Hope Izakaya — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

Love the interior design, vibrant and very fun - really gave me very positives vibes when I sat down.

Waitress was lovely and gave me as much attention as she could considering she was the only floor staff. She even let me pick out my sake glass, which was a lovely touch.

The sake bottles they use with the whiskey stone indent are great! So I was very excited for my food.

However; that's where the experience soured.

Instead of prawn tempura I got breaded prawns. Which perhaps wouldn't have been so bad if it was served with tentsuyu to help cut through the fat flavour but instead there were only a few (mostly decorative) drops of mayonnaise. I HATE mayonnaise but still had to use a little to elevate the bland and greasy flavour of the breaded prawns.

The lack of Takoyaki was a surprise and slight disappointment but the inclusion of okonomiyaki on the menu was a welcome sight.

Not quite sure why I had a naruto in my Unagi bowl but to each their own - it looked cute, I suppose... very Instagram worthy.

However there was something about the Unagi that tasted... Dusty? It's hard to describe - edible but certainly subpar and not something I ever encountered when ordering eel elsewhere.

Not an awful experience by any means but I think I've been spoiled by other venues. I've eaten better Japanese for the same price range and thus; have higher expectations. But I suppose I am paying the Prince's Street premium location tax.

The dessert was fine if a bit small - it was, however, very photograph-able for the social media clout.

And in general a lot of things had a very clean and professional look about them that gives a photo op vibe.

Bonus points for "SPLASH FREE" playing over the radio. The music was pretty good in general - heard some Miku too. Nice mix of...

First of all, I will say that the Karaage chicken was great and the drinks were also solid. Decor was very pretty as well. Udon was okay - very light in the broth and not super flavorful. However I don’t think that so-so udon deserves 2 stars.

Where the 2 stars comes in was the weird rudeness of the staff. The waiter accidently spilled his drink all down my shirt, pants and phone. Not a little spill, a very big spill. The glass broke and we had to change tables and everything. I wasn’t too mad about it or anything - thankfully I wasn’t wearing anything too nice and I went to the bathroom to clean up. Minimal apologies and the waiter was switched for a new one, but I moved on and went on with my meal.

When the bill comes over, the new waiter unapologetically brings over the full bill. And look, I’m not going to ask for a comped meal because I feel like that’s rude. But like a free drink, or app, or something of the sort is just good customer service seeing as my pants and phone and shirt were very sticky.

So I pay but decide not to tip. Then the waitress gives me what I can only describe as a look, I’m assuming because I didn’t tip.

Overall it was just a very poor customer service experience. The food wasn’t bad but I wouldn’t...

Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, this authentic Japanese restaurant offers a memorable culinary experience. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were greeted with a super warm welcome. The cosy atmosphere, enhanced by beautifully crafted decor featuring charming carp fish lights, created a visually beautiful venue.

The staff were so attentive, they were always on hand, ensuring our water glasses were filled and that we had everything we needed. It was refreshing to dine somewhere where we never felt rushed; instead, we were encouraged to savor each moment.

Now, let’s talk about the food—an absolute highlight of our visit. Each dish was fresh and bursting with flavor, showcasing the authenticity of Japanese cuisine. The portions were generous but just the right amount. The tonkotsu ramen, in particular, stood out as a dish I could eat over and over again.

Overall, this gem in Edinburgh exceeded all expectations. With its welcoming ambiance, attentive service, and delicious, authentic food, I am already looking forward to my next visit - especially with so much to choose from on the menu. If you’re seeking a true taste of Japan, this restaurant is not...