Tap into Traditional Scottish Cooking!

Booking a flight to Edinburgh and hoping to try a taste of traditional Scottish fare? An ideal dining destination is Dubh Prais. Pronounced Doo Prash is quaint cellar restaurant that has been catering to visitors and local regulars alike since Chef James McWilliams and his wife Heather opened their doors to the dining public in 1988.

Located in the heart of the Royal Mile, Dubh Prais offers a hearty helping of welcoming Scottish character and, despite its tourist laden locale, has an authentically homey and off-the-beaten track feel to it. Hospitality is just part of the delicious Dubh Prais experience. The gorgeous menu features the finest of salmon, sole, Aberdeen Angus beef, haggis and game (including pheasant and venison), all simply cooked with seasonal herbs grown in James and Heather’s own home garden.

I’ve had the pleasure of dining at Dubh Prais a handful of times. I can’t get past the haggis and the steak. If you’ve never tried Scotland’s most infamous dish (and some say it’s most savoury), this is the place to go for your first haggis. Warming, peppery, robust and deeply satisfying: it’s definitely worth a taste. As for the steak, well, don’t take my word for it. Another, more famous fan of this Edinburgh gem is Sir David Attenborough who’s on the record for saying his Dubh Prais steak was “the finest beef I’ve ever tasted anywhere in the world.”
As should be expected from any top notch Scottish restaurant, the whisky list at Dubh Prais is exceptional. Not sure which Scotch goes with what dish? James and staff are happy to recommend. Of course, there’s an extensive wine list as well along with a good selection of ports and liquors.
Dubh Prais is located at 123b High Street (the Royal Mile), Edinburgh EH1 1SG. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. You would be wise to make your reservation well in advance (for weekend evenings anyway). It’s tiny and has some very ardent fans. Visiting during the festive season? Dubh Prais is available for private lunch parties and Christmas lunches.
Find out more at dubhpraisrestaurant.com.
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