The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the “highest level of excellence” and is awarded to those who receive a high volume of “above-and-beyond reviews” on the popular travel site. 

The Witchery, located in the heart of the Scottish capital near Edinburgh Castle, was the only location in the UK to make the top ten in the awards category of places that are “worth getting on the wait list for”. 

The gothic style eatery and hotel was ranked third globally and was only topped by Izakaya High Japanese Cuisine in Majorca, which came second and Fogón Asado in Buenos Aires which came first. 

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The Edinburgh restaurant’s menu offers some of the best of Scotland‘s locally sourced produce, including seafood from East Lothian and the West Coast, game from the Highlands and Scottish beef.

The Best of the Best award is determined by customer reviews over a 12-month period. 

With more than 8 million listings, TripAdvisor said fewer than 1% of businesses achieve the “Best of the Best” milestone.

The Witchery has averaged a 4.2 star rating on the travel website while racking up more than 11,700 reviews.

One delighted customer said: “Amazing place. Very atmospheric. Delicious food and great service. A short wait for our pre-booked table but it was worth it.”

(Image: Emma Bartholomew)

A second left a five star review saying: “Went to The Witchery for our anniversary, and safe to say it’s one of the best experiences we’ve had. 

“The food, service, ambiance, everything were all top notch. HIGHLY recommend.”

Meanwhile, a third said “We had the most amazing romantic lunch 2 course at the Witchery.

“It was magical with the atmosphere top notch. Make a reservation here well in advance its a wonderful experience. The food and service was fantastic!”

The restaurant’s ancient stone walls, candlelight and gothic interiors are frequently commended in customers’ reviews as one person commented “it feels like a fairytale- lots of candles, velvet chairs, and old-style charm”.

TripAdvisor said: “The Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel.

“It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period.

“Out of our eight million listings, fewer than one per cent achieve this milestone.”