NUMBER ONE AT THE BALMORAL, Edinburgh

Behind a striking Edwardian façade sits The Balmoral, one of Scotland’s top hotels. Arrive early for classic cocktails in Bar Prince or sample a rare w...

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Opened in 1997 and first awarded a Michelin star in 2003, Number One offers modern dining coupled with world class Scottish hospitality. Head Chef Mathew Sherry creates seasonal Scottish dishes by combining classic flavours with modern flair. Step into Number One’s dining room and sink into one of the dove grey wool banquettes. Contemporary art abounds on the lacquered red walls, from pieces lent by London’s Royal College of Art, to Adam Ellis’ stunning Scottish oak triptych.

PRICE RANGE

$123 - $151

Special Diets

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals

Dinner

CUISINES

European, British, Scottish, International

FEATURES

Seating, Serves Alcohol, Gift Cards Available, Reservations, Private Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

Reviews (1,846)

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Dreamer51602700863

4 reviews

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Amazing Again

This restaurant really lives up to the title of ‘number one’. An amazing menu and customer care. It appears that nothing is too much trouble.

Date of visit: September 2021

Helpful?3

Dear Dreamer51602700863, Thank you for your kind review following your dinner with us. I will be delighted to share your words with our number one team. Emma Lonie Restaurant Manager

David_UK_Business

3 reviews

Reviewed 1 week ago

Almost great

Dinner: 7 course tasting menu plus prestige wine pairing Cost: £455 for two What they got right: - At short notice, they were able to provide a vegetarian taster menu, as well as a no fish menu. - Attentive/friendly staff and manager was very welcoming....- End up getting ten dishes by the time you get the other starter dishes and chocolates at the end. - Most of the food was pretty creative - attention to detail definitely was there. - With two dishes to go, we were still hungry, but after the last dish, it seemed like the right amount overall. What they got wrong: - On our menus (one vegetarian and one no-fish), you could tell they just removed the meat/fish part and almost offered what was left, rather than designing something separate e.g. instead of beetroot and a scallop, we got beetroot (for the same cost). In fairness, we got the table last minute and they only knew about the requirements that afternoon, so maybe not enough time to get something else sorted, but worth noting. - Not really the Sommeliers fault, but given the covid mask situation, we struggled to hear anything he was saying about each wine pairing. The actual measures seemed a little small (quarter of a glass maybe), so over all the courses you probably get half a bottle each...a bit sore for £115 a head. I'd recommend just getting a bottle of your favorite from the extensive wine menu to share. Slightly disappointed with (some of ) the vegetarian options and parts (not all) of the wine tasting, but overall, we walked away full and happy with the experience and would still recommend.More

Date of visit: September 2021

Helpful?1

Dear David_UK_Business, Thank you for joining us in number one for your special anniversary and for taking the time to write this review. We appreciate your lovely comments regarding our team and your evening with us. We were sorry to read that you were disappointed...More

cuckoo4

17 reviews

Reviewed 1 week ago

Impeccable

First time dining here. Impeccable 7 course taster menu, predominantly fish when we visited, brilliant for us but understand not to everyone's taste however menu is emailed out before dining in. Welcome was warm and service was very attentive and all the "fussing" you would...expect from Michelin star restaurant. Staff were very knowledgeable about food, particularly one member of staff, how it was prepared, where it was sourced and said with enthusiasm. I've never been a white wine drinker but the recommendations were perfect.More

Date of visit: September 2021

Helpful?2

Dear cuckoo4, Thank you for joining us in number one. We were delighted to read your kind review for our seasonal 7 course menu and matching wines. As you have kindly said we are always happy to substitute any dishes on request. We look forward...More

drclaire27

5 reviews

Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile

What an experience!

Wow ! This was an unbelievable dining experience. The food was out of this world - Matt( chef ) you have an unbelievable talent !The wine flight added to the sublime experience - with class and perfection - a taste pairing of delight ! Thanks...Damien -sommelier. The dining room staff were attentive and professional. This was a night to remember . Thank you Team Balmoral!More

Helpful?4

Thank you for joining us in number one, it was our pleasure to showcase our new seasonal 7 course menu with matching wines for you. Chef Mat, Damien and our team very much enjoyed reading your kind words today. Emma, Restaurant Manager

kenny385

20 reviews

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Superb food.

