Chop House — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

“Unacceptable Service and Disregard for Neurodivergent Needs – A Thoroughly Disappointing Experience”

When making a reservation, I informed the restaurant that both parties attending were autistic and had ADHD. I specifically requested a table that would allow us to enjoy our meal without sensory overload. On arrival, I was pleased to see that they had offered a spacious table that accommodated our sensory needs. Unfortunately, that’s where the positive experience ended.

Issues Encountered:

Drinks Service: When I asked if they offered bottled beer, I was instead given a pint. Later, I found out they could have offered a schooner—something more manageable that would have suited our needs better. This lack of communication was disappointing. Starter Misrepresentation: The menu lacked clarity. We ordered “mozzarella sticks,” only to be served chopped tomatoes with mozzarella on top—completely different from what we expected. Excessive Wait Times: We waited over 40 minutes for our main courses without any updates from the staff. Given that I had made the restaurant aware of our neurodivergent needs in advance, this situation was particularly upsetting. Raising the issue of wait times with the staff would have been extremely uncomfortable for us. Our neurodivergence means that initiating conflict or even mild confrontation can be highly stressful and overwhelming. The fact that the staff did not proactively communicate the delay, despite being made aware of our circumstances, showed a lack of consideration and made us feel forgotten and unsupported during the meal. Quality of Food: The main dishes were a letdown. As a steakhouse, I expected better. Both “medium rare” steaks were overcooked and far from enjoyable. For the price, this was unacceptable. Hygiene: The toilets were in a deplorable state. One had vomit in it, and the other was smeared with feces. This was not just unpleasant—it was outright unhygienic.

Overall Experience:

I left feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and upset. The poor service, misrepresented food, long wait times, and unhygienic facilities made the £124 bill feel like an insult. For two overcooked steaks, disappointing starters, and an unpleasant overall experience, this was an absolute waste.

I would not recommend Chop House Steakhouse to anyone, especially those with specific needs. They may talk the talk, but they failed to deliver in every...

The food was good but the experience was nowhere near what you would expect for a restaurant in this price bracket. I sent the below as private feedback and was offered "a complimentary round of drinks & 10% off your bill, if you visit again". I let them know that I didn't think this really amounted to a fair adjustment for the experience they provided but haven't heard back.

I had a booking for a table of 5 last night. I have eaten at Market Street a couple of times over the years and fairly regularly in Bruntsfield when it was open.

Last night was my son's 20th birthday celebration, he likes a steak, and we wanted a special meal. The service was not at all what I have experienced from you before or what you would expect from a meal in this price bracket. We didn't hold back - had cocktails, wine, starters and your most expensive sharing steak.

It was one of those restaurant experiences where you have to flag down a server who is determinedly looking down or the other way. No doubt they were understaffed, but it was quite deflating to bring the family for an extravagent celebration meal and have to work hard to get a drinks order in so long after being seated. We ordered food when the drinks arrived to avoid losing the server again.

I asked for descriptions of the sharing cuts and was surprised when she didn't know. A colleague came and explained - perhaps I am mis-remembering but I seem to recall the team being pretty clear on the core product. I thought the lack of training was odd - 5 minutes would have been sufficient to learn the differences.

We arrived maybe 7.05 and it was 8.20 before we got starters by which point some of the party were very hungry, and just before 9pm when we got mains. We followed the recommendation to have the Tommahawk 'medium' but what came was quite a bit rarer than that - I have a picture if you would like it.

The food was great and we enjoyed the meal. The steaks were excellent and the oyster dressing superb.

We had apologies from three different team members about waits - so they were clearly aware. When the bill came they had deducted an amount for the slow service, but I think around £8, which is honestly insulting. I paid the full amount rather than getting into a conversation then which wasn't in the spirit of a...

Firstly, atmosphere. The arch literally melts away with a unique hanging couch design i haven't seen anywhere in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Scotland, the tables are notably well placed although it may seem a little far to reach for some it lends to good posture and comfort. And before I talk about the food, let's address the amazing service, i often struggle with the Scottish service sector, few can deny that some scots just shouldn't. But this is something else, not overly attentive, but accommodating and delightful, will chat and follow up but don't push it or disturb. Knowledgeable and down to earth, extremely polite and just good staff.

And one more thing... There's a icebox filled with crustations at the bar. Well played.

Now food I ordered a rib eye (medium well, i don't like blood) and the famous Mac and cheese, and everyone else got the sirloin. (Imaginative aren't they)

To start i got tempura prawns and mosteralla.

The cheese was well olive oiled, peppered and presented. It was also really good fresh mozzarella which is the main thing here, the peppers were also really good and crunchy. The prawns came with puree tomatoes that weren't great, over seasoned and a bit dried. However the prawns themselves were a multifaceted experience of batter and "squish" that you only get in premium seafood, 5 stars for a starter, no head but that's a UK thing.

Steaaaaks The ribeye was amazing, without sauce perfect, and with peppercorn, the best steak in the east coast besides Hawksmoor, for half the price. Enough said. The Mac and cheese was HOT but creamy And all those little burnt bits were delicious. The sirloin was delicious and well charred and salted.

Overall amazing atmosphere, menu and staff.

Also the business cards are chamfered, 5 stars for design. (If you can't tell i came with...