The Dome

Interesting that now matter what search I do Unilocal never shows this as a restaurant.
Definitely needs to be in both categories. Bar and restaurant
I’m guessing this is the most fantastic interior of any restaurant. He dramatic dome is something to behold and the menu fits the ambiance.
If you are in town for a few days. At least pop in for a drink. If not dinner

I find myself in Scotland visiting family on a somewhat regular basis. The Dome is a magical place. The setting exquisite. The service is impeccable. The food is very good although not my typical fare. It is an amazing experience from start to finish.

Taking further advise from a friend, i visited for a pre dinner cocktail on a short visit to Edinburgh. What a place! Don’t let the outside fool you, as inside a rather ordinary looking columned building lies a stunningly decorated bar and restaurant! Décor brings to mind a great gatsby wort of vibe, with a massive stained glass dome, commanding round bar in the centre of a room dotted with oversized chandeliers and floral arrangements.
It’s the cocktails we came for of course. Staff were very friendly, advising that if there anything we wanted and didn’t see on the menu, that they’d be happy to make. In the end we ordered espresso martins (it had been a rather long day!) which were expertly shaken to frothy perfection! We moved on to a strawberry and basil smash which was just the right balance of sweetness with a hit of black pepper.
Lovely spot for a drink before a night out!

Located towards the eastern end of George Street, this beautiful building was originally commissioned by ‘The Commercial Bank of Scotland’ and was designed by architect David Rhind (1808 – 1883). I always assumed the grand façade with its gigantic Parthenon-​like pillars and ornate pedimental (the triangular shaped structure above the pillars) was directly inspired by the classical Greek style of architecture but apparently it was inspired by William Henry Playfair’s ‘Surgeon’s Hall’ building, itself inspired by what’s more specifically known as the Graeco-​Roman style.
Construction started on the 4^th of June 1844 when a wealthy Leith Merchant named James Wyatt had the honour of laying the first foundation stone.
In 1959 ‘The Commercial Bank of Scotland’ and ‘The National Bank of Scotland’ amalgamated into what was known as ‘The National Commercial Bank of Scotland’. The building operated as their head office for another ten years until 1969 when this bank was amalgamated with ‘The Royal Bank of Scotland’. With its head office a short distance away in St. Andrew Square ‘The Royal Bank of Scotland’ decided to concentrate its administration and the building lost its designation as head office. Things were set to change again when ‘The Royal Bank of Scotland’ decided that keeping the building was no longer viable. In 1993 the building was sold to a company called ‘Caledonian Heritable Ltd’ which converted the bank into what you see today.
If you’d like to dine or drink within one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful and opulent venues look no further than The Dome.
Don /​

A converted bank, The Dome is located on Edinburgh’s classy George Street. The building itself is absolutely magnificent, and would not look out of place in Athens or Rome! The exterior pillars are seen at their best at Christmas when they are wrapped in lights as part of the pub’s Christmas decorations. Inside, The Dome is equally, if not more, spectacular! Your eyes are immediately drawn to an awesome dome (hence the name of the pub), complete with ornate glass. The opulence is further enhanced by more grand pillars, chandeliers and mirrors. Really, the main room would not look out of place in a palace! The bar itself is circular in design with an ornate circular gantry in the centre.
There are smaller rooms off the main dome bar.
Not surprisingly, considering the surroundings, drinks are very much on the expensive side, but I suppose you are paying for the ambience!
Food is available, although I have never partaken of it myself.
The clientele is clearly of the discerning mature type mixed with curious tourists. The Dome is well worth a visit, if only to take in the sheer magnificence of the architecture and to enjoy a drink in the most salubrious of surroundings!

I used to like the Dome and was surprised how price competitive the place was considering the location and interiors. This time the service staff (I think we dealt with 4 different ones in less than a couple of hours) was back at our table for orders twice — too soon for us to have decided on anything — though I had mentioned we would need time, forgot one was gluten intolerant a couple of times, didn’t have a dark berry tea, and pretended the cream was hand whipped, though clearly it was aerated. The place wasn’t busy enough to excuse any of that.

