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Outstanding food and service! What a very luxurious meal this was. The staff made us feel special when we walked in. We had reservations for dinner and had a nice table, great ambiance. My husband and friend ordered the seasonal cocktails the elderflower and cucumber spirits. We were served complimentary bread and dips, so good. We started with the heritage tomato salad which had this delicious whipped vegan feta cheese, radishes and onions. My friend and I had the catch of the day which was Scottish salmon that was pan seared, a potato and some beans. We also had vegan haggis as a starter, very tasty. Husband enjoyed the artisan hot chocolate. A very flavorful, decadent meal.
I was looking for someplace new to have traditional Scottish food on my last night in Edinburgh, and I finally decided on Howies. A popular family run restaurant with a central location and a cozy but vibrant atmosphere, Howies seemed like the perfect choice to end my trip with. Their menu is known for showcasing both authentic and seasonal Scottish flavors and dishes. I ordered the vegan haggis, neeps, & tatties, and the dish came out beautifully plated. Compared to other restaurants I've been to here, the portions were on the smaller side, but it was actually the perfect size for me, and was fairly priced for the quality of the ingredients and portion. Though I liked the vegetarian haggis and mash at Makars Mash better, the dish here was fairly satisfying as well. Their house cider was pretty good too - it's no Thistly Cross, but it's good. Overall, I enjoyed my meal and I'm glad I had the opportunity to dine at Howies before returning home.
What a cute little place! The entrance is a vibe and the inside is cozy and small. They utilize the small space very well and manages to fit in plenty of tables. It feels a bit tight but it is worth it for the elegance and the food! We got the soup of the day, it was a broccoli, cucumber, dill and miso soup. A surprising combo of flavors but delicious and my favorite part of the meal! I'm sad it's not a staple soup, I hope they rotate it to this often. The vegan haggis was interesting, it was vegan meat on a bed of mash potato's and mashed sweet potato. The sweet potato was lacking in flavor and the dish had an overall light flavor. The vegan cream sauce that is on it really pulls all the flavors together. The pea and asparagus risotto was so rich with flavor and was the perfect amount of cheesiness. The asparagus was a bit fibery but over all cooked well with a little bit of a crunch still. We got chicken on the side, and when added to the risotto elevated the flavor perfectly. Then there was dessert, omg amazing. The chocolate mouse was rich but not too sweet, and paired with the raspberry sorbet, fantastic. Not only is the food great but the service was unmatched! Our server Duncan was the most considerate server I have ever had! I am a vegetarian and my significant other is gluten free so we are a handful as customers, but Duncan was patient and visited the kitchen multiple times to double check ingredients for us. He was so sweet and so kind. The location of this restaurant is perfect too, just at the top of Victoria street. So you get to see all the pretty colored buildings. But make sure you reserve ahead of time or go early to get a reservation. We walked in and they gave us a reservation an hour and a half from the time we walked in. We were able to leave and explore then come back at our reservation time.
Good haggis, but overall underseasoned and underwhelming My fiancé and I visited Howie's and had a mixed experience. We started with the haggis appetizer, which was genuinely delicious hearty, comforting, and reminded me of a Salisbury steak with gravy and potatoes. If you're going, I'd absolutely recommend starting there. Unfortunately, the rest of the meal didn't live up to that strong start. My fiancé ordered the ribeye with fries, and once again I have to say: Edinburgh really struggles with fries. These were bland, oily, and needed a serious dose of salt. The ribeye itself had no seasoning, which was disappointing. While the peppercorn sauce was good, a quality ribeye should be flavorful on its own without having to rely on sauce. I ordered the salmon with beets and potatoes. It was decent, but, like much of the food we've had in Edinburgh so far, it could have used more seasoning. The ingredients seem fresh, but the flavors just don't sing. For dessert, we shared the banoffee pie. It was light and not overly sweet which I appreciated but it was just okay. Not memorable. Service was another weak point. Our server wasn't rude, but we were largely forgotten because there was a large party seated behind us. At this price point, you expect attentive service. I understand Scotland doesn't operate on a tipping culture, but when restaurants are charging higher prices (and often more than comparable U.S. restaurants once converted from GBP), the quality and attentiveness should match. Overall, Howie's wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. Amazing haggis, decent dishes, mediocre seasoning, and slow service. For locals who prefer milder flavors, this might be a solid choice but for visitors used to more robust seasoning and higher service standards, it may fall short.
