Hawksmoor Edinburgh

A grand banking hall turned steakhouse

Tucked away on West Register Street in Edinburgh’s elegant New Town, Hawksmoor occupies a striking Grade-A listed art deco banking hall. The space has been sensitively restored to highlight its original architectural features—high ceilings, polished surfaces, and a sense of grandeur that feels both opulent and inviting. With 185 covers and a 12-seat private dining room, the restaurant strikes a balance between a clubby, sophisticated atmosphere and a relaxed, modern dining experience. It’s a place that feels equally suited to a celebratory dinner, a business lunch, or a leisurely Sunday roast with family.

Steak and seafood from the British isles

The kitchen draws heavily on Scotland’s exceptional larder, serving grass-fed beef from across the UK and seafood sourced directly from the Scottish coast. Starters often include plump roasted scallops with white port and garlic, potted beef and bacon with Yorkshire puddings, and smoked mackerel salad with new potatoes and horseradish. For mains, the signature steaks—rump, rib-eye, sirloin, prime rib, and chateaubriand—are cooked over charcoal and served with rich bone marrow gravy and classic sides like beef-dripping chips and macaroni cheese. Seafood lovers can enjoy monkfish grilled over charcoal, half native lobster, and other coastal specialties.

A modern British menu with classic comfort

Beyond steak, the menu offers a range of modern British dishes that feel both familiar and elevated. The Winslade Wellington, with celeriac, mushrooms, and Scottish cheese, is a standout vegetarian option, while the Sunday roast—slow-cooked rump with Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, vegetables, and bone marrow stuffing—has earned a reputation as one of the best in Scotland. Sides are generous and indulgent: triple-cooked chips, creamed spinach, garlic mushrooms, and buttered Jersey Royals. Desserts lean into nostalgic British classics, including sticky toffee pudding, pavlova, and a playful chocolate-and-hazelnut ‘Ambassador’s Reception’ dessert.

Atmosphere and service

The vibe at Hawksmoor Edinburgh is warm and polished without being stuffy. The lighting is low, the tables are well-spaced, and the service is attentive but never overbearing. It’s a restaurant that attracts a mix of diners—couples on dates, groups celebrating, and business guests—yet manages to feel intimate and personal. The wine list is extensive, with a strong focus on well-chosen bottles that complement the rich, meaty dishes, and the cocktail menu includes fun, well-crafted options that add to the overall sense of occasion.

Practical details for visitors

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, with a dedicated Sunday roast menu available until 4pm. A set lunch menu offers excellent value, allowing diners to sample some of the most popular dishes at a more accessible price point. While the overall experience is on the higher end of the price spectrum, the quality of ingredients, cooking, and service justifies the cost for a special night out. The location in the heart of the New Town makes it easy to reach on foot from Princes Street and other central areas, and the grand interior ensures that the setting is as memorable as the meal.