Address: 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA, United Kingdom
Phone: +441313221247
Rating: 4.1
based on 136 reviews.
Food Quality
Pros:
"All dishes, the crab tartlet, Cod, Venison, dessert were expertly and tastefully prepared."
"Crab tart, cod, and venison all were well prepared with an interesting combination of flavors."
"The lunch set menu was absolutely marvellous. Every dish was crafted with care and attention to detail."
"We ordered mussels (2 identical plates), and they were hands down THE ABSOLUTE BEST mussels we've EVER had!"
"Chicken terrine had excellent texture, and the cod was amazing."
"The tomato and basil with the tomato consume and basil pearls was fresh, flavour packed and gorgeous."
"Food from the tasting menu was exquisite and being able to watch the chef and work was a real treat."
"The food was stunning, the setting even more so."
Cons:
"The starter was literally a dribble of lukewarm tomato water with a quarter of a tomato and one basil leaf."
"We were served a crab tartlet to start. It was reminiscent of a lobster roll but nowhere near as good."
"The duck was again one of the worst iterations of duck that I’ve had in a fine dining restaurant."
"The cod was undercooked and we left hungry."
"I found the food average, service lacking and the view is grand but hard to overcome the fact the Lookouts entire decor basically looks like a hospital cafeteria."
"The food was quite disappointing and did not live up to the price point at all."
"Crab for starters was extremely salty and fishy (not fresh)."
"The steak was pink and almost raw, I didn't like it personally."
Service
Pros:
"The wait staff were perfectly attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the dishes and libation options!"
"The staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, adding to the overall excellent service."
"Staff were very nice and attentive - for example, they would always refill our tap water as soon as it finishes."
"The staff really went above and beyond to make us feel special."
"The service, the atmosphere - exceptional."
"We had a brilliant way to start the day. The views of Edinburgh are jaw dropping and the staff are very friendly."
"Super welcoming and friendly, and happy to adjust the menu to suit our 11-year-old boy."
"The staff are very efficient and friendly too."
Cons:
"The person on the phone said that the kitchen closes at 14.30. Why take a booking for 2pm if the kitchen closes at 2.30?"
"The waitress said she would need to go and check if they could do pescatarian food."
"The staff were rude and obnoxious. They have no time for anyone sat ordering a meal."
"Waitress didn’t know the dishes to start with."
"The staff were staring at us when we came in like we were crazy and it was so awkward we left."
"Staff added to the disappointment by refusing a cash payment! Beware the added service charge too."
"I felt this place should have come with higher-end customer service."
"The staff could improve to ensure a better service but they don't seem that efficient or experienced."
Value for Money
Pros:
"Everything was presented well and tasted amazing. And coming from London, honestly, the prices are not even that bad."
"We enjoyed our tasting menu from start to finish. The ingredients were fresh and local."
"It's rare to have that good food in such a location."
"A brilliant lunch here, food was first class and the wines were well matched to each course."
"The food matches the views with perfectly-balanced, fresh flavours."
"Then there's the food - exceptional for the price."
"The food is stunning, the setting even more so."
"This needs 6 stars! It's small but the views over Edinburgh are phenomenal. Then there's the food - exceptional for the price."
Cons:
"You are paying for the view and it seems that they are relying on that. Feel totally ripped off."
"The food wasn’t worth the price and the view didn’t quite make up for it."
"I’ve had some incredible meals here in the past; food that made you say “oh my god I’m in heaven!” But when you’re paying a bill of £250 for dinner for two, “nice” doesn’t quite cut it."
"We left feeling a bit disappointed after spending nearly £800 for 4 people."
"2 bottles of wine and 2 people trying the tasting menu and £300 later. I wish I had sat on Carlton Hill, watched the fireworks and got a Deliveroo."
"It is hard to relax amidst the flurry of waiting staff constantly swopping plates of artfully displayed morsels."
"I was hungry and have really enjoyed Gardeners Cottage. We had walked all the way up the hill and therefore we stayed. It is a beautiful location. The interior is beautiful with views across the city in all directions."
"The portions were tiny, with extremely inconsistent plating."
Atmosphere and Location
Pros:
"The view is magnificent."
"We came for breakfast and really enjoyed it. Yes, the views are amazing and the cafe is designed to maximise your vantage point."
"The Lookout is an exceptional restaurant that truly showcases the most spectacular views in the city."
"5 stars for the venue, so gorgeous! And the people were very friendly."
"The place is just a small glass box with stunning views all around."
"The location is unbelievable and thus the views are breathtaking as they look out on to the whole city."
"The location was great. Good staff. Predefined menu."
"Very special restaurant the panoramic view of Edinburgh is amazing."
Cons:
"The place looks very nice and the view is fantastic however the gentleman who greeted us was very unprofessional."
"The restaurant is situated at the top of Calton hill. The menu might change now so you can double check it."
"The whole staff was staring at us when we came in like we were crazy and it was so awkward we left."
"The location and its views are amazing but the food and the service are average at best."
"The only way to get a table is to book, and plan to do it a couple of weeks in advance as it's a small restaurant with less than 15 tables."
"Although this place is located right on top of Calton Hill, this is an amazing hide out for couples."
"Negotiating unlit space to the footpath only possible with my resourceful companion. Then steps.. They MUST get their taxi service sorted."
"We just came to check the new place and menu, in the entryway we have been greeted with and angry face of a waiter who asked us through the closed door if we are entering or not."