THE WATERSIDE BISTRO, Haddington - Updated 2024 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices

Does this restaurant allow dogs or considered pet friendly?

Yes

No

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Details

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PRICE RANGE

£7.00 – £29.00

CUISINES

Bar, British, Scottish

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront, Dog Friendly, Family style, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

423 reviews

Excellent

302

Very good

60

Average

28

Poor

22

Terrible

11

Madaboutravel

Falkirk126 contributions

Delicious food and lovely setting

Jan 2020 • couples

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience, from the setting on the river, different areas all cosy and inviting for eating in, friendly and helpful staff and last but not least delicious food. Interesting menu, a pleasant change from run of the mill dishes. More expensive than average but worth it.

Written 2 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.

Lisa A

Haddington23 contributions

Fabulous!

Jan 2020 • family

We booked the Waterside for my husband’s 50th birthday meal with our grown up kids and could not be happier with the experience. The attentive staff, from making the reservation right through to the goodbye, could not have done more. Food was superb! We enjoyed the fillet steak, fish and chips and yummy puddings. Nothing was too much trouble and we all felt well looked after. We have been on several other occasions and always have a fantastic experience. Thank you for helping to make our afternoon so enjoyable.

Written 4 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.

Emma G

Edinburgh2 contributions

Great service and food

Jul 2020 • family

Came as a group and found the food delicious, especially bruscetta, cheese cake and sticky toffee pudding. The service was really good and attentive, one of the older waiters was particularly helpful and kind. Was happy to accommodate changes to one dish when asked. Really enjoyed our visit here and will be back.

Written 27 July 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.

George N

Edinburgh38 contributions

May as well stay closed

Jul 2020 • none

Went just after re opening after Covid- really guys if that’s your best effort you may as well stay closed, as I don’t think you’ll get much repeat custom. Menu to limited No atmosphere- stuck in the back room , no windows, no back ground music....no nothing. Tape on floors around tables- it’s not needed. Small portion sizes Limited menu not even that well cooked unattentive staff , with the exception of the owner. Was so looking forward to a meal out after four months and very disappointed.

Written 24 July 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.

Martin K

150 contributions

Excellent lunch, fantastic welcome and service

Sept 2020 • couples

Mid week lunch booking for my girlfriend and I. From the moment we entered, the service and welcome were superb, down to the excellent menu and specials insight. Our table was a window seat so we enjoyed lovely views to accompany the brilliant food, which was served in good time and to a high standard. Thoroughly recommended and we will be coming back next time we are in the area. Thank you for a great time.

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.

Raeberry

Glasgow216 contributions

Fabulous

Jul 2022 • none

We had the most delighful time at this lovely restaurant. The setting is beautiful and the service superb. I would particularly like to mention our waiter, James, who went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and special (it was our wedding anniversary). The food was spot on. My husband had the lamb shank, my son had the burger on brioche bun and I had one of the day's specials, sea bass and smoked salmon. For dessert, my husband had the cheese platter and I had the delicious pineapple and passionfruit cheesecake. The food prices are not exorbitant and the wine menu is extensive and also reasonably priced. I can highly recommend this place and look forward to returning sometime.

Written 3 July 2022

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.

James F

17 contributions

What a 5 star revelation!

Aug 2021 • family

We are up on holiday in Scotland this week from South Wales with my daughter and her family and were due to go somewhere else for lunch today but that didn’t work out so I looked for a restaurant close by to take the family for lunch. Finding the Waterside in Haddington was pure luck, but what a find, and what a jewel of a place. The stunning location, the incredible food and the outstanding friendly staff (and great weather) certainly persuaded me we were dining in one of the finest Scottish restaurants. On previous days we had dined at the Witchery in Edinburgh and Cameron House (Boathouse) on Loch Lomond and whilst these are great experiences, in my humble opinion the Waterside in Haddington can more than hold its own. It’s not the cheapest but the quality of the locally produced food and obvious attention to detail makes it a stand-out place. If you are a local, you already (should) know this? If you are a visitor, do yourselves a favour and treat yourself to a simple coffee and cake in stunning surroundings or the full dining experience. You will not be disappointed. Tony (Monmouth).

Written 27 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.

Mrs Low

Edinburgh128 contributions

Happy Customer

Jun 2021 • none

This is just what I needed as I came blinking back out into the light after the lock down. I had a lovely outside table with a lovely view to St Mary's over the Tyne. A cold bottle of Peroni an a large serving of mussels made the moment complete. They guys who worked here are great, their level of attention is just right. I can't wait to go back.