The restaurant was quite busy and we asked if a table was available. The hostess graciously (quickly) seated us. Jonathan got us drinks and took our order:m, recommending things based on our preferences. The food here is traditional Scottish reimagined by a chef, SERIOUSLY reimagined. My husband had the haggis starter, while I had the zucchini and sunflower seed soup. BOTH were delish. For our mains, we had the venison stew and the quinoa, pea, radish salad. Rich coupled with light, a perfect match. Jonathan was professional, personable and helpful in informing our food choices. Overall GREAT meal in Edinburgh. Thank you, Howie's staff!
we walked in and were immediately sat. the lighting was dim and beautiful and had a regal vibe. we were checked in on frequently and the food was the best chicken i've ever had. the prices are good for what you get and we all enjoyed everything we received. my friend ordered a house made cider and it was delicious. while we were paying the check, we were brought little shortcake biscuits which were quite delicious. would definitely come back.
Really enjoyed Howies is an old building adjacent to Calton Hill. Old molding and extra large true divided light windows set a beautiful ambiance. The food is really delightful. For apps we had a haggis dish flanked by potato that is unbelievably flavorful. The mussels are delicious and plentiful. The Cullin Skink overflowed with a rich smokiness from the haddock complementing rich broth. Entrees included a half lobster, chef prepared for eating convenience. Lovely. The pan fried hake is delicate while being substantial. The salmon special deemed pan fried with an arrabiata sauce was not remotely with any spice whatsoever but my American expectations may be to blame. The ribeye was cooked well, and does have the marbling for flavor which for our daughter was a big difference from filet, but prepared perfectly. Kris our server is Uber professional and knows his stuff. There is a 2 hour time limit on the table. Not sure what we, as diners, could have done but with appetizers we ran out of time for dessert. The restaurant initially told us we were too close to time to order then came back and said they could allow dessert. By then we had already opted to hit one of the countless gelato places on the return. Otherwise top notch.
Howie's was a last minute stop for us. We were surprised that we were seated promptly considering how packed the venue was. The interior is woodsy but well lit and quite classy. In a night of firsts, I ordered my first haggis and sticky toffee pudding, with the catch of the day (salmon). Everything is plated beautifully. The haggis really just tastes like a savory oatmeal. Unique. The mash involved could have used a bit more seasoning imo. The salmon was tender with a crisp skin and the tomato and beans were wonderfully flavored. The sticky toffee pudding though. Just the perfect dessert, and I'm not usually a caramel fan to begin with. It was sweet and a bit fruity. The caramel sauce not too thick and gave it a wonderfully bitter taste that complimented the dessert so well. I'm not sure if it's authentic but it was certainly delicious!
Superb dinner!! What we ordered: Beet root and goat cheese and a bowl of Potato and leek soup as our starters. I had the catch of the day, Salmon with gnocchi in spinach and leek sauce... delectable!! My husband had the ribeye steak served with chips and veggies. My first time trying Sticky Pudding with a toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream and it didn't disappoint. Service was quick, friendly and most importantly our finished dishes were promptly removed from our table. Reservations are absolutely recommended, there was a line outside waiting for the establishment to open. The interior was quaint and cozy. No dress code, however, I would suggest business casual.
Lovely atmosphere and nice central location! I love the consideration that has gone into making the menu allergy friendly; this really put me at ease with my dairy allergy. I had the haggis which was exceptional and for dessert the cherry sorbet/ chocolate cremeux dish - divine! Rarely do I get to enjoy a chocolatey dessert given my allergy, so this made me especially happy. The staff were fantastic as well!!
