Latest reviews in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Maxie's Bistro - A True Review by jjbites

jjbites — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:44:05 +0000

Review by jjbites

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 226 7770

Tags: family & home feel, romantic, good value

Having read some of the other reviews about Maxie's Bistro i just had to write a true review. Firstly it is a very welcoming bistro. The staff are are always smiling and attentive. Not quite what some other people say, although everyone has their own opinion!

Then there is the deco, cosy, relaxing and well, what more do you need to enjoy your food, except the wine list which caters for every taste bud.

Now the food!!!

One word *EXCELLENT*

Anyone who has a taste for the finer things in life should go to Maxies and experience what i did. Pure bliss and that was the dessert list!!!Having read some of the other reviews about Maxie's Bistro i just had to write a true review. Firstly it is a very welcoming bistro. The staff are are always smiling and attentive. Not quite what some other people say, although everyone has their own opinion!

Then there is the deco, cosy, relaxing and well, what more do you need to enjoy your food, except the wine list which caters for every taste bud.

Now the food!!!

One word *EXCELLENT*

Anyone who has a taste for the finer things in life should go to Maxies and experience what i did. Pure bliss and that was the dessert list!!!

Favorit - Big changes and good times by beegdawg

beegdawg — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:02:54 +0000

Review by beegdawg

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 220 6880

Website: http://www.favoritedinburgh.co.uk

Tags: cosy, breakfast, quick bite

Times have changed at the teviot branch as it has been taken over by new management. Still serving until 3am on fridays and saturdays, the cafe is still serving good food and great beers. It looks a lot fresher since thay've started revamping as well. Add to that a good vibe and friendly staff and its hard to beat for good times.
nice to be back at one of my "favorit" places.Times have changed at the teviot branch as it has been taken over by new management. Still serving until 3am on fridays and saturdays, the cafe is still serving good food and great beers. It looks a lot fresher since thay've started revamping as well. Add to that a good vibe and friendly staff and its hard to beat for good times.
nice to be back at one of my "favorit" places.

Cabaret Voltaire - Hit or Miss by rumblytummy

rumblytummy — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:38:32 +0000

Review by rumblytummy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0131 220 6176

Tags: live music, friendly, dance

This club along with the Venue were two of the hottest hot spots in the city a few years ago, however things have changed you still get the underground nights and some very good guests on certain nights Ultragroove being one of them. other are a hit or a miss.

Ultragroove presents Crazy P (LIVE) sat 19th July 08 - Be there, that will be a good night out!This club along with the Venue were two of the hottest hot spots in the city a few years ago, however things have changed you still get the underground nights and some very good guests on certain nights Ultragroove being one of them. other are a hit or a miss.

Ultragroove presents Crazy P (LIVE) sat 19th July 08 - Be there, that will be a good night out!

Venue - R.I.P by rumblytummy

rumblytummy — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:32:50 +0000

Review by rumblytummy

Rating: 5.00

Tags: dance, underground, friendly

In my opinion the Venue was Edinburgh's best night club by a long way, I spent most of my later teenage years and 20's spent dancing the weekend away in fancy dress. Luvley, joy & Taste (for a short time) are but some of the nights.

If only we could reserect the venue. Those nights have played a major roll in creating the man I am today.

Memories!

In my opinion the Venue was Edinburgh's best night club by a long way, I spent most of my later teenage years and 20's spent dancing the weekend away in fancy dress. Luvley, joy & Taste (for a short time) are but some of the nights.

If only we could reserect the venue. Those nights have played a major roll in creating the man I am today.

Memories!

The Citrus Club - Modernisation needed by rumblytummy

rumblytummy — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:27:48 +0000

Review by rumblytummy

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0131 622 7086

Website: http://www.citrus-club.co.uk

Tags: friendly, live music, cheesy

OK music, but a paint job is well overdue. good for a Thursday/Friday night after work. before heading to George street.OK music, but a paint job is well overdue. good for a Thursday/Friday night after work. before heading to George street.

Mussel Inn - cod my eye by rumblytummy

rumblytummy — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:21:00 +0000

Review by rumblytummy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 225 5979

Website: http://www.mussel-inn.com

Tags: seafood, crowded, good value

As previously mentioned for the best fish in the city visit Leith where there are many restaurants to choose from, as for the city centre the Mussel Inn is certainly up with the best and is worth a visit, but for me I would only go if I and the rest of my party wanted a fish dinner.

