Hot Toddy — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

Treated like second class citizens and given an inferior and different cut of beef than described on the menu. Left feeling ripped-off

Took over twenty minutes for the wait staff to come to our table. The place was empty...maybe four tables with patrons. We order drinks, a starter, and two mains.

Took five minutes to get the drinks. Ten minutes later the waiter arrives with our entire meal: starters and both main dishes. The table was so small that there was no way to put everything on the table. He wants to give us all three dishes, but we insist. So, he leaves the starter and takes the mains back.

We eat the starter, which was very good.

The waiter comes back fifteen minutes later to ask about serving our mains. We say okay.

He returns with mains that clearly had been sitting on the counter while we ate our starter. The wife's "Rib Eye" was cooked to a dark grey. She asked for medium rare. My plate was lukewarm.

My wife never sends food back but the "Rib Eye" was sooo over cooked as to be leather.

The new "Rib Eye" comes out ten minutes later. Curiously, there are five vine tomatoes on top of the steak. Weird presentation, Okay. This time the steak is very rare! I guess in their mind One overcooked steak and one undercooked steak equals medium rare steak. The vegetables under the steak are clearly the vegetables from "Rib Eye" version 1.0 shoe leather.

My wife gives me a taste of the "Rib Eye", which is when I realize WHY the tomatoes were on top of the steak. It was not a rib eye steak at all but a much cheaper "Top Round", which has a similar shape. With the sauce on the steak you could not see if there was marbling. There was absolutely ZERO marbling. The chef had put the tomatoes on top and covered the steak with sauce to hide the inferior cut! I asked my wife if she would like it sent back but at this point, she was just hungry. Plus, I doubt they even had the correct cut in their FREEZER.

I was only able to eat half of my main as it was tasteless and lukewarm. I...

Hot Toddy in Edinburgh is a real gem, offering a delightful dining experience that manages to be both impressive and affordable. The menu boasts classic Scottish fare with a modern twist, like the Highland venison with rosemary-enhanced reduction and the expertly prepared catch of the day, which was salmon during my visit. They even cater to those who prefer non-alcoholic options, with a selection of creative mocktails like the non-alcoholic hot toddy. And for those with a sweet tooth, the deep-fried Mars bar is a must-try – it's surprisingly delicious and not overly sweet.

The service at Hot Toddy is truly top-notch. The staff are friendly, efficient, and incredibly attentive, even anticipating our needs before we voiced them. They handled a busy and slightly chaotic atmosphere with grace and professionalism, ensuring that every customer felt valued. Despite the restaurant being packed, the service remained swift and personable, adding to the overall positive experience.

While the decor might not scream "Scottish Highlands," the ambiance is warm and inviting. The abundance of greenery creates a fresh, Mediterranean feel, making it a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing space for any occasion. Whether you're dining with family, entertaining clients, or catching up with friends, Hot Toddy provides a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Hot Toddy ticks all the boxes for a memorable dining experience in Edinburgh. With its delicious food, excellent service, and pleasant atmosphere, it's a safe bet for anyone looking to enjoy a taste of Scotland. The central location, fair prices, and diverse menu make it an easy recommendation for locals and tourists alike. If you're looking for a place to impress without breaking the bank, Hot Toddy...

Space is small and cozy with tons of indoor plants from floor to ceiling. Attended the Whisky & Folklore event hosted by English Ben. It’s a good opportunity to meet and mingle with other travelers from across the globe. Although it was enjoyable, I wish I hadn’t scheduled it for the same day as landing after 12 hours of flying. I especially wish I didn’t have 4 glasses of wine on an empty stomach before I took off from LA and had to suffer through a bit of a hangover. With the sour stomach, sleep deprivation and jet lag I decided not to partake in the tasting but stayed for the stories. I felt awful for yawning nonstop during the last bit of the event but truly could not help it. (You’re great English Ben!) I learned quite a bit about what whiskey is, the different regions and flavors, and history from him between tales.

Once finished I figured I better try to put something in my stomach that isn’t alcohol. I ordered the curry cauliflower pie which came with rocket/arugula salad. The food was delicious but it took much longer than expected to actually get the food (maybe 30 minutes or so). I had to ask the staff to check at one point. The travel was hitting me hard and by the time the food came, I could only finish the small salad and half the pie. I took it back with me and had it cold the next day and found it to still...