Such a friendly and beautifully set restaurant. The food is picturesque and top notch. Everything we had, from the large portions of bread paired with roasted red pepper humus to the flaky and flavorful cod, was exceptional. The wait staff is helpful as well as friendly. They prepared a table for us even amidst a packed house. Know that this is not just a restaurant, it's a date night restaurant. We brought the kids, which was perfectly okay, but the setting and price is more date night worthy. This place is terrific! Enjoy! read more
13 days ago
We had a full day in Edinburgh and went by Howies Waterloo for a proper Scottish dinner. We hiked calton hill to watch the sunset. My meal (the venison stew) as well as the truffle fries and the soup and haggis was really good. My friend who got roast chicken said hers was also good. My friends who got Scottish lobster and pork belly both said it was overcooked / dry. The ambiance was very nice. We were in casual clothes and didn't feel under or over dressed. The service was great until the vary end. We were trying to make the sunset and did. But we had to wait a while after our meal before the check. read more
Outstanding food and service! What a very luxurious meal this was. The staff made us feel special when we walked in. We had reservations for dinner and had a nice table, great ambiance. My husband and friend ordered the seasonal cocktails the elderflower and cucumber spirits. We were served complimentary bread and dips, so good. We started with the heritage tomato salad which had this delicious whipped vegan feta cheese, radishes and onions. My friend and I had the catch of the day which was Scottish salmon that was pan seared, a potato and some beans. We also had vegan haggis as a starter, very tasty. Husband enjoyed the artisan hot chocolate. A very flavorful, decadent meal. read more
7 days ago
I was looking for someplace new to have traditional Scottish food on my last night in Edinburgh, and I finally decided on Howies. A popular family run restaurant with a central location and a cozy but vibrant atmosphere, Howies seemed like the perfect choice to end my trip with. Their menu is known for showcasing both authentic and seasonal Scottish flavors and dishes. I ordered the vegan haggis, neeps, & tatties, and the dish came out beautifully plated. Compared to other restaurants I've been to here, the portions were on the smaller side, but it was actually the perfect size for me, and was fairly priced for the quality of the ingredients and portion. Though I liked the vegetarian haggis and mash at Makars Mash better, the dish here was fairly satisfying as well. Their house cider was pretty good too - it's no Thistly Cross, but it's good. Overall, I enjoyed my meal and I'm glad I had the opportunity to dine at Howies before returning home. read more
1 year ago
What a cute little place! The entrance is a vibe and the inside is cozy and small. They utilize the small space very well and manages to fit in plenty of tables. It feels a bit tight but it is worth it for the elegance and the food! We got the soup of the day, it was a broccoli, cucumber, dill and miso soup. A surprising combo of flavors but delicious and my favorite part of the meal! I'm sad it's not a staple soup, I hope they rotate it to this often. The vegan haggis was interesting, it was vegan meat on a bed of mash potato's and mashed sweet potato. The sweet potato was lacking in flavor and the dish had an overall light flavor. The vegan cream sauce that is on it really pulls all the flavors together. The pea and asparagus risotto was so rich with flavor and was the perfect amount of cheesiness. The asparagus was a bit fibery but over all cooked well with a little bit of a crunch still. We got chicken on the side, and when added to the risotto elevated the flavor perfectly. Then there was dessert, omg amazing. The chocolate mouse was rich but not too sweet, and paired with the raspberry sorbet, fantastic. Not only is the food great but the service was unmatched! Our server Duncan was the most considerate server I have ever had! I am a vegetarian and my significant other is gluten free so we are a handful as customers, but Duncan was patient and visited the kitchen multiple times to double check ingredients for us. He was so sweet and so kind. The location of this restaurant is perfect too, just at the top of Victoria street. So you get to see all the pretty colored buildings. But make sure you reserve ahead of time or go early to get a reservation. We walked in and they gave us a reservation an hour and a half from the time we walked in. We were able to leave and explore then come back at our reservation time. read more