My boyfriend and I went there for his birthday dinner in November.
The décor and the building is beautiful and if you like Christmas decorations this is the place for you!
The food was fine but I kinda expected better because everyone recommend it, I personally would not recommend for a foodie.
Our waiter was absolutely horrific. She was rude and unhelpful. She first got annoyed when I asked for a bit more time before ordering. Later after we ordered I asked her for the wine/​beer menu she seemed bothered about having to go get it and when I had to ask her again 15 – 20 min later about it (because she didn’t bring it) she rolled her eyes at me and said she was going to get it. The menu was at the bar and we were sitting at a table next to the bar. I then saw her manager get involved and he brought it to us and he was quite nice and took our wine order.

I was so excited to finally go for dinner at the Dome, it had been on my list of places to go for ages and it is such a big part of George Street. I had been for cocktails before which were pleasant but the dinner was ok and nothing better.
I took a friend out for a birthday dinner and because I am really strict vegetarian, I called up before hand to discuss if they could cater for my dietary requirements and they advised they could.
Our table was squished into a corner and the plant on the table was withered. The main course was nice (beetroot wellington) but there were no veggie options for desert. Everything had gelatine in it. The waitress advised in a throw away manner that they could do a fruit salad for me, but we decided to go elsewhere for dessert as this option wasn’t the most exciting.
The three stars are for the building itself, which is stunning (especially at Christmas when it is all decorated) and because they sourced me a bottle of wine that was vegetarian. I’m glad I tried it, but I can think of many better options than here in Edinburgh for dinner, so I don’t think I will be back.

I really enjoyed my visit here, as it is such an architecturally stunning place to have your meal and there are waiting staff who tend to your needs.
On entering the Dome you are greeted by staff who enquire as to where you would like to eat (there are several choices based on whether you are having afternoon tea, a meal in the main room or the club room). We were in the grill room in the main Dome area, which meant we were seated almost directly under the Dome, my spoon showed a lovely reflection!
The food was delicious, we shared a starter of camembert with crushed hazelnuts, which came with 3 small pieces of cheese and a small amount of frisee lettuce. It was beautifully presented, and melt in the mouth cheese, but a but small for £8.50. For a main we ordered tagliatelle and wild mushrooms (which they were happy to leave the parmesan out of), this was very very tasty indeed as there were a lot of mushrooms of many different types– it was indeed wild mushrooms, and it also came with pea shoot/​watercress on the top. This dish was a wonderful mixture of textures due to the way in which it was cooked, but again £13.50 for white pasta did seem rather steep. The warm beetroot and goats cheese wellington was delicious. we found it had a mixture of mature and younger goats cheese, and different types of beetroot. The pastry wrapped around this was quite delicate, and the salad complemented it nicely. My friends had steak pie (which was so large it barely fit on the plate) and a burger (which was very thick, so rather generous.
We had three deserts between four, and the chocolate torte was beautiful– presented in a classic style with fresh raspberries, icing sugar and a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce. The cake was rich and light at the same time, and came with tuilles of milk, dark and white chocolate.
The Dome is a beautiful place for a posh meal. I did think it was quite expensive for some of the portion sizes, hence 4 stars, but perhaps that was our choices as my meat eating friends couldn’t finish theirs!

A must-​see venue to start off any night of entertainment in Edinburgh. The central bar housed by the dome is amazing and the cocktails aren’t half bad too.
The other bars in the venue are cosy but still luxurious.
A good place for a more mature crowd to have a fun evening.

We had a lovely luncheon. I had the steak and ale pie with chips and peas. It was so savory and delicious. The pie was filled with tender chunks of beef, whole mushrooms and gravy. The beef was fork tender — like pot roast. The crust was more like puff pastry– light and buttery. The portion was enormous! I finished off the meal with the cheese plate. Four selected cheeses with oat cakes water crackers and fruit.

