The Spence

Restaurant · Greenside ·

The Spence

Restaurant · Greenside ·

Modern brasserie with progressive Scottish menu, award-winning cocktails

Information

39 St Andrew Sq, Edinburgh EH2 2AD, United Kingdom Get directions

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

A New Three Star Restaurant in The MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland

"Housed within the beautifully ornate Gleneagles Townhouse Hotel in the very centre of Edinburgh, The Spence makes a fine setting for a cocktail. Their list includes ‘Townhouse Classics’, inspired by the six imposing statues that adorn the front of the hotel. When it comes to deciding, Ryan McHarg and his team are on hand to help; they are genial, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their bar." - The MICHELIN Guide UK Editorial Team

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/all-the-winners-from-the-2024-michelin-guide-ceremony-great-britain-ireland

The Spence

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

"Until 2017 this was the Royal Bank of Scotland, and the restaurant now occupies what was formerly the banking hall. All the grandeur is here, from the granite columns and the exquisite plasterwork to the magnificent cupola which allows natural light to flood in. The Scottish larder is the focus of the accessible menu, with the kitchen showing a keen eye for presentation." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/city-of-edinburgh/edinburgh/restaurant/the-spence

The Spence

@bonappetit

5,326 Postcards · 1,008 Cities

These Are the UK and Ireland’s New Michelin-Starred Restaurants, 2024 | Bon Appétit

"The restaurant where Ryan McHarg won the Exceptional Cocktails award this year for his bar program." - ByLi Goldstein

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/united-kingdom-ireland-michelin-restaurants-2024

The Spence

Charis F.

Google

We celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary at the Spence on Sunday evening and we were so delighted by the experience. The restaurant itself looks spectacular, it was dressed for Christmas and the attention detail was beautiful. The food was amazing - we had the Barolo Braised Beef and switched the mash potato for black truffle mash potato, which was delicious. We ordered a side of roast Brussels sprouts which I am still dreaming about now! For dessert, we had the chocolate fondant with Bailey’s ice cream and it was perfect. The staff were so lovely. It was the small details that were important to us; the staff helped us with the menu without upselling or pushing us towards more expensive items, and when there was a brief wait for a drink, it was automatically taken off the bill. Our server also brought us a celebratory dessert to say happy anniversary, which was very appreciated. Thank you to the team at the Spence for making our first wedding anniversary so special!

Grzegorz S.

Google

The restaurant is beautiful and the staff very friendly , lots of people working so get attention of the staff is very easy. The food was nice meat so light and juicy , vegetables cooked to perfection but sauce for a beef was very watery. Is a lovely decorated restaurant up skills and highly recommend. Vegetarian options on the menu and open kitchen. Definitely will be back soon.

Bessie L.

Google

This was our second visit to this restaurant, and once again we were extremely impressed. The setting is grand, with an elegant décor that carries a wonderful sense of history. The service was fantastic—attentive and friendly, always present when needed but never intrusive. The food was excellent. I shared a lemon sole with my daughter while my husband had the roast chicken breast; both dishes were the perfect portion size and absolutely delicious. Even the bathrooms reflected the same elegance and attention to detail as the rest of the restaurant. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a quiet and peaceful dining experience during their visit to Edinburgh.

Alison M.

Google

A beautiful location to eat lunch the food was delicious we had catch of the day and it was perfectly cooked. The ice cream was amazing too. Service was attentive although I’m not a fan of the wine being away from the table so we had to ask for a refill. You will struggle to find anything less than £40 but it’s an interesting list.

ValleyWest

Google

So pretty inside dining. Our service was great & the food delicious. We even enjoyed our alcohol free mocktails. Lovely when places do that. Right in a great shopping area & nice to walk around before or after when you've eating so much.

Marco M.

Google

From start to finish, this restaurant delivered an unforgettable dining experience. The starters were artfully presented, featuring tender duck paired with vibrant green pea tartlets and delicate crispy bites. The mains were equally impressive — perfectly seared fish served over a rich bean and shellfish sauce, and succulent chicken accompanied by fresh garden vegetables. The desserts were showstoppers: from a golden honeycomb-topped creation draped in caramel, to a zesty lemon meringue, a layered strawberry and pistachio delight, and a raspberry-topped chocolate masterpiece. Each plate was a balance of flavor, texture, and beauty. Paired with excellent wine and impeccable service in a stunning setting, this is without a doubt a must-visit — and worth every penny

daubingblue

Google

The vegetarian main that had all sorts of mushrooms in it was mind blowing! See the photo, I forgot the name sorry! The fish velouté was also really nice, using seasonal ingredients. I’m not even vegetarian but it had so much flavors and depths to it, it was the highlight meal for me in Edinburg!! Might even be one of the best dishes I’ve tried in the UK! I would go back for that king mushroom dish if I ever return to Edinburg. A beautiful place that doesn’t break your wallet if you don’t go for steaks or drinks :)

Bryant M.

Google

Delicious food and impeccable service. Thank you to the team at the Spence for a wonderful dinner while in Edinburgh. If you get there early, grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a drink before your dinner. Great bar!