9 months ago
We enjoyed our lunch here. Without hesitation the best food wr had in Edinburgh. The chicken and the fish wr had were excellent. Service impeccable. Would rate it highly. read more
7 months ago
Good haggis, but overall underseasoned and underwhelming My fiancé and I visited Howie's and had a mixed experience. We started with the haggis appetizer, which was genuinely delicious hearty, comforting, and reminded me of a Salisbury steak with gravy and potatoes. If you're going, I'd absolutely recommend starting there. Unfortunately, the rest of the meal didn't live up to that strong start. My fiancé ordered the ribeye with fries, and once again I have to say: Edinburgh really struggles with fries. These were bland, oily, and needed a serious dose of salt. The ribeye itself had no seasoning, which was disappointing. While the peppercorn sauce was good, a quality ribeye should be flavorful on its own without having to rely on sauce. I ordered the salmon with beets and potatoes. It was decent, but, like much of the food we've had in Edinburgh so far, it could have used more seasoning. The ingredients seem fresh, but the flavors just don't sing. For dessert, we shared the banoffee pie. It was light and not overly sweet which I appreciated but it was just okay. Not memorable. Service was another weak point. Our server wasn't rude, but we were largely forgotten because there was a large party seated behind us. At this price point, you expect attentive service. I understand Scotland doesn't operate on a tipping culture, but when restaurants are charging higher prices (and often more than comparable U.S. restaurants once converted from GBP), the quality and attentiveness should match. Overall, Howie's wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. Amazing haggis, decent dishes, mediocre seasoning, and slow service. For locals who prefer milder flavors, this might be a solid choice but for visitors used to more robust seasoning and higher service standards, it may fall short. read more
6 months ago
We spent Thanksgiving at Howie's based on an amazing recommendation from a Brilliant Local Tour Guide, Freddie Johnson, and we're so thrilled that we did!! In addition to the gin tasting the food was off the hook. It was a perfect Thanksgiving in Edinburgh!! read more
1 year ago
The restaurant was quite busy and we asked if a table was available. The hostess graciously (quickly) seated us. Jonathan got us drinks and took our order:m, recommending things based on our preferences. The food here is traditional Scottish reimagined by a chef, SERIOUSLY reimagined. My husband had the haggis starter, while I had the zucchini and sunflower seed soup. BOTH were delish. For our mains, we had the venison stew and the quinoa, pea, radish salad. Rich coupled with light, a perfect match. Jonathan was professional, personable and helpful in informing our food choices. Overall GREAT meal in Edinburgh. Thank you, Howie's staff! read more
3 months ago
we walked in and were immediately sat. the lighting was dim and beautiful and had a regal vibe. we were checked in on frequently and the food was the best chicken i've ever had. the prices are good for what you get and we all enjoyed everything we received. my friend ordered a house made cider and it was delicious. while we were paying the check, we were brought little shortcake biscuits which were quite delicious. would definitely come back. read more
Really enjoyed Howies is an old building adjacent to Calton Hill. Old molding and extra large true divided light windows set a beautiful ambiance. The food is really delightful. For apps we had a haggis dish flanked by potato that is unbelievably flavorful. The mussels are delicious and plentiful. The Cullin Skink overflowed with a rich smokiness from the haddock complementing rich broth. Entrees included a half lobster, chef prepared for eating convenience. Lovely. The pan fried hake is delicate while being substantial. The salmon special deemed pan fried with an arrabiata sauce was not remotely with any spice whatsoever but my American expectations may be to blame. The ribeye was cooked well, and does have the marbling for flavor which for our daughter was a big difference from filet, but prepared perfectly. Kris our server is Uber professional and knows his stuff. There is a 2 hour time limit on the table. Not sure what we, as diners, could have done but with appetizers we ran out of time for dessert. The restaurant initially told us we were too close to time to order then came back and said they could allow dessert. By then we had already opted to hit one of the countless gelato places on the return. Otherwise top notch. read more
