Makars Mash Bar
An award-winning Edinburgh eatery renowned for elevating mashed potatoes and traditional Scottish fare with creative flair and hearty portions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Makars Mash Bar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An award-winning Edinburgh eatery renowned for elevating mashed potatoes and traditional Scottish fare with creative flair and hearty portions.
"Worth the wait for a truly unique and delicious Scottish comfort food experience!"
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and frequent queues.
Explore Mash Options
Don't miss the extensive selection of gourmet mash flavors; ask staff for recommendations.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Scottish
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gourmet Mash Creations
Experience a unique twist on comfort food with an array of creative mashed potato flavors to complement hearty mains.
Authentic Scottish Delicacies
Savor traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, Scotch eggs, and slow-cooked meats, prepared with local ingredients.
Award-Winning Comfort Food
Enjoy a fuss-free, wholesome dining experience that has earned global recognition for its delicious and value-driven meals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and frequent queues.
Explore Mash Options
Don't miss the extensive selection of gourmet mash flavors; ask staff for recommendations.
Generous Portions
Come hungry! Portions are large and satisfying, making it great value for money.
Friendly Staff Advice
Staff are known for being welcoming and can offer great tips on dishes and the city.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and frequent queues.
Explore Mash Options
Don't miss the extensive selection of gourmet mash flavors; ask staff for recommendations.
Generous Portions
Come hungry! Portions are large and satisfying, making it great value for money.
Friendly Staff Advice
Staff are known for being welcoming and can offer great tips on dishes and the city.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Makars Mash Bar is celebrated for its exceptional comfort food, particularly its creative mashed potato variations and authentic Scottish dishes. Reviewers consistently praise the hearty portions, friendly service, and overall value, making it a highly recommended spot in Edinburgh. While popular and often busy, the wait is considered worthwhile for the delicious and satisfying dining experience.
"Amazing culinary experience in Edinburgh. We’d heard good things, but the food exceeded expectations. No frills — just perfectly cooked meat and generous portions.
This place is fuss free wholesome food. No fancy menu and long list of wines.
Our waiter Henrique was fantastic: friendly, attentive, and made the experience even better. A hidden gem for anyone who loves honest, hearty food."
Roxanne
"I found this restaurant online while searching for a place to enjoy a traditional Scottish meal. It’s best to make a reservation in advance to avoid a long queue. I ordered the Scotch Egg, Haggis-stuffed chicken, and sprouting broccoli. Among them, the sprouting broccoli was absolutely outstanding — perfectly cooked with a delicious smoky flavor.
Overall, it was a pleasant and refreshing experience to enjoy authentic Scottish cuisine. I’ll definitely come back the next time I visit Edinburgh. Thank you very much, and please keep making such tasty food!"
Zann Loo
"We absolutely loved Mash Bar! The food was outstanding – we came back several times because it was so good. Highlights for us were the Slow Cooked Lamb Shank, Crown of Slow Cooked Beef Shoulder with creamy mash potato Stornoway Black Pudding, and the homemade beef-lamb haggis. The potato bread and fresh salad were also delicious. The interior is simple but clean and cozy. There was a long queue, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Special thanks to Scott and Anya – both super friendly and welcoming, we had the best service! Anya gave us great recommendations on dishes and even shared wonderful tips about what to see in Edinburgh. Highly recommend this place!"
Kalista Sky
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is very popular and often has long queues.
Signature dishes include haggis, various gourmet mash flavors, and slow-cooked meats like lamb shank or beef shoulder.
Yes, the restaurant offers vegetarian options and many dishes can be adapted to be vegan-friendly.
Almost the entire menu can be made gluten-free, and the dessert menu is 100% gluten-free.
The atmosphere is described as warm, welcoming, and cozy, with a bustling vibe.
Yes, the portions are known to be very generous, offering great value for the price.
