The Salisbury Arms Edinburgh: Stylish Southside Pub Serving Elevated Comfort Food
Edinburgh’s Southside might not be known for its culinary heavyweights, but tucked just off Dalkeith Road lies a pub that’s rewriting the script. The Salisbury Arms has undergone a quiet transformation, and now stands as one of the city’s most inviting spots for flavour-packed food, stylish interiors, and genuinely standout service. Whether you’re fresh from a hike up Arthur’s Seat or meeting mates from campus, this premium country-style pub delivers comfort, character, and a menu that’s anything but ordinary.
The Salisbury Arms Edinburgh: A Southside Pub That’s Upped Its Game
Let’s be real, Edinburgh’s Southside doesn’t exactly overflow with standout dining spots, despite being just a hop from the city centre. There are plenty of wee cafés and bite-sized eateries, but when it comes to something more substantial, the options are slim.
That said, there are a few gems, and The Salisbury Arms has officially earned its place at the top of my list for affordable, flavour-packed dining in the Newington / Cameron Toll / Liberton / Gilmerton stretch.
Truth be told, I visited about a year ago and left unimpressed. But fast forward to last week, and wow, what a glow-up. From the warm, switched-on front-of-house team (genuinely one of the best I’ve encountered in ages), to the refreshed interiors and, most importantly, the food… it’s all come together beautifully.
The Salisbury Arms Glow-Up
Tucked away on Dalkeith Road, just across from the Commonwealth Pool and University of Edinburghs’ Pollock Halls, and a short stroll from Arthur’s Seat, The Salisbury Arms is a premium country-style pub that feels like a hidden gem in the heart of Edinburgh’s Southside.
With its own car park and a traditional stone façade that blends seamlessly into the city’s historic architecture, it’s a spot that’s as practical as it is picturesque. The courtyard and garden offer generous outdoor seating, ideal for sunny lunches or cosy evening drinks under the stars.
Inside, the pub is cleverly divided into four distinct dining spaces to suit every mood:
A bright, welcoming bar area perfect for casual catch-ups
A contemporary bistro space designed for larger groups and gatherings
A leafy courtyard for relaxed al fresco dining
A more formal restaurant area centred around a stylish fire pit, great for date nights or celebratory meals
Whether you’re popping in post-hike, meeting mates from campus, or planning a family meal, The Salisbury Arms delivers atmosphere, versatility, and a touch of country charm right in the city.
Menu Musings: The Salisbury Arms
We ordered two mocktails as we perused the menu. As part of the UK-wide Premium Country Pub Collection, The Salisbury Arms is held to a certain standard and I’m thrilled to report they’re not just meeting it, they’re smashing it.
My last visit (about a year ago) left me underwhelmed, but this time? Chalk and cheese. Night and day. The menu reads like a dream, and the kitchen delivers with flair.
We kicked things off with the Glazed Goat’s Cheese (£8.50) paired with chicory, peaches, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and a chardonnay vinaigrette. It was a beautifully balanced plate: creamy, crunchy, sweet, and sharp. My only tiny quibble? It needed a little something wet to tie it all together, a dollop of chutney would’ve elevated it from lovely to lush.
Then came the Slow-Cooked Beef Croquettes (£7.25) with horseradish and beef dripping gravy, and this, my friends, was the showstopper. Rich, crispy, melt-in-the-mouth perfection. That gravy? Deep, glossy, and packed with flavour. We even dunked the goat’s cheese in it and suddenly had a whole new dish. Transformative.
Honestly, give me five plates of those croquettes and I’ll be the happiest wee TartanSpoonie in town. If the only thing you order is these Beef Croquettes, you won’t regret it!
And just when I thought the croquettes had stolen the show, the rest of the menu whispered sweet nothings to my tastebuds.
New additions like the pan-fried wild scallops with thyme velouté and king prawns in harissa and lemon butter sound like they’ve been plucked straight from a coastal dream. Bold flavours, elegant plating, and that perfect balance of comfort and finesse, this isn’t your average pub grub.
What really caught my eye though? The sharing starters.
• Fritto Misto Seafood Platter (£25.25): crispy, golden bites of the sea, ideal for grazing with pals over a glass of something chilled.
• Baked Gilot Camembert with spiced honey (£16.25): gooey, rich, and begging for sourdough dunking.
• Charcuterie Board (£19.95): coppa, fennel salami, and all the trimmings, perfect for those who like their starters with a side of sophistication.
It’s clear, even just from the starters, The Salisbury Arms has stepped up its game, not just in execution, but in ambition. Whether you’re after a solo indulgence or a spread to share, the menu’s got range, flavour, and a touch of flair.
Main Event Magic at The Salisbury Arms
The main menu at The Salisbury Arms is no half-hearted affair, 13 dishes strong and covering all the bases, from pub classics to bold new flavours. Whether you're craving comfort or feeling adventurous, there's something here to tempt every tastebud including vegetarian and vegan tastebuds too!
You’ve got the British half rotisserie chicken, the indulgent duo of belly pork and scallops, and even a zesty twist with the crispy duck and pineapple salad. And of course, the ever-reliable fish and chips, battered line-caught cod with minted pea purée that hits all the nostalgic notes.
And just when you think you’ve conquered the mains, The Salisbury Arms throws down the gauntlet with a lineup of steaks, burgers, pizzas, and sides that’ll have you planning your next visit before dessert even lands.
But the real Pan-roasted harissa-crusted lamb rump (£25.75), served with baby potatoes and green beans. A generous plate piled high with thick-cut slices of lamb rump, cooked rare just as requested, perfectly pink and melt-in-the-mouth. Paired with baby potatoes, heaps of veg, and a rich, soul-hugging gravy that could only be the work of a kitchen blessed by the gravy gods themselves.
My bestie couldn’t resist the Chicken, leek & Davidstow cheddar pie (£19.50), complete with mash, green beans, and a generous pour of gravy. This hot water crust pie was a proper showpiece, sturdy, golden, and gloriously free of any soggy-bottom scandal. Packed to the brim with tender chicken, sweet leeks, and rich Davidstow cheddar, it was comfort food at its finest… and yes, that legendary gravy made another triumphant appearance, tying it all together like a warm hug on a plate.
And to finish off… yes, the sticky toffee pudding was on the menu (and yes, I actually passed on it—shock horror!). But we were happily stuffed, so opted for the trio of mini desserts (£11.25) to share:
A home-baked Valrhona chocolate brownie—rich and fudgy
A comforting rhubarb & strawberry crumble with custard
And a zesty Sicilian lemon tart that cut through it all like sunshine on a plate
Paired with a wee coffee, it was the perfect finale to a meal that ticked every box, flavour, value, and a proper sense of occasion. Salisbury Arms, you’ve officially won us over.
From sticky toffee pudding to harissa-crusted lamb rump, The Salisbury Arms is serving up more than just pub grub, it’s crafting memorable meals with flair and finesse. If you’ve written off Southside dining, it’s time to reconsider. Book a table, bring your appetite, and let this hidden gem surprise you.
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE SALISBURY ARMS
They are disabled accessible with plenty of seating options and disabled parking at the door
They cater for vegetarians and vegans
They are open Monday to Saturday, 12noon-11pm and Sunday 1130am to 1030pm
They have Sunday Roasts, childrens menus and lunch menu
The Salisbury Arms, 58 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AD www.thesalisburyarmsedinburgh.co.uk
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by The Salisbury Arms 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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