The Canons’ Gait is a pub and restaurant at 232 Canongate on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Its name recalls the route used by the canons of Holyrood Abbey, while the building occupies the site of historic Plainstanes Close. The ground floor bar and basement cellar give the venue distinct spaces for everyday visits and entertainment.
Food is served through the day, with Scottish pub cooking, small plates and sharing choices designed to work alongside the drinks. Familiar comfort dishes suit visitors looking for a substantial break while exploring the Old Town. Seasonal availability and busy festival periods can affect the precise selection.
Vegetarian and lighter choices provide flexibility for mixed groups. Families are welcome within the venue’s stated evening conditions, and the central location makes it a practical meeting point. Guests with allergies should ask staff about current recipes and shared kitchen preparation before ordering.
Traditional real ale and imported lager are prominent at the bar, supported by whisky, wine, spirits and alcohol free drinks. The cellar becomes especially lively during the Edinburgh Festival, when comedy and other performances draw full audiences. The Canons’ Gait combines Royal Mile history, informal food and a strong connection to the city’s festival culture.
Address: 232 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DQ, United Kingdom
The Canons' Gait Menu
Starters
Soup of the Day
Chef’s hearty soup of the day served with warmed ciabatta & butter. (v) (Gluten-free Option Available)
Cullen Skink
Thick & creamy Scottish smoked haddock soup served with warmed ciabatta & butter. (Gluten-free Option Available)
Haggis Fritters
Breaded haggis served with wholegrain mustard mayo. (Vegetarian Option Available)
Scotch Egg
Homemade warm pork & herb Scotch egg with red onion chutney. (df)
Scottish Smoked Salmon
Cold smoked Scottish salmon served with beetroot, Scottish vodka crème fraiche & oatcakes. (Gluten-free Option Available)
Mains
Haggis Tower
Traditional haggis, neeps & tatties served with whisky cream sauce & sweet potato crisps. (Vegetarian Option Available)
Canons’ Gait Chicken
Supreme of chicken served with mashed potato, roasted veg & a haggis fritter.
Pan Fried Salmon
Served on baked new potatoes, tenderstem broccoli & soubise sauce.
Macaroni Cheese
Cheesy macaroni topped with a herb & Gran Levanto cheese crumb, served with garlic bread. (v)
Pie of the Week
Chef’s pie of the week served with roasted vegetables & mashed potatoes.
Fish & Chips
Classic beer battered fish & chips served with peas, tartare sauce & a lemon wedge. (Vegan Option Available)
Bangers & Mash
Classic bangers & mash served with creamy mash & a rich onion gravy. (Vegetarian Option Available)
Chargrilled Gammon Steak
Served with chips & a salad. (gf/df)
Burgers
All served in a brioche bun (GF available) with lettuce, red onion, tomato, gherkin & burger sauce with fries & coleslaw.
The Beef
Bacon & Cheese quarter pound beef burger. (Gluten-free Option Available)
The Chicken
Spicy Panko coated buttermilk chicken breast.
The Vegan
Please enquire for today’s vegan burger option. (ve)
Sandwiches (12-4pm)
All served with a side salad & either a small bowl of soup OR fries.
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Open Sandwich
Smoked salmon & cream cheese on sourdough.
Fish Fingers Sandwich
Fish goujons with tartare sauce on toasted ciabatta.
Steak Sandwich
Minute steak, fried peppers & onions with rocket salad on toasted ciabatta.
Falafel Sandwich
Falafel, red pepper salsa & mint yogurt on toasted ciabatta. (v)
Chicken & Chorizo Open Sandwich
Roasted chicken & chorizo with harissa on sourdough.
Salads
Caesar Salad
Dressed cos lettuce, croutons & Gran Levanto vegetarian cheese. (v)
Warm Chicken Salad
Dressed mixed leaves, juicy grilled chicken breast, corn ribs, red onion carrots & mixed peppers.
Halloumi & Couscous Salad
Fried Halloumi, roasted red peppers, vine tomatoes with couscous in our house dressing. (v, gf)
Sharers
Nachos
Tortilla chips, 3 cheese mix, jalapenos, topped with sour cream, salsa & guacamole. (v)
Sharing platter
Fries, spicy potato wedges, corn ribs, veggie spring rolls, veggie pakora, haggis fritter, onion rings, garlic bread, chicken pakora & trio of sauces.
Sides & Snacks
Fries
(vg, gf)
Halloumi Fries
(v, gf)
Onion Rings
(v, df)
Spicy Potato Wedges
(v, df)
Garlic Bread
Ciabatta with garlic butter (v)
Spiced corn ribs
With chilli, lime & mango mayo. (v)
Side Salad
Mixed leaves, bell peppers, cucumber, red onions with house dressing. (vg, gf)
Bread & Oil
Sourdough bread with extra virgin olive oil & balsamic vinegar.
Jug of Sauce
Whisky cream, peppercorn, onion gravy, wholegrain mustard.
Desserts
Affogato
Shot of espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. (Vegan Option Available)
Banoffee Pie
Served with vanilla ice cream.
Deep Fried Mars Bar
Battered Mars bar served with ice cream, assorted fresh fruits, cream & sauce.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Topped with ice cream or custard & assorted fresh fruits. (Vegan Option Available)
Warm Chocolate Fudge Cake
With vanilla ice cream or custard. (gf)