3 Blind Mice & Burrow Bar: Edinburgh’s Hidden Gem for Pizza, Cocktails, and Velvet Charm
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile might be bursting with Fringe Festival chaos, but tucked just off the beaten path lies a culinary escape worth knowing about. 3 Blind Mice is a stylish, intimate restaurant serving up artisan Romana-style pizzas with bold, unexpected toppings and a cheeky twist on tradition. Downstairs, the Burrow Bar offers velvet-drenched calm, creative cocktails, and even a genuine Banksy, making this duo a hidden gem for locals and savvy visitors alike.
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is always lively, but come August, it transforms into a full-blown carnival. Over a million visitors descend on the city for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest celebration of arts and performance. The cobbled streets hum with energy, there’s jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and flyer-wielding performers all vying for your attention, while tourists snap selfies like their lives depend on it.
But when it comes to finding a decent bite or a proper drink, the Royal Mile can feel like a bit of a tourist trap, no shame in that, but it’s worth knowing where to look. The trick? Slip down one of the side closes that lead towards the Cowgate or Princes Street. That’s where the locals go, and where the real magic happens.
One such hidden gem is 3 Blind Mice, a restaurant that’s earned its stripes among Edinburgh’s food lovers. And tucked away beneath it? The Burrow Bar - a cosy, characterful spot that’s perfect for escaping the Fringe frenzy and sipping something special.
3 Blind Mice & Burrow Bar: A Hidden Culinary Haven in Edinburgh
Tucked away on Blackfriars Street, you’ll find 3 Blind Mice - a snug little haven with a modern edge. Think comfy seating, a stylish vibe, and a show-stopping pizza oven that stretches across the back wall like it owns the place (because, frankly, it does).
Their specialty? Artisan Romana-style pizzas, crafted with homemade dough that’s got just the right chew and char. But it’s not all about the pizzas - they’ve got a tempting lineup of small plates, indulgent desserts, and a drinks menu that’s anything but shy. Expect an extensive wine list, creative cocktails, and mocktails that hold their own.
The pizzas are the main event here, thin-crusted beauties with perfectly charred bubbles and that irresistible chew you only get from proper homemade dough. They arrive at your table piping hot and fast, ready to steal the show. And the toppings? Far from the usual suspects - expect bold, creative combos that keep things interesting.
We kicked things off with a wee bowl of olives and a Heritage tomato salad bursting with cucumber, onion, rocket, olive oil, and a splash of balsamic. It’s the kind of fresh, zingy side that pairs beautifully with the pizza, and yes, we tucked in with gusto.
Artisan Pizzas with a Bold Twist
The pizzas here are absolute stunners. Forget the usual tomato-heavy, cheese-laden suspects, this menu is all about bold, unexpected flavours. Think naga chilli honey, aubergine, burrata, and sriracha chicken, just to name a few of the more adventurous toppings.
We opted for the Mushroom Porchetta, built on a rich porcini cream base with mozzarella, mushrooms, Italian pork, and a sprinkle of parsley. Then came the Bresaola, featuring a classic tomato sauce, mozzarella, bresaola (cured beef), rocket, and parmesan. Both were perfectly seasoned, beautifully balanced, and downright delicious.
Of course, pizza night isn’t complete without dessert. We went for the tiramisu and the cheesecake but not your typical cheesecake. This one came with a cream cheese filling set atop a pancake base, adding a playful twist to the classic. Both were indulgently creamy and satisfyingly sweet.
The staff here are brilliant: warm, professional, and always ready with a smile as they bring dishes to the table.
Now, you might’ve noticed I haven’t mentioned drinks yet. That’s because on pizza night, we stuck to mocktails (A Peach Lemonade and an Antilles Fizz). The reason? Just the week before, we’d paid a visit to their Burrow Bar downstairs and made our way through a fair few of their excellent cocktails.
Step Into the Burrow Bar: Velvet, Cocktails, and a Banksy
The Burrow Bar is a stunner, carrying through the decadent decor from upstairs with flair. Think velvet textures, feathered accents, tassels, plush cushions, and low, moody lighting that sets the tone just right. And yes, there’s even an original Banksy painting on full display, under lock and key of course. You read that right. A genuine Banksy, casually hanging out in this cocktail haven.
Mocktails and Masterpieces: What to Sip and See
They’re still fine-tuning the cocktail menu, but mark my words, this place is destined to become the go-to spot for exceptional classics. My Espresso Martini was a knockout: thick, velvety, and perfectly balanced, with deep coffee notes, a hint of sweetness, and that signature silky foam top that clings to the glass like a promise.
The Olive Negroni might not be traditional, but it absolutely deserves a place in the canon. Savoury, complex, and utterly genius, it’s the kind of twist that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about the drink.
Then there’s Off the Cuff, a rum-based beauty that’s bold and warming, and Belly Fluff, which brings mezcal and tequila into a smoky, citrusy dance that’ll bowl you over if agave spirits are your thing.
Tucked beneath the buzz of the restaurant, this bar, with its velvet-drenched interiors and that quietly guarded Banksy, is the ideal lounge for intimate drinks. Whether it’s a date night, a catch-up with friends, or that office party where you’re hoping for a proper chat with a certain colleague, the space comfortably hosts around 20 guests without ever feeling cramped.
Pizzas and charcuterie boards are available downstairs too, making it easy to settle in and stay awhile. It’s a peaceful pocket of calm in the heart of the city, a contrast to the lively energy upstairs, yet perfectly complementary. A wonderful wee bar that’s bound to become one of Edinburgh’s best-kept secrets.
Why This Spot Deserves a Place on Your Visit Edinburgh Hit List
Three Blind Mice, with its bold flavours upstairs and sultry charm downstairs in the Burrow Bar, is more than just a restaurant, it’s a full experience. From inventive pizzas and playful desserts to cocktails that surprise and delight, every detail feels thoughtfully curated yet effortlessly cool. Whether you're popping in for a casual bite, lingering over drinks with friends, or discovering your new favourite cocktail in a velvet-clad hideaway, this spot delivers. It’s the kind of place that feels like a secret you’re lucky to know and one you’ll be tempted to share.
Things to note about 3 Blind Mice and the Burrow Bar
They cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten free
They are dog friendly
Open Monday - Wednesday: 16:00 - 22:00 and Thursday - Sunday: 12:00 - 22:00
Disabled accessible but the toilets are downstairs
3 Blind Mice, 19 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh, EH1 1NB www.3blindmicepizza.com
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by 3 Blind Mice and Burrow Bar to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk
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