If your looking for a more mixed selection try Maxies Bistro who have a sea food platter to die for or Howies who also have a good selection of fish dishes.

Still a flavourable 4 star rating
As previously mentioned for the best fish in the city visit Leith where there are many restaurants to choose from, as for the city centre the Mussel Inn is certainly up with the best and is worth a visit, but for me I would only go if I and the rest of my party wanted a fish dinner.

If your looking for a more mixed selection try Maxies Bistro who have a sea food platter to die for or Howies who also have a good selection of fish dishes.

Still a flavourable 4 star rating

The Witchery By The Castle - For that special night by rumblytummy

rumblytummy — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:06:45 +0000

Review by rumblytummy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 225 5613

Website: http://www.thewitchery.com

Tags: romantic, expensive, scottish

The witchery is a dark but beautiful restaurant situated a stones throw from Edinburgh Castle, the restaurants/Hotel offers a fantastic menu to suit all tastes, but not all pockets. The only reason I did not give full marks is due to the cost, if you go expecting a hefty bill for gorgeous food you will not be disappointed.

Being a local in Edinburgh it was one that was certainly worth a visit and I am sure to return.The witchery is a dark but beautiful restaurant situated a stones throw from Edinburgh Castle, the restaurants/Hotel offers a fantastic menu to suit all tastes, but not all pockets. The only reason I did not give full marks is due to the cost, if you go expecting a hefty bill for gorgeous food you will not be disappointed.

Being a local in Edinburgh it was one that was certainly worth a visit and I am sure to return.

Oloroso - Views by rumblytummy

rumblytummy — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:30:16 +0000

Review by rumblytummy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 226 7614

Website: http://www.oloroso.co.uk

Tags: expensive, business, international

I work in the city and am regularly in many of the cities restaurants, Oloroso has to have the Best views in the city by far. Food is exiting and service compliments to overall experience.

Certainly worth a visit.I work in the city and am regularly in many of the cities restaurants, Oloroso has to have the Best views in the city by far. Food is exiting and service compliments to overall experience.

Certainly worth a visit.

Jimmy Chung's - budget chinese by rumblytummy

rumblytummy — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:19:00 +0000

Review by rumblytummy

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 0131 228 8688

Website: http://www.jimmychungs.com

Tags: chinese, cheap, takeaway

as previously described. If you know what your going in for then its OK, All you can eat that's been sitting around for a while, best times are lunch and dinner when the food is turned around but even then its not great.as previously described. If you know what your going in for then its OK, All you can eat that's been sitting around for a while, best times are lunch and dinner when the food is turned around but even then its not great.

Browns - Not again by rumblytummy

rumblytummy — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:05:57 +0000

Review by rumblytummy

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 0131 225 4442

Website: http://www.browns-restaurants.com

Tags: expensive, brasserie, british

Now what Browns do better that most is serve drinks their cocktails, wine & beers are all worth a visit, however I now have to mention the food. I'm sure it will not come as a surprise to anyone that you can go in to any Browns in the country and find the same menu on the same day, this is simply because all the food is bought in and heated up. I prefer a more traditional meal where its cooked to order & where minor imperfections are evidence of a freshly just cooked meal.

I ate the warm spicy chicken salad and although it was OK it could easily have been served in any other mass chain restaurant.

Not my cup of TNow what Browns do better that most is serve drinks their cocktails, wine & beers are all worth a visit, however I now have to mention the food. I'm sure it will not come as a surprise to anyone that you can go in to any Browns in the country and find the same menu on the same day, this is simply because all the food is bought in and heated up. I prefer a more traditional meal where its cooked to order & where minor imperfections are evidence of a freshly just cooked meal.

I ate the warm spicy chicken salad and although it was OK it could easily have been served in any other mass chain restaurant.

Not my cup of T

Howies Restaurant - not so bad by rumblytummy

rumblytummy — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:59:08 +0000

Review by rumblytummy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0131 556 5766

Website: http://www.howies.uk.com

Tags: good value, lively, live music

My experience of eating at Howies was during a Xmas lunch, where I appreciate it is a busy time of the year, but for me the food all tasted ready made and re-heated. It was unfortunate that it did not live up to the hype.

