Review: Treatz Edinburgh – A Dessert Parlour on Lothian Road

Treatz Edinburgh occupies a prime spot on Lothian Road and, at first glance, it looks intimidatingly glamorous. With a red velvet rope outside and a marbled foyer where delivery drivers often wait, you might be forgiven for thinking this is an exclusive club rather than a dessert parlour. It looks posh enough to put some people off, but the reality is far more welcoming.

Despite the luxurious aesthetic, the prices are surprisingly grounded. It does not cost as much as you might fear; in fact, it is often cheaper than the ice cream specialists found on the Royal Mile or the bridges. It is a location that balances high-end looks with an accessible menu, making it a curious addition to the city’s sweet scene.

A Shiny, Sugar-Centric Universe

The interior of Treatz feels like a deliberate step away from the rustic or faded aesthetic of other Edinburgh cafes. While some long-standing dessert spots feel like they are treading water, Treatz feels shiny and new. The decor is clean, romantic, and modern, making it a fantastic date location.

If you want to impress a romantic or business partner, this is the place to test their sugar tolerance. It is a lovely, quiet spot for sombre chats or intimate conversations. You generally won’t find many families or rowdy groups here; the atmosphere tends to favour adult couples looking to escape the bustle of the city.

Patience is a Virtue (and a Requirement)

While the environment is pristine, the service rhythm can be a stumbling block. Do not visit Treatz if you are in a hurry. The pace is leisurely to the point of being slow. There is often confusion for first-timers about the ordering process: you might wait to be seated, wait for a menu, and then wonder whether table service is actually happening or if you should head to the counter.

However, once the food arrives, the value is evident. You can order a whole strawberry waffle for around a tenner, or a vast tray of mini doughnuts for £12. A single scoop of ice cream sits around the £4 mark. The portions are generous – if your date cannot scoff down these vast quantities, they are clearly not living in the same sugar-centric universe as the rest of us.

If you cannot face the marble foyer or the potential wait, you can always check Just Eat or Deliveroo to see if they can bring the waffles to your door instead.

Things to do in Lothian Road

Lothian Road is a bustling artery of Edinburgh, bridging the gap between the West End and the Meadows. It is a prime spot for entertainment. Film buffs can catch the latest blockbusters at the Odeon cinema right on the street, or visit the historic Cameo which is part of the Cineworld family. If theatre is more your style, the Traverse and Lyceum are just around the corner.

For those visiting the city, accommodation options are plentiful. You can book a luxury stay at the Sheraton Grand or the Waldorf Astoria through Booking.com. For more budget-friendly options, there is a Britannia Hotel nearby.

Getting here is easy with Haymarket station a short walk away – check Trainline for tickets. If you are planning to explore further afield, such as the Pentland Hills, you can hire a car from Enterprise, Hertz, or Europcar. For shorter trips, Zipcar is a convenient option. Don’t forget to sort your cover with AllClear Travel Insurance before you go.

Overall

Treatz Edinburgh is a fantastic antidote to dieting. It is the place to go when you have 1500 calories to spare and want to spoil yourself. It is not a place for the inebriated after a pub crawl, but rather a shiny sanctuary for the sweet-toothed. I have been several times, and I will go back, though perhaps not when I am watching the clock.