Girdy and Birdy went to Hot Toddy on Jeffrey Street, which is just off the Royal Mile. Birdy knows one of the staffers at the indie Scottish restaurant, so Girdy will write the review. We paid for our own dinner.
As an Edinburgh local, which restaurants would you recommend? You’re an Edinburgh influencer; which restaurant should I go to? These are questions I get asked fairly often. I’d quibble the ‘Edinburgh influencer’ tag, but I’d recommend Hot Toddy. Let me tell you why.
Firstly, if you come to Edinburgh you should try a hot toddy, a whisky drink, and why not try it within range of the castle and at an indie venue named after the drink?
Secondly, should you not try haggis, neeps and tatties or the new traditional dish of deep-fried Mars bar if you come to Edinburgh? You can do both at Hot Hoddy or neither, with a menu filled with perfectly reasonable alternatives such as risotto, steak or Highland venison.
What’s the negative? As an Edinburgh local, I don’t often eat or drink near the Royal Mile because you pay for the honour, and Hot Toddy did not break that rule. Our bill was close to what we paid for the team Christmas meal at The Dome. That said, it was a better deal with more food.
Hot Toddy food and drink
I had a hot toddy and Birdy something non-alcoholic as is her want.
I think Birdy picked well, going for the Highland venison, which came with baby roasted potatoes and a rosemary-enhanced reduction, but I won’t complain about my catch of the day. The catch of the day, which is listed on a blackboard on the wall if you don’t want to ask, was salmon and was expertly done.
Afterwards, we had another round of drinks with Birdy trying a non-alcoholic hot toddy (and likely due to me stupidly declaring, ‘I can’t come to Hot Toddy without trying a hot toddy’) and me with a whisky. I finished Birdy’s hot non-toddy, as even non-alcoholic whisky is an acquired taste.
I also had a deep-fried Mars bar on a plate with ice cream. I had been warned they’re sickly sweet but this is nonsense, at least at Hot Toddy, and I’d simply call them lovely!
Are the in-laws visiting, and you want to find some impressive food that costs enough to impress without breaking the bank or clients who want to do something Scottish? Take them to Hot Toddy. Are you those in-laws? Ask for Hot Toddy, as it’s a good match.
Hot Toddy’s vibe and venue
My only niggle is that the popular cafe / bistro / restaurant has wisely got as many tables in as possible. With my fat arse and backpack (sorry, I’m one of those wankers), I had to be careful squeezing out between tables.
The gents are downstairs, too, and I still remember my years on a talking stick. The trek would have been a challenge.
Gee, I’ve started with a negative, and perhaps that’s because everything else is great!
Service at Hot Toddy is swift, friendly and professional. I watched people move tables without telling staff, ignoring a reserved time, and I watched the Hot Toddy staff cope. When we ordered one dessert between two people, the team automatically brought two sets of cutlery just in case we wanted to share it (fat chance; desserts are all mine!).
Given the abundance of green, I wouldn’t call the decor particularly Scottish as Hot Toddy feels more Mediterian to me. I’ve zero complaints about that! The food and drink are a reason to visit the restaurant but the look and feel is why it’s a safe venue to bring family, clients or peers.
Things to do near the Royal Mile
There’s the Palace of Holyrood at one end of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle at the other. Both are worth visiting.
Jeffrey Street pretty much connects Waverley station to the Royal Mile, so it is very handy. On the way, you’ll pass Edinburgh Dungeons, and I’d do that spooky attraction before dinner.
At Hot Toddy, you’re close to the National Museum of Scotland and other City Centre attractions.
Overall
Hot Toddy is my answer to the question, “Where should I go when I visit Edinburgh?”. It serves haggis, deep-fried Mars bars and, of course, whisky, including the titular hot toddy.
The staff are great, the cost fair (but not cheap), and the central venue fantastic. What’s not to like about it?
Review of Hot Toddy
Summary
Hot Toddy on Jeffrey Street is a fantastic Scottish restaurant with friendly service and delicious food. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s a great place to experience Edinburgh’s culinary scene.
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