Will I try again with so many to choose from in Edinburgh? I honestly can not say.
My experience of eating at Howies was during a Xmas lunch, where I appreciate it is a busy time of the year, but for me the food all tasted ready made and re-heated. It was unfortunate that it did not live up to the hype.

Will I try again with so many to choose from in Edinburgh? I honestly can not say.

Loon Fung Cantonese Restaurant - Yes Please by rumblytummy

rumblytummy — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:53:18 +0000

Review by rumblytummy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 556 1781

Tags: chinese, crowded, good value

For me this has to be the best Cantonese/Chinese restaurant in Edinburgh. If you have not yet been there then you're missing out. All I can say is give it a go. A little out the way from the city centre but worth the taxi fair.For me this has to be the best Cantonese/Chinese restaurant in Edinburgh. If you have not yet been there then you're missing out. All I can say is give it a go. A little out the way from the city centre but worth the taxi fair.

Thai Lemongrass - Thai to die for by rumblytummy

rumblytummy — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:51:35 +0000

Review by rumblytummy

Rating: 5.00

Tags: thai, friendly, expensive

I love Thai food and regularly serve it for dinner parties at home. I find Thai in restaurants can be a hit or a miss, but Thai Lemongrass is certainly a hit, the only criticism would be that they do not deliver, however its certainly worth the journey to takeaway. Sitting inside almost as beautiful as the meal itself the staff are all very friendly and were more that helpful when trying to entertain my 2 children. All in all a delightful experience.I love Thai food and regularly serve it for dinner parties at home. I find Thai in restaurants can be a hit or a miss, but Thai Lemongrass is certainly a hit, the only criticism would be that they do not deliver, however its certainly worth the journey to takeaway. Sitting inside almost as beautiful as the meal itself the staff are all very friendly and were more that helpful when trying to entertain my 2 children. All in all a delightful experience.

C C Blooms - I wouldn't enter this establishment again. by mozkito

mozkito — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:12:31 +0000

Review by mozkito

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0131 556 9331

Tags: bad

As a gay turist in edingburg for the first I visited CC Blooms and was suprised that a so lovley town whith such a lot a nice gaybars a place like cc blooms can exist.
the place was run down, the staf was rude and unfriendly.
and the door man was almoust agressive!!!
It felt like nobody from had a profesional attetude about the work they in the place!
Not even the dj could impress me, bad 80ies hits badley mixed together.
And beware of the toilets.... not a fresh and clean place, smels like urine!!!
The place was moustly visited by verry drunk lesbians, that was screeming to eachother and had a hard time walking straight, so hold on to your drink... or you will have all over your shirt!!!
NOT a place I will recommended you to go to if you visit edingburg.
As a gay turist in edingburg for the first I visited CC Blooms and was suprised that a so lovley town whith such a lot a nice gaybars a place like cc blooms can exist.
the place was run down, the staf was rude and unfriendly.
and the door man was almoust agressive!!!
It felt like nobody from had a profesional attetude about the work they in the place!
Not even the dj could impress me, bad 80ies hits badley mixed together.
And beware of the toilets.... not a fresh and clean place, smels like urine!!!
The place was moustly visited by verry drunk lesbians, that was screeming to eachother and had a hard time walking straight, so hold on to your drink... or you will have all over your shirt!!!
NOT a place I will recommended you to go to if you visit edingburg.

The Illicit Still - Great Local Pub by edguy63

edguy63 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:56:18 +0000

Review by edguy63

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131-228-2633

Website: www.theillicitstill.com

Tags: independent pub, different pub food, traditional pub

This pub has recently changed hands and the transformation is total. Great guys behind the bar, a nice feel to the place, none of the ogres who inhabited it in its downward spiral of the past few years...

Reasonably priced beer, and a HUGE selection on draft. The wines are damned good, especially the Shiraz, and they do good real coffees, too.

You can have a drink on your own and watch the world go by at the window seats, or cosy up on the booths at the back.

Great pub!This pub has recently changed hands and the transformation is total. Great guys behind the bar, a nice feel to the place, none of the ogres who inhabited it in its downward spiral of the past few years...