We were recommended this place by our hotel reception and a cab driver.
FOOD
The food wasn’t bad but it was over priced for what we got. We were a large group and tried a variety of dishes including the lamb shank, mushroom pasta, teriyaki salmon and the pork. At 20 to 30 ibs, none of the dishes were exceptional. The plating was nice though.
ATMOSPHERE
The décor was lovely. The building and neighborhood were nice and the bar area is quite elegant.
SERVICE
The service was average. There was no one to greet us/​hostess at the front. Service was inconsistent. Food came out in a very timely matter but it took a long time to get menus and pay the bill.
OVERALL
Overall if you’re a foodie, I don’t think this is the place for you. The ambience of other customers were mostly tourists. If you want a nice place to hang out, go for cocktails then this could be a good place to start.

I have never been hear before but it was my partner friend that recommended we go. We was just having a walk round and we came across its a lovely grand building from the outside, we wasn’t hungry so decided to have a drink. As we entered it was lovely and grand and it had a beautiful chandelier, We went the the main restaurant but was told we had to go the the other room as we wasn’t eating which was a shame as the room looked beautifulIt. The room we went to was quite dark with lots of mirrors it was nice but not as nice as the previous room, it was very busy but we only had to wait 5 minutes for a table, the staff was very pleasant I ordered a strawberry daiquiri it was very nice. The prices were quite reasonable for the type if place. There was something missing from my visit to the dome I didnt feel like I wanted to stay that long one drink was long enough I may return and try food in the restaurant but I wouldn’t rush back even though it was a lovely place.

I was reccomended to visit here by one of my friends as he said the cocktails are excellent. It is a very elegant building inside and out. We wanted to have a drink in the main bar area with the ‘dome’ but was told we could only go in here if we were eating. Bit of a shame really as this is one of the main reasons my friend told us to come. We decided to stay but had to get a table in a room off the main entrance hall. the décor is quite formal — dark wood and panneling with chandelliers. It is very pleasant but not really to my modern tatstes. We had to wait about 5 minutes for a table to become available. once one was available we were quickly shown to it. We placed our order for a couple of cocktails and received them in good time. They were excellent. With the drinks order you receive a little bowl of popcorn which is a nice touch. Prices are not much more than you’d expect which was a nice surprise as I thought they were going to be really expensive. I’m not sure if I’d return but it is definitely worth at least one visit if you’re in Edinburgh.

What dazzling decadence. I might have had the entirety of my Christmas light-​seeing in the club room alone.
This was the first stop on a Saturday night in January. The lights were still up and cheerily smacking us all around with illumination. Two distinctive groups of patrons were apparent, one of the low key diners and another of the bar groups mingling in tight spaces. Oooh-​ing at the lighted brilliance, the massive selfie overloads and buzzed merriment from the bar groupies were in stark contrast to an overly serious dining crowd. Civilian paparazzi aside, the place is a Christmas vision and apt substitute for a light show in winter wonderland.
House cocktails listed were the usual classics plus some. The all serious bar staff gave good care to our martinis to its minute detail.
Twas good buzz with decent drinks in a bling-​diggety old bank, which topped the goodbye to a merrily intoxicated holiday season.

Last night was not the first time to visit the Dome, but it was defintiely the first time to visit during the Edinburgh Christmas season and for Dinner.
We were a big group and got two tables reserved. Personally, I thought this is a shame as a bigger table would have been much nicer. But then, I doubt that the DOME has the capacity to manage a BIG table for more than 10 people in the restaurant area.
The interior of the Dome during the Christmas season is amazing and definitely the main attraction during this busy and overwhelming period. There are Christmas trees everywhere with a very, very large one in the centre, raising towards the sky and towering over all its visitors. The room sparkles with glittery lights and oozes GLAM.
I was less impressed by the food and the time it took to get the food. At 11 clock we managed dessert ?!? The whole table ordered venison, garnished with beetroot and potatoes for a main, and we all pretty much liked it. The middle was soft and juicy, but the outside a bit dry. As a starter I got salmon sprinkled with red onions, lemon juice and capers served on a small silver plate that looked like a throw away plate.
The service was nice enough and the prices pretty steep for what you get.
For dessert I opted for Scottish Ice Cream — Butterscotch and Vanilla flavour.
However, the place is defintiely worh an experience all year around as the architecture is really one of a kind!

