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Hours
Sun
11:30 - 15:0017:15 - 22:30
Mon
11:30 - 14:3017:15 - 22:30
Tue
11:30 - 14:3017:15 - 22:30
Wed
11:30 - 14:3017:15 - 22:30
Thu
11:30 - 14:3017:15 - 22:30
Fri
11:30 - 15:0017:15 - 22:30
Sat
11:30 - 15:0017:15 - 22:30
What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice Best of the Best 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, European, Healthy, Scottish, Contemporary, Vegetarian friendly
Details
About
Howies,a family owned local restaurant group est. 1990. Open 7 days. Howies Waterloo. Georgian dining hall in the heart of Edinburgh seats up to 100 diners and Private Dining Room seats up to 26. Al fresco diningin summer months. Booking recommended. Howies Victoria Street just off The Royal Mile. Booking recommended, Scotts Kitchen All day dining from 9am. Al fresco dining in warmer months. Directly above Howies Victoria Street on South facing pedestrianised terrace.
PRICE RANGE
£5.00 – £31.00
CUISINES
European, Contemporary, Healthy, Scottish
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, BYOB, Family style, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
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4.5
4,680 reviews
Excellent
3,604
Very good
730
Average
212
Poor
80
Terrible
56
Vacation67478106982
10 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Delicious food, to start we had the Cullen skink and the haggis, main course the venison and the casserole of the day which was Scottish beef, for dessert we shared the "famous" banoffee pie which lived up to its name. Would particularly recommend the venison.
The drinks were great, we both have quite specific drink orders which they got spot on.
100% value for money. For 6 alcoholic drinks, two starters, two mains and 1 dessert, the bill came in at £87.
Our waiter was fantastic, attentive without being annoying, walked around with his head up so there was no issue catching his eye when we were ready to order more drinks. He was informative regarding the specials and knowledgeable about the menu.
Our only criticism, we had a table booked and arrived on time, we were left to stand in the entrance for around 5 minutes, which we didn't mind, but during this time a waitress walked past us a couple of times and didn't acknowledge us. We found this quite rude, a simple smile or "someone will be with you soon" would've made us feel 100% more welcome.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowiesRestaurants
Hi there
We are absolutely delighted to read your review and so pleased that you enjoyed the food and drink. Our venison comes from our own estate in Perthshire, it's completely wild so incredible lean and tasty!
We're also pleased that you felt we were good value for money and enjoyed the service you received.
We're sorry to read you felt you were ignored for a few minutes at the start - that certainly isn't the first impression that we like to make. However, hopefully we managed to turn your impression round by the end of the meal.
Thanks,
Howies
Written 17 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
margaretclincoln
Lincoln929 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
We were heading for Calton Hill to get a good view over Edinburgh and discovered Howies at the bottom of the hill. We were able to book lunch for later and had a fabulous 2-course meal for £12.75 each. Both our meals were freshly cooked, delicious and hot and the staff could not have been more helpful. It is a very stylish place, not on the main drag, so you would have to walk a little further up Princes Street to find it, but it would be well worth it if you did. Definitely my only choice next time we are in the city. The icing on the cake was that they were still doing the Government scheme, even though it had expired officially, so both our meals only cost £12.75 - an absolute Bargain!!
Written 18 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowiesRestaurants
Hi Margaret,
We are delighted you came across us on your way to Canton Hill, thanks so much for your great review were delighted you joined us for lunch.
Best Wishes
The Howies Waterloo Team
Written 18 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MariaRob25
Stirlingshire55 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Booked for a party of 7 friends for late lunch. We selected Winter Warmers from the extensive menu which was an excellent choice - 2 courses for £9.95 throughout January 2020 on Sunday through to Thursday. We were delighted by the tasty, well presented food served by friendly helpful well trained staff. Several of us had the Cauliflower Beignet as a starter and the Shetland Salmon to follow. Both were excellent. The flavours and textures were memorable. We are returning ASAP. Well done Howies.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowiesRestaurants
Thank you so much for leaving us a review after enjoying our Winter Warmers offer! It's so great for our team to receive such positive feedback - thank you!
Written 9 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sophie
Halling1 contribution
Aug 2020 • family
We really enjoyed our whole experience at Howies. It’s conveniently located beside Calton Hill and easy access from anywhere in the city. We booked for 6:15pm - to make the most of the dinner offer - 2 courses for £15.75. I’d thoroughly recommend this as it’s great value for money and the food quality is excellent. The drinks menu as well is extensive. I had a NA rhubarb cocktail and my husband had one with gin, both were summer inspired and delicious!
There is also a children’s menu. My two children aged 3 and 5 had fish and chips and both ate every single bit of it which my husband and I were gutted about as it was delicious - the best fish and chips I think they’ve ever had!