Reasonably priced beer, and a HUGE selection on draft. The wines are damned good, especially the Shiraz, and they do good real coffees, too.

You can have a drink on your own and watch the world go by at the window seats, or cosy up on the booths at the back.

Great pub!

Coopers Bar - lots of whisky by steven256

steven256 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 22:52:24 +0000

Review by steven256

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 557 9124

Website: http://www.compass-group.com

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

Wow what a selection i was told they have over 80 malts from scotland japan wales india and some others i did not just drink i was good and some food served to me by a very freindly polish girl, the food was very nice i had curry and a bottle of beer it cost Â£5.99 not bad for a bar in a train station (i spend way more on whisky) basiclly i had a good time and i was well taken care of... thumbs up for these guys Wow what a selection i was told they have over 80 malts from scotland japan wales india and some others i did not just drink i was good and some food served to me by a very freindly polish girl, the food was very nice i had curry and a bottle of beer it cost Â£5.99 not bad for a bar in a train station (i spend way more on whisky) basiclly i had a good time and i was well taken care of... thumbs up for these guys

Tigerlily - a night in Tiger lilly and lulu's by annie1

annie1 — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:54:00 +0000

Review by annie1

Rating: 1.00

Website: www.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk

Tags: posh, sexy, trendy

I have just come back from a weekend in edinburgh with my friends there were 8 of us who went to the restaurant in tigerlily's and it was fabulous. We then went to the niteclub downstairs which again was a great night until we went to leave. Each of us had a drink to finish and we were invited by the bouncers to finish our drinks outside where we were told there were tables and umbrellas for us to do this. We did as we were told still in great form when one of the bouncers started to pull the drink off my friend literally snatching it out of her hand in the next second he had both of her arms pulled behind her back and was dragging her up the stairs I could not believe what was happening it was crazy then the rest of the girls came out and seen what was happening they were trying to pull the bouncer off my friend and the other bouncer got involved and started pushing and pulling the girls as if they were men. I have never in all my life seen anything like it. If we were the type of people who were rowdy or trouble makers I would not be bothered putting in this review but it was such a scary experience I think anyone who is thinking of going out there they should be made aware. These men (if you could call them men) were so aggressive. Other couples who were standing there could not believe what was happening and were trying to pull the bouncers off as well. All 8 of us were dressed in cocktail dresses and high heels so we could not have given the impression we were low life or anything like that, I know that sounds weird but I'm still trying to figure out what provoked them to be so barbarious. All I want to say is it ruined the whole weekend and if anyone was thinking of going on hols or having a party in edinburgh do not go to that nite club lulu's underneath tigerlilly's it is not a place for ladies. The way these men behaved it was as if they were used to pushing and dragging women around the place it was appalling all eight of us are so upset over the night and can not believe it happened. We are all glad to be home with just a few bruises it could have been so much worse so that is my advice for anyone thinking of going there be very very very careful. It is not a safe place.I have just come back from a weekend in edinburgh with my friends there were 8 of us who went to the restaurant in tigerlily's and it was fabulous. We then went to the niteclub downstairs which again was a great night until we went to leave. Each of us had a drink to finish and we were invited by the bouncers to finish our drinks outside where we were told there were tables and umbrellas for us to do this. We did as we were told still in great form when one of the bouncers started to pull the drink off my friend literally snatching it out of her hand in the next second he had both of her arms pulled behind her back and was dragging her up the stairs I could not believe what was happening it was crazy then the rest of the girls came out and seen what was happening they were trying to pull the bouncer off my friend and the other bouncer got involved and started pushing and pulling the girls as if they were men. I have never in all my life seen anything like it. If we were the type of people who were rowdy or trouble makers I would not be bothered putting in this review but it was such a scary experience I think anyone who is thinking of going out there they should be made aware. These men (if you could call them men) were so aggressive. Other couples who were standing there could not believe what was happening and were trying to pull the bouncers off as well. All 8 of us were dressed in cocktail dresses and high heels so we could not have given the impression we were low life or anything like that, I know that sounds weird but I'm still trying to figure out what provoked them to be so barbarious. All I want to say is it ruined the whole weekend and if anyone was thinking of going on hols or having a party in edinburgh do not go to that nite club lulu's underneath tigerlilly's it is not a place for ladies. The way these men behaved it was as if they were used to pushing and dragging women around the place it was appalling all eight of us are so upset over the night and can not believe it happened. We are all glad to be home with just a few bruises it could have been so much worse so that is my advice for anyone thinking of going there be very very very careful. It is not a safe place.

