Edinburgh hosts a bold new entrant in immersive dining. WU Asia Pacific, at 5 Queen Street in New Town, has opened its doors—and it’s quickly redefining the idea of what a night out can be. Equal parts grill house, sushi bar, performance venue and late-night lounge, WU elevates dining to an all-sensory experience.
A feast for every sense
Step inside and you’re transported: red lanterns sparkle overhead, ambient lighting casts a moody glow across plush seating and dramatic décor, all hinting at something more than just dining. Kitchen fires roar, music hums, and stage lighting beckons—setting expectations high before a dish arrives.
It’s a place built for feasting together. With their WU Banquet, guests enjoy unlimited flame‑grilled dishes: from aged Angus steaks marinated in garlic butter or gochujang, to Mongolian lamb, Korean BBQ chicken and access to the chilled sushi and seafood bar, all served at a £60 set price with a la carte options also available. Speciality upgrades include Tomahawk steaks and Scottish lobster for those craving something more extravagant.
Entertainment meets elegance
From 6:30–9pm daily, the venue’s “Temple Hall” hosts curated performances—live singers, dancers and instrumentalists celebrating Asian arts and stories. DJs follow on the weekend, mixing Korean pop, Pacific rhythms and UK talent into immersive audiovisual shows lasting into the wee hours. Each performance weaves culture and flair, and the transition from dining to performance is seamless.
Local quality, global flair
WU proudly sources Scottish ingredients while honouring Asia‑Pacific culinary traditions. Every steak, seafood or sushi piece is selected with provenance in mind. From cold‑water prawns to native crab and dry‑aged Angus cuts, diners are treated to premium fare in every bite.
Critics and early visitors agree. Scottish Field’s April review applauded not just the food, but the whole experience— “immersed in an atmospheric experience… a sea of red lanterns… musician playing Guzheng… fluid dance performances… each dancer introduced via sound system with mini history…”—calling it a fully theatrical night out that lives up to the promise.
The elevated alternative
With flexible bookings open from 5 pm and entertainment kicking in at 6:30 pm, WU caters equally to date nights, milestone celebrations and groups hunting for high energy and bold flavour.
Spotlight on Iona Pub Partnership collaboration
Working hand-in-hand with Iona Pub Partnership, WU Asia Pacific marks another example of how tailored operators can transform standout properties into landmark dining destinations.
“Bringing WU into such a vibrant Edinburgh location showcases the power of combining bold hospitality concepts with flexible, supportive partners,” says Alan Sayers, Operations Director at Iona Pub Partnership. “We’re proud to be part of this journey and look forward to seeing WU Asia Pacific make its mark as a truly elevated venue in the city.”
A growing appetite for experience-led venues
With the continued rise in demand for “experience dining,” WU taps into an evolving trend that merges hospitality with entertainment. The model encourages longer dwell time, higher average spend, and strong social engagement—three factors increasingly valuable in today’s marketplace.
“Operators like WU represent where the trade is heading,” added Sayers. “There’s a real hunger for venues that go beyond the basics and offer guests something to talk about—and share. We’re proud to be supporting that innovation.”