A real treat. The food was superb and the service was faultless. It was not cheap, but I felt worth every penny. Very well done! We had the paired wines. This worked really well and the Sommelier was very helpful. Many thanks.More

Date of visit: September 2021

Helpful?3

Thank you for your visit to number one and sharing your experience in this review. Damien, our Head Sommelier has a real passion for choosing exactly the right wines to pair with our dishes and it was my pleasure to share this feedback with him...More

Ret40

412 reviews

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Great to get back

After multiple cancelled booking due to Covid it was great to finally break in. Super service, happy to change a course for me which was great and lovely quality. Presentation was beautiful and tastes worked well together. Best wishes and will return. Be warned ,...don’t eat all the lovely fresh bread as it will fill you up!More

Date of visit: August 2021

Helpful?4

Thank you for your recent visit to number one. Chef Mathew and I thank you for your kind words regarding our menu and service. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can assist in any way in the future. Kind regards, Emma, Restaurant...More

Venture515117

2 reviews

Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

Fantastic wedding treat

OMG who knew tomatoes could taste so good. A fantastic experience at Number One with their 7 course tasting menu, made even more special by our welcoming, attentive waitress, Racheal. A great selection of fine wines and a fantastic cellar to look through. A great...experience. Mr & Mrs Sangster xMore

Date of visit: August 2021

Helpful?2

Thank you Mr and Mrs Sangster for joining us as part of your special celebrations and taking the time to write this review. I shared your kind words with Rachael and our team and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Best...More

WalkinWonderland

57 reviews

Reviewed August 18, 2021 via mobile

Nice - menu was underwhelming

We visited here as it is one of my partners favourite restaurants. We had originally planned for the 10 course tasting menu pre-COVID however, only the 7 course menu was available post-COVID. The setting is modern and tastefully decorated, with tables being positioned quite far...from each other which was nice. The service was fantastic, however, once I revealed I did not enjoy my first course as I do not like tomatoes - our waitress didn’t enquire about the other courses. The menu was nice, however there was a lot of fish, a tomato course and the dessert was a strawberry tart. The scallop was by far the nicest dish but it would have been good to have another meat dish in there somewhere. All of the food was beautifully presented, alas the tastes did not live up to the gastronomic experience I was expecting. Hopefully we will return one day but I would prefer to try somewhere else next time.More

Date of visit: July 2021

Helpful?2

Thank you for joining us again in number one and for your kind words regarding our setting, service, hand dived scallops and menu presentation. We were saddened to read of your disappointment in some elements of your experience. We have not offered the 10 course...More

atkinhump

184 reviews

Reviewed June 20, 2021

Stunning meal

Everything feels special from the moment that you walk into Number One. The surroundings are luxurious and comfortable and the staff are very friendly and incredibly professional. Our meal was simply amazing. We didn't opt for the wine pairing, but had a beautiful bottle of...white burgundy from the extensive wine list. It has been a few years since we last visited and hopefully it wont be too long before we return.More

Date of visit: June 2021

Helpful?5

Thank you for your recent visit to Number One and for taking the time to write this wonderful review. I have shared your kind words with Chef Mathew and our team. We look forward to welcoming you back soon, Emma, Restaurant Manager

Nigel F

57 reviews

Reviewed October 18, 2020

Bang on!

We have spent many Fringe's in Edinburgh and eaten at all the best restaurants, but there is no doubt this was the best 'fine dining" experience we have had. The tasting menu was accessible and introduced us to some amazing taste combinations. The staff were...warm, friendly and knowledgable. The environment and atmosphere were buzzy and relaxed. It was pretentious-free dining of the highest quality.More

Date of visit: October 2020

Helpful?9

Thank you once again for joining us in Number One, it was my pleasure to share your kind words with our team. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit to Edinburgh! Kind regards, Emma, Restaurant Manager

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Frequently Asked Questions about Number One at The Balmoral

Yes, Number One at The Balmoral is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

Number One at The Balmoral is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:

Food: 5
Service: 5
Value: 4.5
Atmosphere: 4.5

Number One at The Balmoral

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