Loch Fyne Edinburgh - overrated brand name by trandell

trandell — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:50:07 +0000

Review by trandell

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 0131 559 3900

Website: www.lochfyne.com

Tags: expensive, seafood, lively

Loch Fyne restaurants are now a part of a large catering/hotel group and NOT part of the original Loch Fyne Fish suppliers. The brand name is now being exploited by its unknown(to the public) owners.

Portion control is the name of the game & they are small in relation to the prices which are high. The quality of the fish is not special considering their antecedents as a high quality fishmonger. Service is indifferent. Overattentive at one moment & then you are left waiting between courses for no apparent reason as there seems to be plenty of staff.

The menu is somewhat overblown and in small print states that they do not necessarily derive their fish & shellfish from the now separate Loch Fyne Fishmongers. Quality of food & cooking needs to improve to justify the original reputation of the Loch Fyne restaurants when owned by Loch Fyne itself

The ambience is fair although you do not have a decent view of the Forth and the very attractive Newhaven Harbour unless you are seated adjacent to the windows. If booking always ask for a window table. The tables are smaller than average and the access for legs/chairs is poor as the under table space is rather narrow, especially if you are tall or long legged.

The fishmongers part of the restaurant is an attractive feature and the quality of what is on offer is very high(as are the prices). I assume these are directly supplied by Loch Fyne although the fish monger staff seem to work in the kitchen & restaurant as well.

I have eaten far better fish & shellfish dishes in other Leith restaurants at lower prices. This restaurant needs to get away from relying on its brand image and location and consider its food & restaurant offer more seriously.Loch Fyne restaurants are now a part of a large catering/hotel group and NOT part of the original Loch Fyne Fish suppliers. The brand name is now being exploited by its unknown(to the public) owners.

Portion control is the name of the game & they are small in relation to the prices which are high. The quality of the fish is not special considering their antecedents as a high quality fishmonger. Service is indifferent. Overattentive at one moment & then you are left waiting between courses for no apparent reason as there seems to be plenty of staff.

The menu is somewhat overblown and in small print states that they do not necessarily derive their fish & shellfish from the now separate Loch Fyne Fishmongers. Quality of food & cooking needs to improve to justify the original reputation of the Loch Fyne restaurants when owned by Loch Fyne itself

The ambience is fair although you do not have a decent view of the Forth and the very attractive Newhaven Harbour unless you are seated adjacent to the windows. If booking always ask for a window table. The tables are smaller than average and the access for legs/chairs is poor as the under table space is rather narrow, especially if you are tall or long legged.

The fishmongers part of the restaurant is an attractive feature and the quality of what is on offer is very high(as are the prices). I assume these are directly supplied by Loch Fyne although the fish monger staff seem to work in the kitchen & restaurant as well.

I have eaten far better fish & shellfish dishes in other Leith restaurants at lower prices. This restaurant needs to get away from relying on its brand image and location and consider its food & restaurant offer more seriously.

Barioja - Fabby Tapas by mariagarcia

mariagarcia — Sun, 18 May 2008 20:31:24 +0000

Review by mariagarcia

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 557 3622

Tags: spanish, lively, good value

I love going to Barioja. Tapas are authentic and remind me of Spain. Great service, great atmosphere.... and one VERY good looking waiter! 5 stars.I love going to Barioja. Tapas are authentic and remind me of Spain. Great service, great atmosphere.... and one VERY good looking waiter! 5 stars.

Glenburn Guest House - Not worth the money by madjack

madjack — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:26:34 +0000

Review by madjack

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 0131 554 9818

Website: http://www.candytape.com/glenburn

Me and the wife stayed here for 2 nights in May. Do not stay here, the place needs a complete overhaul. It was old and damp. The furniture was damaged and tatty. The upnote is that it's within walking distance of the center.Me and the wife stayed here for 2 nights in May. Do not stay here, the place needs a complete overhaul. It was old and damp. The furniture was damaged and tatty. The upnote is that it's within walking distance of the center.