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10 of the best places to get lunch in Edinburgh
Elevating the humble - and hugely versatile - potato to a sort of culinary art form, Makar's have been quietly going about their business without too much fuss over their unique dining concept and it seems to going down a treat with residents and visitors alike. A great place to not only enjoy the best style of comfort food, but also one of the best value for Scottish dishes - you can enjoy a small plate of haggis, potato, turnip with a peppercorn sauce (haggis, neeps and tatties) for just £5. It's the tatties that are the star of this menu though and we'd be remiss not to point you in the direction of the roasted crispy potato skins, the cheddar and chives Scottish mash (just like your mum used to make) and the delightful rosti fritter stacks.
Food and drink
If you think no meal is complete without mashed potatoes then Makars Gourmet Mash Bar is for you. Serving delicious and affordable dishes that are inspired by Scotland’s natural larder, choose from at least 9 varieties of mash including smoked bacon, spring onion and creamed horseradish, alongside mains such as haggis with heather honey and turnip puree or vegetarian sausage with whisky and peppercorn sauce. Learn more about Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
Best Places to Eat Haggis in Edinburgh
Makars Mash Bar is conveniently located near iconic Edinburgh attractions like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Making it the perfect stop for a taste of authentic haggis and other traditional Scottish delicacies while exploring some of the city’s most historic sites. At the same time, they’re also known for their signature mashed potatoes that you can customize with things like cheddar, horseradish, or spring onion.
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Rated number 1 on TripAdvisor for Edinburgh lunch spots, Makars Mash Bar is world famous for serving Scottish cuisine at its best. Specialising in mashed potato served with a range of toppings and made from delicious, healthy and locally produced foods, this place is the definition of comfort food. For a traditional plate, why not try their Beef Haggis With Heather Honey & Turnip Pure with your choice of mash?
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There can be few dishes more comforting than a good, buttery bowl of mashed potatoes. Makars, located a stone's throw from the University of Edinburgh's New College, have made an art form out of the fluffy stuff. They have done this by taking inspiration from the craft beer industry to carefully select their ingredients and develop an experience that is not only unique and flavourful but surprisingly healthy.
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If you’re looking to try haggis during your time in Scotland, Makars Mash Bar is the place to go. This is by no means a hidden gem, earning the spot of one of the best casual dining restaurants in Edinburgh (and the whole of The U.K., according to Trip Advisor). Makars Mash Bar specialises in mashed potatoes, as you may deduce from the name – there’s classic, cheesy, or even black pudding mash on the menu.
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As written on their website, Makars Mash Bar excel at supplying “Scottish comfort food and friendly service while supporting local suppliers.” They are well-known for their amazing choice of meats with gourmet mash. In particular, their beef haggis with turnip puree and heather honey goes highly recommended. (Address: 9-12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN) | Screenshot via Wrighty's Food Tours on YouTube
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If you’re looking for a slightly more down-to-earth haunt, this award-winning independent restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Edinburgh Old Town. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar does what it says on the tin, paying homage to the stoic yet versatile potato. Championing both strong ethics and local produce, you can feast on classic Scottish dishes and a wide selection of vegetarian options.
The 13 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Edinburgh
Makars Mash Bar is a “wee” hidden gem of a family-run Scottish restaurant and 2022 Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best. Almost their entire menu can be made gluten free, and their dessert menu is 100% gluten free. It is important to note that they do not have a separate kitchen, but do everything they can to avoid, or minimize, cross contamination.
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If you want hearty comfort food, Makars Mash Bar is the place to go. It has won a slew of awards and is consistently voted not just as one of the best places to eat in Edinburgh, but in all the UK!. The premise is simple: Pick your protein, pick your mash and the toppings you’d like for them, and enjoy one of the best meals you’ve ever had!
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This charming and unfussy establishment specialises in mashed potatoes flavoured with either meat or vegetarian toppings. Popular amongst both locals and tourists, it has become something of an Edinburgh institution. If you want a taste of true Scottish comfort food, then Makars Gourmet Mash Bar should be at the top of your list.
