Café Royal reveals special menu to mark 200 years as 'city’s original oyster bar'
Café Royal, one of Edinburgh’s most famous eateries, is celebrating its 200th birthday this year
Staff at Café Royal have revealed how the historic restaurant will be celebrating its bicentenary year ahead of its official 200th birthday in December.
The city centre venue, famed for its ornate Victorian interior and oysters, is running a programme of events throughout the year as well as a limited-edition menu to mark the major milestone.
Bosses announced a specially curated ‘200 Years’ drinks menu, featuring both classic and contemporary tipples including a Champagne Cobbler, Vesper Martini and a Knickerbocker rum cocktail.
As well as its renowned oyster menu, Café Royal has also introduced a selection of impressive limited-edition dishes, including a ‘200 Years’ Seafood Platter, Langoustine in Burnt Butter Sauce and Smoked Ham Hock and Ox Cheek Stovies.
Guests are also invited to enjoy a series of themed dining experiences throughout the year, each inspired by a different era in Café Royal’s history. Upcoming events include a Georgian Dinner, a Victorian Dinner, an Edwardian Dinner, a Continental Dinner and a Scottish Heritage Dinner.
Founded in 1826, Café Royal is known as the city’s “original oyster bar”. Each week, the bar and restaurant sells over 1,000 oysters, all locally sourced in Cumbrae off the west coast of Scotland.
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Michael Eaton, general manager at the Café Royal, said: “Reaching 200 years is an extraordinary moment for Café Royal, which has been at the heart of the Edinburgh hospitality scene for generations.
“As the city’s original oyster bar, we are incredibly proud of our heritage and the part we’ve played in championing Scottish cuisine for visitors from all over the world.
“We are delighted to be celebrating the occasion with a jam-packed programme of events throughout 2026, and we welcome both our loyal regulars and first-time visitors to join us and be part of Café Royal’s next chapter.”
To mark the special birthday the venue has also released several collaborations, including a 200-year Thistly Cross craft cider, a Stewart Brewing limited-edition lager and bespoke cask, and the sale of commemorative whisky glasses with proceeds donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.