Written 23 June 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.

Martin D

22 contributions

Excellent funeral tea

Oct 2021 • none

Service and refreshments from 11.30 until 4.30 in the afternoon. Staff were brilliant, and very helpful. Food was vegetarian soup, sandwiches and home made sausage rolls with lots of tea, coffee, and soft drinks available, as well as bar service. We had the whole of the upstairs cocktail bar to ourselves ( party of 25 mourners). The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial thanks to the unobtrusive and very helpful staff.

Written 29 October 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.

Jackie M

3 contributions

Don't judge a book by the cover

Oct 2021 • family

We were looking for a late lunch Wednesday afternoon and Hubby's Mum had been here a few years ago with her late husband so it was sentimental We arrived, given a lovely warm greeting making us feel the gentleman was grateful we were giving him business. A lovely table had been set aside next to b the fire and also by the window. Water was on the table so decided to pour some whilst debating the menu, there were four glasses and three of them dirty, one in particular with residue lipstick. I pointed it out and it was resolved quickly. We ordered two fish and chips with mushy peas and one dish with scallops. The meals arrived in a timely manner and looked quite good. Sadly the fish which looked huge was simply ballooned batter with dry and little fish inside, the chips were average and mushy peas the best thing on the plate. The scallop dish was pretty good. I wouldn't rush back sadly. Shame as the setting is just gorgeous and would be lovely in Summer.

Written 30 October 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.

Douglas O

Haddington424 contributions

Back again

Aug 2020 • none

It is great to be back in the Waterside. Apart from face masks, the service, atmosphere and food are as if nothing had changed. The menu at the moment is less long than before but there are excellent specials which vary each week. The food is well presented with interesting extras. Try the roulade as a starter; brilliant. The fish specials, hake and sea bass for example are beautifully cooked. The fish chef is a star! Service is of a very high standard, friendly but professional. Visit the Waterside. You’ll enjoy your meal and the superb views!

Written 11 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.

Ani B

7 contributions

Delicious Food, Excellent Service.

Feb 2023 • none

We had dinner in this charming old inn and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I had the confit duck and my husband had the roast beef. Everything was cooked to perfection and the service could not have been better - welcoming, friendly and very efficient. It was reasonably priced and worth every penny, We were so impressed that we intend to make this a regular spot for dinner and we look forward to being able to sit out at the riverside later in the year.

Written 5 March 2023

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.

Anne B

4 contributions

Funeral Tea

Mar 2022 • family

We booked the Room upstairs at the Waterside Bistro for a Funeral tea today . Was outstanding. The staff were so courteous and helpful. The soup was homemade and piping hot ..just what we needed. Tasty sandwiches bulging sausage rolls delicious shortbread and tablet all washed down with unlimited fresh filter coffee and tea . The room was so cosy and ticked all the boxes. Would highly recommend

Written 4 March 2022

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.

JMac

4 contributions

Mis Sold advertised Hogmanay Event

Dec 2023 • friends

Joined friends for Hogmanay dinner . Mis sold what was advertised. No live music as in was another room which we couldn’t hear, no pipers at midnight as they got held up , bells brought in by another diner and countdown on her mobile phone! Food poor , plates cold, GF not catered for adequately. Did give feedback and received an apology but lots of excuses ie they couldn’t set up musician in communal hall area so all could hear the live music due to H&S ! I’d say they would / should have known that before advertising as part of the evening at £65/ head for an meal which included slabs of cold goats cheese with a few bits of greens added and shop bought meringues! I was also told they received lots of positive feedback which confirms an inequitable service between customers. We brought forward our taxi and left early as so disappointed. No offer to compensate despite being missold. I’ll never return given lack of really caring about our poor experience and I’d never recommend! Waiting staff pleasant.

Written 27 January 2024

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.

Fraser Maltman

Dunfermline20 contributions

Mother’s Day visit

Mar 2022 • family

We booked for Mother’s Day this year and were rewarded with a fantastic evening. From start to finish we were well looked after and the service was quick and efficient. All meals were cooked perfectly including four steaks for mains. One of us had the seafood platter special as a starter which seemed to be a particular highlight! We will 100% be back in the near future and would highly recommend this restaurant for couples and families alike. The only negative feedback I would give the management would be to instruct the servers to check back on the mains just to make sure everyone is happy with their meals. Obviously we all were so no issues for us.

Written 27 March 2022

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.

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