Bentoya — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

Bentoya, Edinburgh – A Mixed Experience

Bentoya, located just off Lothian Road and opposite the DoubleTree hotel, offers a traditional Japanese dining experience with a few notable highs and lows. The restaurant is split across two floors, with the downstairs boasting a far more inviting interior. The light wood design, complete with traditional seating areas featuring soft pillows and sliding doors, creates an authentic atmosphere.

However, the top floor feels noticeably cramped, particularly in the first seating area, where three tables for two are squeezed into a tight space. The bar and kitchen are positioned near the entrance, meaning background noise from food preparation is inevitable. The kitchen is also visualised via a glass window as walking pass.

A complimentary miso soup accompanies the bento box, which is a nice touch.

The sake sampler was a mixed experience—while the Seitoku Bessen stood out for its clean taste, the Akitabare Shunsetsu was overly alcohol-forward, and the final fruit-infused yuzushu ume no yado felt more like a dessert drink.

The sushi was inconsistent; the tuna was disappointingly chewy, while the salmon fared better.

The chicken yakitori was average, with both fat and skin left on the skewer, which may not suit all diners.

Similarly, the duck in the bento box had a significant layer of fat—fine for those who enjoy it, but off-putting for others. The bento box contained an excessive amount of rice, making up almost a quarter of the portion.Both meat quality was average which made the whole bento box experience rather lack lustre,

Service was perfunctory but unremarkable—efficient but lacking warmth or attentiveness. A 10% service charge was added, which felt unwarranted given the level of engagement from staff. While Bentoya offers a more extensive menu than Kanpai, the latter remains the benchmark for Japanese cuisine in Edinburgh and is only two streets away.

Bentoya has potential, but it falls short in several areas. The atmosphere varies greatly depending on where you’re seated, and the food, while decent in parts, lacks consistency.

With better Japanese options available nearby, it’s worth considering alternatives unless you’re particularly drawn to the...

We had a very disappointing experience at this restaurant on Saturday. I had made a reservation for 7 people, and when we arrived, we were taken to the basement level and given a table that clearly could not accommodate us all. One of my family members politely asked for a larger table. We understood the restaurant was busy and said we were happy to wait outside if needed. The waitress agreed and allowed us to wait while seated.

When a table was ready upstairs, we were guided to the ground floor. While walking to the table, another waitress abruptly asked if we had taken the menus with us. I replied that the menus were still downstairs. She then rolled her eyes at us, showing clear attitude for no valid reason. If customers are expected to bring menus up themselves, she should have said so politely. Instead, she responded with unnecessary rudeness.

This same waitress later came to refill our water and slammed the bottle onto the table, making a loud noise. Her whole manner was aggressive and disrespectful. It was meant to be a birthday dinner, but her behaviour ruined the atmosphere.

We spent £40+ pp plus a 10 percent service charge, which made it even more frustrating to receive this kind of poor service. For that amount, we expected a basic level of professionalism and courtesy, which we absolutely did not get.

The food was fine, but the service was shockingly bad, especially from that waitress. I left the restaurant feeling angry and...

Tucked away on Bread Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Bentoya by Ishi is a hidden gem that captures the spirit of Japan with elegance and quiet confidence. The minimalist wooden décor and calming atmosphere offer a welcome pause from the city’s rhythm.

The sushi here? A marvel. Each piece—whether it’s a classic salmon nigiri or one of their creative signature rolls—is prepared with such care that you feel the reverence behind it. The fish is immaculately fresh, the rice expertly seasoned, and the plating consistently beautiful. Their ramen and tempura dishes are equally delightful, full of subtle depth and perfect textures.

But what truly sets Bentoya apart—and what made the evening unforgettable—is the staff. Warm, gracious, and genuinely attentive, they strike the perfect balance between professionalism and heartfelt hospitality. You’re not just served here; you’re looked after. Every question was met with knowledge and kindness, and every gesture—from a smile to the pacing of courses—spoke volumes about their commitment to creating an exceptional experience.

There’s something quietly special about this place. It’s not loud or flashy; it’s simply excellent, in all the ways that matter. I left Bentoya not only satisfied, but sincerely grateful—and already looking forward to...