What a pretty place come Christmas time! I wanted to go for a drink with a friend in the afternoon after lunch. We were drawn to the dome thanks to the beautiful decorations outside, though expected the prices inside would be ludicrous.
There was indeed a queue. It took about 20 minutes for us to get in whilst people waiting for the afternoon tea were actually turned away. Whilst the main dome bar was still closed we waited in the club lounge on the left with an espresso coffee. After half an hour we moved into the dome bar and were very lucky to find a table. We both ordered whiskey (unusual choice for me, but very enjoyable what with the cold weather outside and the internal chill) and got a free pot of mildly spiced popcorn to nibble.
The prices are not extortionate, indeed not much more expensive than other bars in the area. The crowds are a bit annoying, but then pretty places always attract people. The decorations in here are lovely and I felt myself get hypnotised by the colour-​changing tree.
I would come back here if with guests and in need to show off Edinburgh’s «hidden», or not so-​hidden treasures.

I’m torn on this review because there was so much hype about checking it out on my visit to edinburgh but it looks like the dome is amazing during Christmas due to the décor and Christmas lights and tree that adorns the venue. This review is based on our dinner experience at the dome grill. I would recommend reservations since they take them for Saturday nights.
My friend and I visited and it was alright. It was indeed an extravagant and fancy place so immediately we didn’t fit in since we were wearing super comfortable casual clothes from touring the city all day. Our server was fantastic, she recommended some of her favorite menu items. We ordered the haggis appetizer and it was our first time trying it. The sauce is misleading as it tastes more like vinegar rather than the way it looks (gravy). However we enjoyed it. The pastry added to the crisp and texture of the overall bite. They also offer slices of bread (white, wheat, olive bread)
I ordered the grilled sea bass and although it was a tad salty, it was cooked right and wasn’t dry at all. The rice was very bland. I suppose the dome is one of those places you have to check out inside because the interior is quite beautiful.

Beautiful place to have a cocktail in. I went there for a drink with friends whilst in Edinburgh. The drinks are quite expensive so wouldn’t recommend going here all night. A round of drinks for 5 people (with one diet coke) was £17…not the cheapest but I sure there are more expensive places in Edinburgh.
The main reason we went here were for the Xmas decorations. They are just spectacular. I know it is only Oct but they are a must see whilst in Edinburgh. The whole place smelled of Xmas too, gorgeous cinammon smell everywhere… not too over powerful, was just right.
It is a mixed crowd, with people of all ages in there. Everyone was really friendly and people gave us a heads up that were leaving so could get their table. The place does need more chairs and tables. There were empty tables but no chairs as people took the chairs as big crowd sitting round one table… bit annoying.

Lieu étonnant dans une ancienne banque. Déco de Noël impressionnante ! Rien que pour ça, c’est vraiment à essayer !

It was friday night and Lou V and i were on the hunt for a bar we could get a nice drink at and be able to have a conversation without shouting at each other. being near the george street area, i happily accepted her suggestion to head to The Dome as it was nearby and 4in stilleto heels don’t allow me to walk overly far…
i’ve only ever been to The Dome once before and this was to have a pre-​dinner drink in the main bar. however, upon entry I was quickly diverted to the left and into the Club Room which is a haven of class and quiet conversation. we were shown a nice table right near the bar and promptly brought two glasses of water and a little dish of fancy prawn crackers while we looked over the menu.
we only ordered two drinks, a glass of prosseco for me and a margarita for Lou, but you would have thought we’d ordered a 5 couse dinner with the level of service and attention we got from the wait staff. i think this is what really sets The Dome apart from other bars on george street. you are treated like you’re paying for an expensive meal even when you’ve only got one drink and we were never made to feel like we had to order more. also they kept replenishing our little dish of prawn crackers even though we only got a refill on our water.
and the atmosphere of the Club Room… just wow! it’s so incredibly different from any other bar i’ve been to in edinburgh. it exudes rich decadence and old time class. i absolutely loved it! especially now that the place is totally decked out in christmas decorations, seriously it even smells like christmas with all the cinnamon sticks about. this is literally the perfect place to get a few post dinner drinks, enjoy good conversation, and relax in the luxurious and festive atmosphere. i’m already looking forward to going back!

