Celebrated table

Cannonball

Name: Cannonball
Address: Cannonball House, 356 Castlehill, Edinburgh, Lothians, EH1 2NE, Edinburgh, GB
Telephone: 0131 225 1550

A historic Old Town venue serving locally sourced Scottish dishes, driven by a third generation family kitchen and steady hospitality.

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The story

Cannonball Edinburgh Review: Family Run Scottish Cuisine on the Royal Mile

Roots and kitchen philosophy

Cannonball in Edinburgh grounds its Scottish cooking in a third-generation family kitchen directed by Victor and Carina Contini. Their culinary network spans more than seventy regional suppliers across Scotland. Fresh fish arrives daily from Peterhead to Eyemouth while grass-fed meats and garden vegetables form the daily foundation. This cross-cultural supply chain keeps the menu grounded rather than chasing trends.

Seasonal plates and kitchen rhythm

Diners encounter straightforward preparations that let regional produce carry the weight. Braised beef featherblade rests alongside confit garlic crumb and parsnip purée while battered Peterhead haddock arrives crisp and clean. Vegetables sourced directly from the Contini Kitchen Garden appear as Jerusalem artichokes paired with roast cod. This modern Scottish cuisine rewards patience and clear seasoning over heavy sauces.

Stone walls and steady hospitality

The three-storey structure frames casual dining beneath exposed masonry and tall windows overlooking the Castle. A dedicated whisky bar sits adjacent to the main dining floor for guests who prefer a slower pace. Service remains attentive without interruption as staff rotate fairly shared tips through an established forum. Recognition from The Good Food Guide reflects this quiet consistency rather than theatrical presentation.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

2026

The Good Food Guide

Good

Details

At a glance

The Good Food Guide 2026 — Good

Services Catering, Dinner, Events, Outdoor Seating, Private Parties

History

On the record

2026

The Good Food Guide — Good

‘Everything you want for a night out – lovely place, great food and friendly, knowledgeable service,’ noted one visitor eager to sample Edinburgh’s touristy charms at this historic restaurant owned by the city’s redoubtable Contini family – there’s even a whisky bar next door for those who fancy a dram or two. An old cannonball lodged in the outer wall of the premises gives the place its name and you can even sample local haggis ‘cannonballs’ (with pickled turnips and whisky cream) for that extra ‘och aye’. But that’s where the frivolous clichés end. This venue is serious about Scottish produce and knows how to handle it with aplomb, serving battered Peterhead haddock, East Coast lobsters with garlic butter and braised beef featherblade accompanied by confit garlic crumb, red cabbage and parsnip purée. Many vegetables come from the Contini Kitchen Garden (Jerusalem artichokes with roast cod, for example), and cheeses are true Scottish patriots such as Lanark Blue and Elrick Log. To conclude, desserts offer comfort in the shape of a chocolate cannonball with pumpkin and crème fraîche or spiced crème brûlée with Tarocco blood orange. ‘The style of food is terrific,’ says one fan, and the short, sharp wine list kicks off with organic house selections from Spain.

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Established

Location

Find us

Cannonball House, 356 Castlehill, Edinburgh, Lothians, EH1 2NE
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
0131 225 1550
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