Howies at Waterloo
- Food served: Sun–Fri noon–2.30pm, 5.30–10pm / Sat noon–3pm, 5.30–10pm. [Extended in Fest.]
- Pre-theatre times: Sun–Thu 5.30–7.30pm (tables vacated by 7.30pm)
- Bar open: Coffee: Mon–Sun from 11am
- Number of wines sold by the glass: 10
- Private dining: Up to 26 covers
- Also offers: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Children's high chairs, Wheelchair access, Pre-theatre menu, Outdoor tables
- Music on stereo: Contemporary easy listening
- Capacity: 131
- Largest group: 105
- Open since: 2001
- Average price:
£8.95 (set lunch)
£19.50 (evening meal) - Pre-theatre price: £14.95
- House wine: £11.95 per bottle
- BYOB: £3 corkage
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The 2011/12 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).
This review is taken from the current (2011) edition.
Howies has established itself as something of an Edinburgh institution over the past 21 years, so much so that it’s hard to think of a time when it didn’t exist at one site or another. Currently trading from four disparate Edinburgh locations spread between the West End, Old Town, East End and Bruntsfield, and from individual and interestingly converted buildings, each Howies has its own distinctive style but remains unmistakeably part of the larger group. All of the restaurants are kitted out in a smart-but-spartan manner and offer comparable but distinct menus of solid Scottish fare, which change monthly or seasonally depending on the chef in charge. These contain dishes such as Cullen skink, haggis croquettes, coley fishcakes, roasted pheasant and escalope of salmon, with plenty of choice for veggies too. With reasonable pricing and some good deals on offer, the Howies remain popular with those looking for a decent set lunch or an affordable dinner out, and they’re rarely quiet. Service is usually very good, even at busy times, and BYOB is available. At time of going to press, Howies in the West End had started offering a larger menu described as ‘designed for sharing’. The Howies may not be the fanciest places in Edinburgh to eat, but they’re comprehensively reliable and understandably popular with a wide-ranging clientele: rushed office-lunchers, family groups having a leisurely lunch and large birthday parties, with a venue to suit each.
- High point: Affordable and reliably consistent Scottish fare
- Low point: Underwhelming wine list
Reviews of Howies at Waterloo (29 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh)
- 1. Anna, Edinburgh – 16 July 2008, 7:58pmHowies at WaterlooReport
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We had a lovely meal here with our family. The staff were so attentitive our 3 year old was spoilt rotten for an hour! The restaurant is beautiful and a perfect location for lunch after a photo oppportunity on the top of Calton Hill. The food was simple, tasty and great value for money. We were very impressed to see free range chicken - well done Howies! We will be back!
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