Howie's was a last minute stop for us. We were surprised that we were seated promptly considering how packed the venue was. The interior is woodsy but well lit and quite classy. In a night of firsts, I ordered my first haggis and sticky toffee pudding, with the catch of the day (salmon). Everything is plated beautifully. The haggis really just tastes like a savory oatmeal. Unique. The mash involved could have used a bit more seasoning imo. The salmon was tender with a crisp skin and the tomato and beans were wonderfully flavored. The sticky toffee pudding though. Just the perfect dessert, and I'm not usually a caramel fan to begin with. It was sweet and a bit fruity. The caramel sauce not too thick and gave it a wonderfully bitter taste that complimented the dessert so well. I'm not sure if it's authentic but it was certainly delicious! read more
2 years ago
Superb dinner!! What we ordered: Beet root and goat cheese and a bowl of Potato and leek soup as our starters. I had the catch of the day, Salmon with gnocchi in spinach and leek sauce... delectable!! My husband had the ribeye steak served with chips and veggies. My first time trying Sticky Pudding with a toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream and it didn't disappoint. Service was quick, friendly and most importantly our finished dishes were promptly removed from our table. Reservations are absolutely recommended, there was a line outside waiting for the establishment to open. The interior was quaint and cozy. No dress code, however, I would suggest business casual. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Lovely atmosphere and nice central location! I love the consideration that has gone into making the menu allergy friendly; this really put me at ease with my dairy allergy. I had the haggis which was exceptional and for dessert the cherry sorbet/ chocolate cremeux dish - divine! Rarely do I get to enjoy a chocolatey dessert given my allergy, so this made me especially happy. The staff were fantastic as well!! read more
9 months ago
3 years ago
My brother was in town for a visit so we decided to come to Howie's for dinner. We made a reservation for 6pm. My brother showed up on time while I was unfortunately a bit behind and arrived about 6:09pm. After fifteen minutes had gone by I was wondering if I would have to flag down a waiter for service. I could understand the delay as they seemed quite busy. We both got an "early dinner" 2-course meal. I got the cullen skink and butternut squash risotto while my brother got the haggis starter as well as a steak. He also ordered the recommended whisky to pair with the haggis. I think a bit over ten minutes had passed before we received our starters which we quickly dug into. My brother was very pleased with his starter as I was with mine. I'm not sure how much time had approximately passed but it felt like it took a while before we got our entrees. I enjoyed my risotto but my brother said his steak was a bit plain. I had fully intended on getting dessert when I arrived but unfortunately didn't have time as we had a prior engagement scheduled at 8pm (which is the time our reservation "expired" anyway) and it was about 7:45pm once everything was getting wrapped up with the bill. Overall, I really enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant and was pleased with my food but it just felt like the service took a long time. read more
We did not have a booking but the hostess found us a table. So lucky we were. Cozy tables even though it is crowded you don't feel cramped. Traditional Haggis with a dram of Glenpoint was enjoyed by my daughter. I ordered the roasted salmon with red sauce and green beans. My son ordered the pea risotto and my sister ordered the beef burger. We loved all the food. The desserts were delicious too. We had the famous Howies banopie pie and raspberry compote. Excellent server. She was so attentive and helpful. PS we were hungry we forgot to take photos of the food! read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
We approached the host without reservations and she was able to squeeze us in even though they were full. It was much appreciated. Sarah was delightful! Our server Scott was great as well! The food was fantastic and the environment very pleasant. read more
4 years ago
