Chaophraya Edinburgh offers a contemporary dining experience with breathtaking rooftop views of Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth. The restaurant serves a selection of classic and modern Thai dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options. Guests can enjoy a range of cocktails, wines, and beers in a setting inspired by Thailand's glamour and style.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.5 3,519
- Google Places 4.5 3,173
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
- Delicious, well-presented food Most diners rave about the tasty and authentic Thai cuisine, with many dishes receiving high praise. The presentation is also frequently mentioned as being top notch.
- Excellent service Many reviewers praise the attentive and friendly staff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Specific staff members are often mentioned by name, indicating consistently high service standards.
- Great atmosphere The restaurant offers a cool and vibrant atmosphere, often enhanced by music and stylish decor. It’s well-suited for both casual outings and special celebrations.
- Special Occasion Focus The restaurant excels at celebrating occasions by providing anniversary notes and prosecco to customers. In addition, they are also helpful in decorating for customers.
- Spectacular views The rooftop location offers amazing views of Edinburgh Castle and the city, especially from the terrace or glasshouse area. It's a great spot for a special occasion or memorable dining experience.
Criticised
- Can be too warm and loud The interior can be overly warm and noisy, especially when crowded. A balcony table may be preferable, if available, to mitigate these issues.
- Inconsistent food quality While many praise the food, some find it bland or overpriced for the quality. It may not consistently meet expectations for authentic Thai flavors, so manage expectations accordingly.
- Potentially high cost Prices are higher than other Thai restaurants. Also, watch out for automatic inclusion of service charges and optional charity donations on the bill, potentially leading to unexpected costs if not carefully reviewed.
- Slow service Several reviewers noted that the service can be slow, with long waits for food, especially when in a group or during busy periods. Consider this if you are on a tight schedule.
- Table location lottery Some tables have amazing views while others, especially those near the kitchen, can be noisy and less desirable. Request a specific location (e.g., terrace, castle view) in advance, but be aware it's not guaranteed.
The longer read
Chaophraya Thai Restaurant in Edinburgh is frequently lauded for its stunning location, offering panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and the city, particularly from its rooftop terrace and conservatory. Many reviewers highlighted the ambiance as warm, stylish, and romantic, making it suitable for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, and even proposals. The restaurant's decor is often described as beautiful and well-presented, contributing to a memorable dining experience. Service is a consistent highlight, with numerous reviewers praising the staff's attentiveness, friendliness, and knowledge. Specific staff members, including Hamish, Daniel, Mark, Elmo, Carolina, Ming, Immy, Laura, Vicente, Jana, JaimeC, Antonela, Ariana, Katalin, Apinya, Momo, Roque, Thomas and Adrianna, were repeatedly mentioned for going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant visit. Many reviewers felt welcomed and valued, with some mentioning personalized touches for celebrations. The food quality receives generally positive feedback, with many reviewers describing it as delicious, authentic, and beautifully presented. The menu offers a wide variety of traditional Thai dishes, with the Pad Thai, Chaophraya platter, pork belly stir fry, and various curries frequently recommended. The restaurant is also noted for accommodating dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Several reviewers have mentioned the availability of set menus, providing a good way to sample a range of dishes. The cocktail selection is also praised. While the restaurant is often described as pricey, many reviewers feel the experience, atmosphere, and food justify the cost. However, some reviewers have noted issues with billing practices, including the addition of optional charity donations and service charges, which they felt were not always clearly explained. A few reviewers also mentioned slow service at times, particularly for larger groups or during busy periods. Some reviewers were disappointed with specific seating assignments, such as being placed near the kitchen or in areas that were too warm. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment towards Chaophraya is overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers expressing their intention to return. The combination of excellent service, delicious food, and breathtaking views makes it a popular choice for both locals and tourists seeking a memorable Thai dining experience in Edinburgh.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 131 634 0023
- Website
- chaophraya.co.uk/edinburgh
| Mon | 12:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 144 places to eat we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Dishoom Edinburgh.
Still deciding?
- What time of day offers the most striking rooftop view of Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth?
- Do you need to book a table in advance for Chaophraya, and what is the cancellation policy?
- Which vegan and gluten‑free Thai dishes are highlighted on the menu at Chaophraya?
- What is the recommended dress code for dining at the rooftop setting of Chaophraya in Edinburgh?
- Which cocktail best complements the contemporary Thai cuisine and the rooftop ambience at Chaophraya?
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.