one of Edinburgh's most celebrated dining destinations, earning recognition as the second-best casual dining restaurant in the UK and fifteenth in the world. Located on the Mound in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, this independent eatery occupies a distinctive space that once served as a bank, lending architectural character to the intimate dining environment. The restaurant's philosophy centers on elevating traditional Scottish comfort food through meticulous attention to ingredient quality and creative flavor pairings, transforming what might seem like simple fare into memorable culinary experiences.The Signature Mash Concept
The restaurant's defining feature is its innovative approach to mashed potatoes, offering nine distinct varieties that serve as the true stars of each dish. Rather than treating mash as a mere accompaniment, Makars positions it as an equal partner to the main protein. Diners select their protein—whether slow-cooked lamb shank infused with tomato, rosemary, and red wine; spatchcock chicken marinated in wild garlic; or tender beef—and then choose their ideal mash pairing. Options range from classic butter and cream varieties to more adventurous combinations like smoked Applewood cheese mash, crispy bacon and spring onion blend, and whole grain mustard mash. This customization approach allows each diner to create a personalized dish that reflects their preferences, making every visit a unique culinary exploration.Exceptional Sourcing and Dietary Inclusivity
Makars demonstrates a genuine commitment to local Scottish producers and artisan suppliers, with meats sourced for their superior quality and flavor. The restaurant goes beyond traditional offerings by maintaining comprehensive vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, including house-made vegan haggis and gluten-free Scotch eggs. The kitchen's attention to dietary requirements is meticulous—staff proactively acknowledge and address allergies and intolerances from the booking stage onward, ensuring that diners with specific needs never feel like an afterthought. This inclusive approach extends to the beverage program, featuring locally sourced beers and wines that complement the food while supporting Scottish producers.Atmosphere and Service Excellence
The dining environment at Makars strikes a careful balance between casual approachability and refined comfort. The space feels warm and inviting, with an aesthetic that eschews formal stuffiness in favor of genuine hospitality. Staff members are notably attentive and personable, creating an atmosphere where diners feel relaxed and valued rather than rushed or scrutinized. The restaurant maintains a consistently busy atmosphere—a testament to its popularity—yet manages to preserve an intimate quality that makes each visit feel special. Whether seated indoors or outside with views toward Edinburgh Castle, guests consistently report feeling welcomed and at home.Culinary Excellence and Flavor Profiles
The kitchen demonstrates sophisticated understanding of flavor composition and sauce preparation. Dishes feature rich, aromatic gravies and carefully balanced sauces—such as whisky peppercorn sauce with subtle sweetness and depth, or tomato and rosemary reductions with hints of mint and garlic—that elevate the natural qualities of the proteins without overwhelming them. The lamb shank exemplifies this approach, with meat so tender it falls effortlessly from the bone, complemented by a sauce that enhances rather than masks its deep, savory character. Portions are generous without being excessive, and the quality of ingredients ensures that even simple preparations deliver exceptional taste.Recognition and Reputation
Makars has earned eight consecutive TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Awards, reflecting sustained excellence and consistent visitor satisfaction. The restaurant's reputation extends beyond online accolades—it has become a destination restaurant that draws both locals and tourists seeking authentic Scottish cuisine executed at the highest level. Pricing remains remarkably reasonable given the quality delivered, with main courses typically ranging from £18 to £23, making exceptional dining accessible rather than exclusive. This combination of quality, value, and genuine hospitality has transformed Makars from a local favorite into a nationally recognized culinary destination.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lady Stair's Close
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Lady Stair's House
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David Hume Statue
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Lawnmarket
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Statue Of Fifth Duke Of Buccleuch
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The Mound & Mound Place
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Historic artificial slope linking Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, home to iconic galleries, grand architecture, and vibrant cultural life.
Parliament Sqr
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Warriston's Close Stairs
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A widening staircase through medieval Edinburgh, where 120 steps transform from narrow lane to grand passage.
Mercat Cross
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Adam Smith Statue
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1 Parliament Sqr
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Cockburn St
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Barrie's Close
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Old and New Towns of Edinburgh UNESCO
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The High Street Wellhead
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Unmissable attractions to see
Museum on the Mound
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Deacon Brodies Tavern
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The Writers' Museum
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The Writers' Museum
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Lady Stair's House
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A serene historic courtyard in Edinburgh’s Old Town, home to the Writers’ Museum and a rich literary heritage.
Lawnmarket
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Stroll the cobbled Lawnmarket, where Edinburgh’s Royal Mile meets centuries of linen traders, philosophers, and hidden closes in the shadow of the Castle.
Gladstone's Land
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Step into 17th-century Edinburgh at Gladstone's Land, a towering tenement rich with history, art, and stories from the Royal Mile.
Gladstone's Land
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The Jolly Judge
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The News Steps
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Scottish Experience
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House of Scotland
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Patrick Geddes Centre at Riddle's Court
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Historic 16th-century merchant’s tenement transformed by Patrick Geddes into a vibrant learning and cultural centre in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Heart of Midlothian Mosaic
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Advocate's Cl
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Olde Edinburgh
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The Court Curio Shop
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The Enchanted Galaxy
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Mr Wood's Fossils
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Casual
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