Wow, wow wow. ich habe bisher noch keine so schöné Bar/​keine schönes Restaurant gesehen als diese/​dieses.
Wenn man in Edinburgh ist und diese location nicht gesehen hat, hat man was verpasst.
Auch wenn die Preise gehoben sind, lohnt sich ein Besuch hier.
5 Sterne ohne Einschränkung!!!

Waren die Zeit vor Weihnachten hier und es ist wirklich beeindruckend-​mein Freund Scotty hat mir jahrelang vorgeschwärmt, wie toll speziell die George Street mit all ihren Möglichkeiten zum Übernachten, Essen, Trinken etc. sei und fügte immer wieder hinzu, daß man vergleichbares weder in Köln, Hamburg etc. findet — er hat recht !
Das Dome ist ein ehemaliges Bankgebäude und fügt sich perfekt in die Kulisse der George Street ein — allein schon von aussen meint man am Originalschauplatz einer Sherlock Holmes Story zu sein. Der Innenraum ist von einer Kuppel geprägt und mittig empor zur Kuppel streckt sich ein wahnsinnig geschmückter Weihnachtsbaum kurz vorm Kitsch ! Grandios.
Sehr angenehmes, überwiegend einheimisches Publikum — phantastische typische Getränkeauswahl zu erstaunlich moderaten Preisen.
Selbst die sanitären Anlagen überzeugen durch Außergewöhnlichkeit!
Ein Erlebnis!

Der Dome ist wirklich faszinierend.
Ein altes wunderschönes Bankgebäude, in dem nun ein Café, welches man auch als Bar bezeichnen kann, ihren Sitz hat.
Typisch britisch, sitzen dort am Nachmittag die älteren Damen zusammen und plaudern.
Zunächst habe ich die heiße Schokolade probiert, die war sehr lecker, und ich war überrascht, die Preise waren für Pfundverhältnisse relativ günstig, was man in dieser Location absolut nicht vermutet!
Innen sieht es edel und elegant aus, die Toiletten sind riesig und erinnerten an ein Bad in einem Schloss. Der typische Kitsch durfte natürlich nicht fehlen.
Nun war ich im November da, d.h. in der Vorweihnachtszeit, und das konnte man im Dome nicht übersehen :) Ein riesengroßer geschmückter Baum, der die Farbe wechselte und jede vorhandenen Säule glitzerte. Sowas habe ich definitiv noch nie gesehen. Der Wahnsinn!
Das Umfeld verleitete mich dazu einen Cocktail zu probieren, nicht irgendeinen, einen Cosmopolitan, und der war ein Traum, und nicht zu teuer!
Also, unbedingt hierher, darf man nicht verpassen!

Wow, die Weihnachtsdeko ist der Hammer!!!
So etwas Übertriebenes in so einem schönen Gebäude habe ich selten gesehen. Selbst die Toiletten haben einen Weihnachtsbaum
Das ehemalige Bankgebäude läd in der sehr schönen George Street, unweit der vielleicht etwas bekannteren, jedoch weniger netten Princess Street zu einer kleinen Pause zum Verweilen ein.
Die Preise empfand ich für den eigentlich sehr noblen Rahmen relativ günstig, Cocktails für 7 Pfund, nichts zu Meckern.
Ich hätte mir vielleicht ein wenig mehr Auswahl gewünscht, ansonsten war es wirklich ein Erlebnis.