Dishoom Edinburgh pays homage to the Irani cafés of mid-20th-century Bombay, offering authentic Bombay comfort food in a setting inspired by the city's rich heritage. The menu features beloved dishes such as House Black Daal, slow-simmered for over 24 hours, and Chicken Ruby, tender chicken in a rich, silky makhani sauce. For breakfast, options like the Bacon Naan Roll and Kejriwal (fried eggs on chilli cheese toast) are popular choices. The restaurant's design includes vintage décor, sepia-toned portraits, and classic Bollywood melodies, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of old Bombay. The Permit Room bar offers expertly crafted cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, enhancing the dining experience.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.8 19,851
- Tripadvisor 4.5 3,750
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Accommodating to Dietary Restrictions Dishoom is well-equipped to cater to various dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The availability of allergen menus and staff knowledge ensures a safe and enjoyable meal for all.
- Convenient Bar Area for Waiting Given the restaurant's popularity, there is often a wait for a table. However, Dishoom provides a comfortable bar area where patrons can enjoy drinks while waiting, making the wait more pleasant.
- Delicious and Flavorful Food Dishoom offers a wide variety of flavorful Indian dishes, with many reviewers praising the rich spices and authentic taste. Standout dishes include the chicken ruby, black daal, and lamb chops, making for a memorable dining experience.
- Excellent and Attentive Service Many diners highlight the exceptional service provided by friendly and knowledgeable staff. Servers are often praised for their attentiveness, helpful recommendations, and willingness to cater to dietary needs and preferences.
- Vibrant and Stylish Atmosphere The restaurant boasts a unique and captivating ambiance, reminiscent of a Bombay café. The decor, lighting, and overall vibe create a lively and enjoyable setting for diners.
Criticised
- Bathrooms Located Far From Dining Area The toilets are located far from the dining area, potentially causing an inconvenience for some customers.
- Can Be Very Loud The lively atmosphere can sometimes translate to a noisy dining environment, making it difficult to have conversations. This may not be the best choice for those seeking a quiet or intimate meal.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While many rave about the food, some reviewers have found the quality to be inconsistent. Some dishes may not live up to expectations, and seasoning imbalances (like excessive salt) have been reported.
- Overpriced for What You Get Several reviewers feel that the prices are a bit high, especially considering the portion sizes. While the food is generally tasty, some diners may find it doesn't fully justify the cost.
- Potential for Long Wait Times Due to its popularity, Dishoom often has long wait times, especially during peak hours. While the bar area helps, the wait can still be a deterrent for some diners.
The longer read
Dishoom Edinburgh is widely praised for its vibrant atmosphere, flavorful Bombay-style Indian cuisine, and attentive service, making it a popular dining destination. Many reviewers highlight the restaurant's decor, which evokes a nostalgic Bombay cafe ambiance, contributing to a unique and immersive experience. The restaurant is known to be busy, often with queues, especially during peak hours; arriving before 6 PM or being prepared to wait at the bar are common strategies. Reservations are not taken for dinner. However, the wait is often deemed worthwhile due to the overall dining experience. Several reviewers mentioned shorter-than-expected wait times, even for larger groups. The staff is frequently commended for their friendliness, knowledge of the menu, and attentiveness to dietary needs, including allergens and vegan options, with specific staff members sometimes receiving individual praise. Recommendations for dishes include the Chicken Ruby, Black Daal, lamb chops, and Okra fries. The menu is diverse, with options to suit various spice preferences and dietary requirements. The quality of the food is generally regarded as high, with reviewers appreciating the complex flavors and well-prepared dishes, although some find certain dishes inconsistent or occasionally too salty. The portion sizes are considered reasonable. The restaurant offers a range of beverages, including signature cocktails and chai, which are frequently mentioned positively. Many reviewers appreciate the option to share dishes, allowing for a varied tasting experience. The restaurant is suitable for both small and large groups, with a lively and informal setting. Some reviewers find the noise levels high, which may not be ideal for quiet conversations. The location is central, making it easily accessible in Edinburgh. While most reviewers express satisfaction with the service, occasional issues with billing accuracy and slow response times have been noted. An optional service charge is added to the bill, which some reviewers find off-putting, though they generally acknowledge the quality of service. Breakfast is also available, with the Wrestler Roll and Oat Chai being popular choices.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 131 202 6406
- Website
- dishoom.com/edinburgh?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Yext&utm_content=D5-Edinburgh&y_source=1_MjMwNDkyMDYtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D
| Mon | 8:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 8:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 8:00 - 0:00 |
| Fri | 8:00 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 8:00 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 8:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.8 against a median of 4.5 across the 144 places to eat we hold for Edinburgh, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What are the must-try signature dishes at Dishoom Edinburgh?
- What is the atmosphere like at Dishoom Edinburgh and how does it add to the dining experience?
- What is the typical price range at Dishoom Edinburgh and is it considered good value for the experience?
- Does Dishoom Edinburgh offer vegetarian and vegan menu choices, and are they recommended?
- Is it necessary to make a reservation at Dishoom Edinburgh and are there best times to avoid long wait times?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.