Our server was absolutely lovely! So friendly and kind, he was patient with our children and brought them colouring to do while they waited for their food.
After a day of trekking round the city, this was the perfect way to end it. We even walked to the top of Calton Hill to watch the sunset after eating. An amazing day!
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowiesRestaurants
So happy you, your husband and children all enjoyed your visit to Howies. It as so kind of you to write such a lovely review. Thank you. We hope to welcome you all back soon.
PS That view from Calton Hill is such an iconic view of Edinburgh, what a lovely memory for you to share.
Thanks again,
Best wishes,
The Howies Team.
Written 13 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David A
2 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
We had a fantastic three course lunch here last week.
At just £15.95 for a three course lunch, the value for money is ridiculously good and the food is delicious. The menu is Scottish produce based but varied and imaginative and there is something for everyone.
Before going we were a bit worried about the safety aspect with covid but the tables were all set apart and the highest standard of cleanliness was observed.
Our server Agne set us at ease immediately explaining all the sanitisation protocols and served us with a very friendly and professional manner. She certainly added to our experience.
I would highly recommend this restaurant and we will certainly be back at the next opportunity.
Written 30 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowiesRestaurants
Hi David,
Thank you so much for your great review, Superb food & lovely atmosphere is music to our ears!
It's so important to us that you feel safe and well looked after in the current climate so we are glad you felt comfortable with us.
We are delighted you enjoyed your visit and hope to welcome you back soon.
Best Wishes
The Howies Team
Written 2 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cherryblossomtime
Newcastle upon Tyne95 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I ate an evening meal here with a friend as it was just along the road from our hotel. The food was excellent, the waiter was attentive without being intrusive and it was good value for money. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and hope to eat there again next time I visit Edinburgh
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowiesRestaurants
We are so pleased you chose to dine with us on your visit to Edinburgh - thank you. Delighted that you enjoyed the experience! Hope to see you again some time!
Written 27 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JTM1511
Edinburgh91 contributions
Sept 2020 • friends
We met for lunch here on Monday and choose from the special menu which has a good choice of starters, mains and desserts. I had the hake which was cooked to perfection. My friend had the chicken dish which she said was delicious. The chocolate pot for dessert was yummy! They have a BYOB Monday - Thursday and a £4.50 corkage charge which is very reasonable. They have also extended the Eat out to help out scheme for September so all in all it was a very well priced lunch for us. The staff were friendly and helpful. I will definitely be back and highly recommend others to try it out.
Written 9 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowiesRestaurants
Hi Joyce,
What a cracking review, we are delighted you enjoyed your choices and cooked to perfection is exactly what we want!
We are so happy you will be back, we look forward to welcoming you soon!
Best Wishes
The Howies Waterloo Team
Written 9 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A.G. Burger
Livingston2 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
I needed to organise a conference dinner in December for over 50 people and went back to Howies as I had a positive experience on previous occasions. And once again, Howies Waterloo have lived up to their high standard: excellent food, excellent service. A big thank you to all staff members (in particular for having shown so much patience with my ever changing estimates of the total numbers of delegates who would attend the dinner).
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowiesRestaurants
This is fantastic to read! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us your feedback.
Thanks,
Howies
Written 9 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pimartin
Edinburgh26 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
We booked on line which was easy, quick and straightforward. On arriving there was hand sanitizer available at the door and all staff had on masks. Our table was in the side room which was so cosy and lovely. The staff were all professional and quick to make sure we were comfortable. They have clearly been trained in being Covid secure. The meal was delicious and I would go back again soon. The Chefs special was Game pie with cheese mash which was so tasty and the Banoffee pie was gorgeous. There is a choice of 2 or 3 courses for set amounts with a supplement to pay for the more expensive items if that's what you want but the menu it's self is so comprehensive that it's difficult to make choice, it all looked lovely.
Written 15 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona M
Scotland46 contributions
May 2021 • none
Last week our extended family visited this restaurant for lunch. Being my first restaurant experience post-lockdown I was a bit apprehensive. However, the restaurant is so well-managed that I was instantly put at ease. The lunch menu has a great variety of dishes and is tremendous value for the quality of the food. The waiting staff are so attentive, despite the restaurant being busy, that you never wonder if you've been forgotten. Congratulations go to all staff for reopening with a great standard of food, service and ambience. I can't wait until I can visit again.
Written 31 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowiesRestaurants
Hi Fiona,
What lovely comments and feedback, thank you so much for your kind review. We are delighted you enjoyed your first outing and we are delighted you chose Howies for this.
We look forward to welcoming you back very soon.
