Review: Down the Hatch, a Canadian restaurant in the city centre

Down the Hatch on Antigua Street brings a massive slice of Canada to the city centre. While the original Port Edgar location in South Queensferry is a legendary “mothership” I have yet to reach, this city-bound sibling is a revelation in its own right. From the street, it looks like a modest spot with a few outdoor tables, but once you step inside, you realise it is a glorious Tardis.

The entrance is deceptive. You might see a small, popular bar through the windows, but pushing through and waiting a moment to be seated reveals the true scale of the place. It opens up at the back like a sports hall, bright and spacious, offering plenty of room for families and groups of friends.

A sports hall of flavour

Out the back, this is not your typical dark rock bar with blaring music and flickering TVs. Instead, Down the Hatch is clean, well-lit, and remarkably family-friendly. It feels like a place where you can comfortably bring the kids or settle in with mates for a serious meat-heavy feast.

The service is impressively quick, which is helpful because you will likely be arriving with an appetite. It is the kind of venue that manages to be both high-energy and relaxed, making it a reliable choice for a weekend lunch or a pre-theatre dinner.

Burgers, poutine and solo dining

You come here for the big hitters: impressive burgers, loaded fries (poutine too), and giant sandwiches that defy physics. The quality is consistently high, and it is a popular spot for those who want their food to be as Instagrammable as it is delicious. I usually go all in with a burger and fries, as this is certainly not the place to be watching your weight.

There are a few minor quibbles, however. The lack of a proper dessert menu is a strange omission for a grill specialist, where a sweet finish would be welcome. More frustrating is the online booking system. As a solo diner, the system often claims there are no tables available for one, yet magically finds space if you change the request to two people. If you are eating alone, you might be better off walking in and hoping for the best.

Things to do in City Centre

Located at the top of Leith Walk, Down the Hatch is perfectly placed for a day out. It is literally a stone’s throw from the Edinburgh Playhouse, making it the ideal spot for a pre-show meal. If you are catching a film, the Odeon Cinema at the Omni Centre is just across the road.

For those visiting from further afield, Edinburgh Waverley is a ten-minute walk away, and the tram stops right nearby at Picardy Place for easy access to Edinburgh Airport. If you have arrived early with luggage, you can drop your bags at a nearby Radical Storage point. Those looking for a more spirited experience can head to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society on Queen Street, or brave the depths of the Edinburgh Dungeons.

Overall

Down the Hatch is a serious contender for the best burger in Edinburgh. Despite the quirks of the booking system and the lack of a dessert menu, the food and the venue’s sheer scale make it a must-visit. It is big, bold, and brilliantly Canadian.