The Best Places to Try Haggis in Edinburgh
Makars have three locations now, two sit down restaurants and one cafe where you can grab smaller portions of their restaurant best-of’s to take away. It’s all about comforting wintery favourites at Makars, with rich gravy and different flavoured mash potato to go with it. Their haggis is from a local Scottish producer, A.J.
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We’ve been here a bunch of times when people are visiting, and we love it. Because who doesn’t love mash?. You choose a delicious meal from their menu (I highly recommend the honey glazed gammon, although the sausage with cranberry gravy is fantastic too), and then add your choice of mash to it – want cheese & chive mash?
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Makars Gourmet Mash Bar styles itself as an "unfussy" restaurant specialising in mashed potatoes flavoured with meat, vegan or vegetarian toppings. Found in Bank Street, just off the Royal Mile, this place elevates comfort foot to a whole new level. It has an impressive rating of 4.7 from 1,813 Google reviews.
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Steak with mashed potatoes and caramelized onions-by E4024- Wikimedia Commons. This is an unfussy restaurant specializing in mashed potatoes flavored with meat or vegetarian toppings. It’s one of Edinburgh’s independent restaurants showcasing inclusive Scottish comfort food and friendly service.
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My favourite place to eat in Edinburgh is Makars Gourmet Mash Bar. Located just off the Royal Mile this is the perfect place to tuck into some delicious locally-produced food after a hard day of sightseeing. Makars is not quite a restaurant and not quite a bar but rather somewhere in between.
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This gourmet mash bar and pie shop specializes in using fresh, local Scottish produce for all their ingredients. This place feels like home, and offers comfort food that we know you’ll love. To make this cool concept even cooler, they also offer a wine, whisky and spirits menu.
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If what you’re after is a hearty meal, then Makars is your place. The sausage and mash is spectacular and so is the dessert menu. Gluten free STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING plus excellent knowledge on cross contamination, vegan and veggie offerings and everything is exceptionally tasty.
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If you’re visiting Scotland, there’s no way you can get away without having a taste of Scottish cuisine!. As strange as Scottish food may seem to some people, it’s an absolute treat for others. I mean, leaving Edinburgh while not having tasted haggis is basically a crime.
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Makars Mash Bar is a vibrant restaurant specialising in mashed potato with a total of 10 types to choose from so was always destined for greatness. But which mash should I have?. The waiter recommended the black pudding with the haggis and wow it was a classic.
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Craving some creamy mash topped with savory haggis and drowning in a creamy peppercorn sauce?. Head to Makars Mash Bar in Edinburgh Old Town!. A favorite among both tourists and locals, this gourmet mash bar is the perfect place for potato lovers.
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Quick bit of advice: don't come here if you don't like potatoes. But if you do, then welcome to heaven. Makars Gourmet Mash Bar offers tasty and affordable bespoke Scottish dishes inspired by the fine local craft farmers, brewers and distillers.
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I really wish we would have had time to visit Makars Mash Bar, but alas we did not. Makars specializes in Scottish comfort food with mashed potatoes as the common base with your choice of different toppings. View this post on Instagram
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Makars Gourmet Mash Bar have a simple goal to demonstrate that there is much more to Scottish cuisine than the deep fried mars bar. Their restaurant is located centrally on the Mound. Because of this it is nice and easy to find.
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Winner of UK TripAdvisor restaurant 2018,19 & 20, the Makars Mash Bar is one of Edinburgh’s last independent family business and aims to work with local suppliers whenever possible.
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This is an Edinburgh legend serving delicious, heart-warming Scottish food with customizable mash pairings, cozy atmosphere, and award-winning service in a prime location.
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Gluten free scotch eggs and beef with cheesy mash and gravy… need I really say more?. If you’re able to, make reservations ahead of time to avoid a wait.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit