Howies Victoria Street — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

Thrilled we could enjoy Howies again...

Amazing holiday evening meal, accommodated me in my powered wheelchair and despite my personal challenges with pain and mobility we had a fantastic evening... As good as we remember! WHEELCHAIR ACCESS is not easy but very doable. Food and people very worth it!

As students, 25 years ago, this was a favourite place to come and share food knowing it would be something special and that the welcome always warm.

20 years ago I chatted with the owner who put together an incredible package allowing us to have 40 guests for our Wedding lunch... Family still talk of the haggis starter, the wonderful atmosphere and of course... The Banoffee pie!

14 years ago we brought our daughter to eat with us at this special place... We now live two hours train ride south in Darlington and this meal finished off a weekend holiday. Emily so enjoyed it too... The haggis.. And the Banoffee pie!

14 years ago I became a wheelchair user and life brought up some challenges so it's been harder to get up to Edinburgh and when I called I found it would be impossible to get my powered chair up the slope on a slant.

HOWEVER! This year we decided to have a 3 day break in Auld Reekie. Our daughter stayed home and we've had the most wonderful long weekend enjoying memories of where we met, where we married and... I noticed something new on Howies's website saying it was now accessible.

I want to thank Karen for giving us enough information and enthusiasm to give us confidence in booking table for two on Monday evening. Thank you to all staff for your incredible work helping us get me and chair not only up both ramps but comfy and plugged in (when we came home from the train station at 12.30am this was so so appreciated!)

We pushed the boat out and had 3 courses and drinks. Still excellent value, still something very special that is affordable for a end of holiday treat!

Everything explained beautifully but all staff we came in contact with.

We drank.... Apple juice and he had cider. Both super yummy!

We ate well!

TO START:

Chicken and duck terrine with walnuts and an amazing sauce accompanying crunchie oat cakes

Haggis, beeps and tatties... (which 25years later has changed form a little. Still peppery, meaty, succulent with sweet beeps and creamy spuds...)

MAIN EVENT:

Casserole of the day was Vennison, betteroot, roots with juniper... It was succulent, soft, interesting yet cosy...

Catch of the day which was Hake in beans, tomato, delicious!

Both with soft, buttery cabbage, broccoli and green beans.

DESSERT:

We shared a heavenly Banoffee pie... Buttery biscuit base, silky toffee cream with real sweet banana and a chocolate sauce...

Then we shared cheese, a butty cheddar, gorgeous softer cheese (brie?) and a hebridean blue... All from the place a few doors down which is legendary in itself!

(we pushed the boat out... Had everything our hearts and bellies desired! Spent £40 each for local, stunning produce, exceptional cooking and service. 3 course each plus drinks. We felt this exceptional value)

We were treated like VIPs... And I noticed everyone felt the same. At Howies it always feels special, a celebration of food and good company! We are so happy that with staff patience, detailed information and a strong ramp.... We could join in the party again after 25 years of it being a favourite...

During our 3-day trip to Edinburgh last week to celebrate Chinese New Year, my hubby and I walked past Howies Restaurant on our second morning and were shocked to see a long line of people waiting for lunch—so early! It immediately piqued our curiosity, but we continued with our planned sightseeing.

Later that afternoon, around 2 p.m., we decided to try our luck for a late lunch, and fortunately, we were seated. From the very start, the service impressed us. Bee and Olivia, our waitresses, were so friendly and professional. When we asked if we could share a three-course meal plus an appetizer (as I have a small appetite), they explained why it might not be possible and immediately sought guidance from the General Manager, Sarah. She kindly informed us that each guest needed to order at least one main course, but the entire conversation was handled with such politeness and sincerity that we felt completely respected—no discomfort at all.

We then ordered two two-course lunches: 🍲 My hubby’s meal: Carrot soup & salmon main 🐟 My meal: Catch of the day main & a dessert

The carrot soup was absolutely incredible—who would have thought a simple carrot soup could have such a memorable aftertaste? It was hands down the best carrot soup I’ve ever had. Even the bread served with it was outstanding—clearly baked in-house, with a thin, crispy crust and soft, slightly tangy interior. We loved its texture and depth of flavor.

Both fish mains were perfectly cooked, bringing out the true essence of fresh seafood—simple yet executed flawlessly.

When Restaurant Manager, Karen passed by, we shared our appreciation for the food. She enthusiastically told us more about the ingredients and preparation—a clear sign of how deeply involved and passionate she is about her work.

As for dessert, I was torn between the Banoffee pie and the warm apple/lemon crumble. Bee went above and beyond—she showed me photos of both, listened to my preferences, explained their differences, and even asked the chef if my request to have sauces/toppings on the side could be accommodated.

I ultimately went with the recommended Banoffee pie, and it turned out to be the perfect choice! Both my hubby and I don’t like desserts that are overly sweet, and their Banoffee pie was light yet flavorful, with a beautifully balanced layered texture, not just physically but also in taste:

A crispy biscuit base A thin layer of caramel A thin layer of fresh banana A very light, cheese-like cream as the core Each layer stood out on its own yet matched perfectly with the others, creating a harmonious and delightful bite every time.

✨ A huge thank you to the chef team for their professional cooking, and to the management and floor staff for their sincere service. ✨ At Howies, they don’t just serve great meals—they create a truly exceptional dining experience.

Overall, an unforgettable meal! A heartfelt thank you to Bee, Olivia, Sarah, and Karen, and the entire team for their warm hospitality and dedication. We now understand why people are willing to line up for Howies, and if we visit Edinburgh again, we’ll...

Emily to my rescue.

Not long before Christmas I was halfway through a six week trip across the other side of the world from home (Australia), I was on a solo week in between stretches of travelling with company, and I was just having a Time of things. I was tired after a two day bus tour, I was hungry because I’d shopped instead of finding a decent meal when aforementioned tour bus had stopped for lunch hours ago, I was stressed about some impending travel logistics, and I was getting overwhelmed by the combination. I desperately needed to have a sit and something to eat in order to pull myself together and carry on, but it seemed like every restaurant I stuck my head into was full up with no space for even a solo diner. It was a Friday night in mid-December in Edinburgh’s old town, I really shouldn’t have been surprised, but due to my overwhelmed state, brain wasn’t necessarily braining well at the time.

Howies was maybe the third or fourth place I’d tried to get a seat for me and my overwhelmedness, and I was pretty close to a meltdown. I tried my best to keep it together but when the lady at the Howies entry kindly but clearly said they were full, as I said “ok thanks” and turned away, I burst into tears, which was preeeeeeetty embarrassing for me.

Howies lady, soon to be identified to me as Emily, wasn’t having a bar of that. Before I’d even made it back out the front door, she sat me down on the bench in the entrance, comforted me (with what time she could afford during what was clearly a busy service), and made me feel welcome to take my time pulling myself together right there. In my state, her kindness only kept me crying, but out of gratitude, so a little better than it had been.

Just as I was feeling about ready to head back out and carry on trying to find a suitable place to stop and eat, Emily appeared back in the entryway to let me know that a number of Howies staff had hustled together a little solo table for me, if I was still hungry. If I teared up yet again, nobody called attention to it, and I was shown through to my new favourite place in Edinburgh.

I honestly don’t have a clear memory now of what the food itself tasted like, but judging by my photos, it can’t possibly have been anything less than delicious.

This review is well overdue, as it’s been almost two months since that evening, but a great number of people in my life have since heard all about how Emily turned Edinburgh around for me. I hope she’s an incredibly valued staff member. Please pass on my immense gratitude, as her kindness has stayed with me, and anyone I know heading to Edinburgh is being directed promptly to Howie’s. (Preferably with a booking, just...