The Mussel and Steak Bar, nestled in Edinburgh's Old Town Grassmarket, is dedicated to serving high-quality, fresh, and locally sourced seafood and steaks. The menu features classic seafood and steak favorites with seasonal Scottish specialties, including fresh oysters, kilo pots of steamed mussels, shellfish platters, and matured Scotch beef steaks. The restaurant is situated in Edinburgh's Old Town, just steps from the historic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. The Mussel and Steak Bar is a standalone restaurant, not part of a large chain.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.5 2,832
- Google Places 4.4 2,042
- Open Table 4.6 303
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
- Central Location Situated in a central location, the restaurant is easily accessible to tourists and locals alike. Its proximity to popular attractions makes it a convenient choice for a memorable dining experience.
- Complimentary Oysters Upon arrival, guests are often greeted with complimentary oysters, a delightful and unexpected touch. This generous offering sets a positive tone and allows diners to sample the restaurant's high-quality seafood.
- Delicious Food Beyond seafood, the restaurant offers a diverse menu with well-prepared dishes and generous portions. Many reviewers recommended the steak, haggis, and other options, ensuring a satisfying meal for all tastes.
- Excellent Service Many reviewers praise the attentive and friendly service provided by the staff. Servers are knowledgeable, helpful, and create a welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- High-Quality Seafood The restaurant consistently serves fresh, flavorful seafood, with the mussels and oysters receiving high praise. Many reviewers cite the quality of seafood and the freshness, making it a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.
Criticised
- Can be Crowded and Noisy Due to its popularity, the restaurant can get crowded, leading to a noisy and cramped dining environment. Tables may be close together, which may not be ideal for an intimate or quiet meal.
- Inconsistent Steak Quality While many praise the steak, some reviewers have experienced inconsistencies in its preparation. Overcooked, under-seasoned, or otherwise disappointing steaks have been reported, indicating a potential lack of consistency.
- Pricey Some reviewers noted the restaurant being pricey. While many reviewers mention that the food is worth the money, people on a budget may want to steer clear of The Mussel and Steak Bar.
- Rushed Dining Experience Some reviewers have reported feeling rushed due to the restaurant's strict seating times. This can detract from the overall enjoyment, particularly when savoring a multi-course meal.
- Service Charge The restaurant automatically includes a service charge, which can be a drawback for some customers. While some find the service worth the charge, others may prefer the option to tip based on their discretion.
The longer read
The Mussel and Steak Bar is a very popular restaurant in Edinburgh, known for its fresh seafood, high-quality steaks, and friendly service. Many reviewers recommend making a reservation in advance, as the restaurant is often busy, especially during peak hours and tourist seasons. Several reviewers mentioned the complimentary oysters offered upon arrival, which are described as fresh and delicious, setting a positive tone for the dining experience. The seafood options receive high praise, with particular emphasis on the mussels, which are often described as some of the best diners have ever tasted. Many reviewers recommended mussels in cream and wine sauce and also various preparations such as the seafood linguine and seafood platters, with only some negative comments on the overall composition of the platter. The freshness and flavor of the seafood are consistently highlighted. Steaks are also a popular choice, with the fillet steak and surf and turf receiving positive feedback. The quality of the meat and its preparation are frequently mentioned, although there were isolated complaints about steaks being overcooked or lacking flavor. Several reviewers specifically complimented the chips, often cooked in beef drippings. The restaurant is noted for its attentive and welcoming staff, with several reviewers singling out specific staff members (such as Dana, Courtney, Daniel, Duncan, and Jayde) for their exceptional service. The staff's friendliness and knowledge of the menu are appreciated by many diners. A warm and lively atmosphere is frequently mentioned, although some reviewers noted that the restaurant can be noisy, especially when busy. The central location, particularly its proximity to tourist attractions, is a plus for many visitors. While the restaurant is described as a bit pricey by some, many reviewers feel the quality of the food and service justifies the cost. A few reviewers mentioned the 10% service charge, with mixed opinions on whether it's justified. The portion sizes are generally considered generous, with some reviewers noting that certain dishes are large enough to share. The restaurant is considered family-friendly, with a good kids' menu. However, a few reviewers noted that the tables can be close together, which might make it difficult to navigate or have private conversations. Also a small number of reviewers mentioned issues such as a rushed dining experience or rude staff, but these appear to be isolated incidents. In summary, The Mussel and Steak Bar is highly recommended for its seafood and steaks, friendly service, and lively atmosphere. Making a reservation is advisable, and while it may be a bit pricey, the quality of the food and service generally make it worthwhile.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 0131 225 5028
- Website
- musselandsteakbar.com
| Mon | 11:30 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:30 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 11:30 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 11:30 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 11:30 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 11:30 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Sun | 11:30 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00 |
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.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What are the signature dishes or must-try items at The Mussel and Steak Bar in Edinburgh?
- What is the dining atmosphere like at The Mussel and Steak Bar and is it suitable for families or special occasions?
- Do I need to make a reservation in advance to dine at The Mussel and Steak Bar, especially on weekends?
- Does The Mussel and Steak Bar offer fresh local seafood, and how is the quality compared to other Edinburgh restaurants?
- Are there any popular attractions or landmarks near The Mussel and Steak Bar that are worth visiting before or after a meal?
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.