Having been to Edinburgh before, I had yet to try the Scottish salmon that can be found in abundance here, or the traditional soup called Cullen Skink. The gracious hostess got us in even without a reservation, and we were warmly greeted by the young ladies working the tables. They all made us feel at home and special. So I immediately silently scolded myself for never having had Cullen Skink before once that first hot spoonful hit my soup coolers. This was like a seafood chowder to top all. The soup is made with smoked haddock, and the smokiness of the broth along with the bite from the leeks was apparent. The potatoes gave it a nice consistency to go along with the texture of the fish. Next came the heavenly salmon. This was likely the best salmon I have ever had. The fish was cooked to perfection with a not-fishy flavor. It flaked beautifully, and I had to exercise the greatest of restraint in eating it, savoring rather than inhaling. It was served on mashed "tatties" along with burst capers. We thanked everyone for this dining experience. I think it was my favorite meal in Scotland. And that is saying a lot when I consider that every meal I had in this country was delicious. read more
10 months ago
2 years ago
Highlight dinner of our week on Dunoon Rothesay Isle of Skye and Edinburgh! The Haggis starter is a MUST! And the terrine was also a winner. The venison casserole was impeccable with tender meat and perfectly sauced. We didn't need the fried potatoes side but glad we ordered them. And the pescatarian in me affirms that the aubergine and veggies (beautifully cooked carrots and broccoli rabe ) with miso sauce were so delicious... (the salmon side was not a value add so skip that) No room for sticky toffee pudding unfortunately but all 3 of us left extremely satiated and happy! read more
1 year ago
Service (5): we were given space without a reservation. Thank you! Our waiter was great, too. We're pleased with the overall service. Food (3): My friend and I shared a few plates. We started with the salmon leek soup (kullon skank). No, we didn't share soup! It was light and good but little flavor in general. The main course was venison and salmon. Both were OK. The venison was a bit tough and chewy. The cabbage under it was very good. The salmon was over cooked a bit and flavorless (sorry, being honest here). The potatoes were not good and very bland. I just stopped eating them. read more
8 months ago
2 years ago
Best meal I have had in a long time and by far the best meal I have had in Scotland! I had the beet appetizer, catch of the day salmon with gnocchi, and topped it off with the sticky toffee pudding. The beets were very tasty and had a unique pairing of spices and tangy sauce with whipped feta. Very tasty! The salmon melted in my mouth and the gnocchi was the perfect match. Very savory and buttery with incredible mushrooms as well. The sticky toffee pudding was unreal. So tasty and delicious. Couldn't be more happy with my meal and the service was excellent! Fast service and friendly staff and very welcoming atmosphere. read more
Someone suggested Howie's for haggis. So I made a reservation as this was our last meal in Scotland. The place was definitely crowded as you would expect in old town during the summer. The Cullen skink soup was good, not as creamy as others, a somewhat thin broth. We both had venison. My husband's was really tender and delicious and mine was like shoe leather. The service was really good. read more
Our first time to Edinburgh, and we stopped in to Howies for a late lunch, and we're so surprised, and a great positive way Service was great, seating was tight, but it is Europe after all and yes, indeed, we tried the haggis and I am a fan!!! read more
Great spot and amazing staff. I would highly recommend a reservation as this is very popular spot. The ambiance here is great. The menu is very good. They have some great lunch specials too. Go for the local fare as it's amazing. read more
2 years ago
DELISH. Everything was fantastic and I'd come back over and over - the cod and venison were melt in your mouth, and the raspberry chocolate dessert was so flavorful. 10/10! read more
1 year ago
Howie's was so delicious. First off, it's on the picturesque Victoria Street so the location is perfect. Upon arrival, everyone was so kind to us. They were also extremely accommodating for my gluten free diet as I have celiac disease. I had loads of options to choose from and my husband and I both loved that they sourced locally for their food. The atmosphere is super lovely as well. It's nice but casual & everyone was in good spirits. I will certainly return when I'm in Edinburgh again. read more
2 years ago
The food was outstanding, well prepared. The service was even better, quick and so damn nice. If you want to try Haggis this is the place it was really tasty. read more
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Howies - scottish - Updated June 2026
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