Best Wishes
The Howies Team
Written 1 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David R
Edinburgh169 contributions
Mar 2020 • family
Having passed Howie's many times on my way to work and always thinking that I should visit, I had no hesitation in booking a table when my wife and I met our daughter for lunch before visiting the Playhouse Theatre and I am so glad I did!
We were warmly welcomed at the start of lunch service and seated quickly with drink orders taken and delivered while we looked over the menu and enjoyed our lovely surroundings.
My wife chose the macaroni while my daughter opted for the lentil burger with vegetarian haggis and I picked the risotto. All three were beautifully presented and cooked to perfection.
The portion sizes for lunch were, quite frankly, incredible! But in spite of feeling well and truly full, we couldn't resist the dessert options.
My wife chose the rhubarb on meringue with lemon curd ice cream while my daughter went with the Howie's Sundae and I opted for the Bannoffee Pie. Oh my goodness, what a treat they were and an indication of just how amazing they were was that hardly a word was spoken during dessert!
To top all of this off, the value was amazing at £12.75 each for two courses!
We will definitely visit again.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowiesRestaurants
Hi David
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback. Delighted that your family all enjoyed your visit!
So pleased you chose to try us, we hope to see you again soon!
Thanks,
Howies
Written 3 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tropicali88
Leeds159 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Weekend in Edinburgh with my husband & booked this restaurant for our meal.
Absolutely beautiful restaurant with a great atmosphere. Our table was booked for 7.15 so the restaurant was fairly quiet when we arrived but by the time we were leaving the restaurant was full.
Our hotel receptionist had recommended the Cullen Skink as a starter saying it’s the best in town so I picked this & it was amazing & so tasty! My hubby had the haggis, neeps & tatties which he enjoyed. For mains we both chose steak I had fillet & my hubby a ribeye both cooked perfectly! We finished off by sharing an ice cream sundae. We washed it all down with a bottle of Chilean Merlot which was really nice.
The staff were friendly & attentive especially our waiter for the evening Matt.
Will definitely be back.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowiesRestaurants
Hi there, thank you for your fantastic review! Delighted to hear that you enjoyed Scottish classics - Cullen Skink and Haggis, neeps and tatties - as well as our steaks which we source from Shaw's Butchers in the Scottish Borders. The ice cream sundae was a good choice also!
It's so great to receive this kind of feedback, thank you again.
Howies
Written 17 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mag2602
Leamington Spa3 contributions
Aug 2021 • family
Arrived 10 minutes early for a 5pm family meal to be told that we couldn’t be seated until the time of our booking and told we had to wait outside (it was raining and we had 3 small children with us). In the meantime, other people (mostly couples) were allowed to wait inside so were seated before us and as a result we didn’t get to our table until 5.15. We knew we only had it for 2 hours, but we were harassed to leave on time, even though they had only just brought our desserts, having informed us as we ordered that we “only had 15 minutes left”. We paid them over £400 to be made to feel really uncomfortable
Written 21 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lara M
Hello
We're really disappointed to read this review about your visit last night. It doesn't read the same as the report submitted by the team last evening. Unfortunately one of the lunch guests had a dizzy spell while leaving the restaurant and we had to give her a few minutes to come too, before she went to hospital. I assure you that we never intended for anyone to stand out in the rain. My sincere apologies that you and your family were inconvenienced and had to wait a few extra minutes to be seated.
If you would like to discuss this further, please drop us a note to head office. The email address is info@howies.uk.com
Best Wishes
The Howies Team
Written 21 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
youknowwho
68 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
Came here for dinner on our last night in Edinburgh, and it was without doubt the best restaurant we went to. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, allowing us to have a drink and a starter before ordering our main course. The food was incredibly tasty and great value for money - we both got the salmon as a main course which was cooked to perfection. Would highly reccomend!
Written 3 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowiesRestaurants
Hello,
Thank so much for the great review, we are delighted you found us on your trip to Edinburgh and hope to welcome you back on your next visit.
Best Wishes
The Howies Team
Written 5 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Angel
London474 contributions
Aug 2021 • family
Attended with family for early dinner sitting for 2 courses. Found it very good value - essentially works out to a free starter or dessert. Would have liked a 3 course option - after a long day sightseeing we were very hungry. Restaurant is grand inside with high ceilings and nice decor. We had a lovely cosy table far away from others which was very nice of the restaurant to be so accommodating especially with more elderly parents. I wish I remembered the name of the waiter - he was very nice, attentive, friendly yet not overbearing. He recommended some nice dishes. Spot on. The sirloin roast dinner with fresh Yorkshires were spot on. Would definitely attend again if in the area.
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lara M
Hello
Thanks for the fantastic review and I am so glad you enjoyed our Sunday Roast. I believe it was Marcel that was your waiter.
Hopefully you will visit again the next time you are in the area.
Best Wishes
The Howies Team
Written 26 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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