Filling Station in Edinburgh, City of

OK. Buy plenty of better options around

Went there on our last visit to Edinburgh. Unlike most other restaurants nearby, you can always get a seat here. The food is good, the service is friendly. Prices aren't exorbitant either. You don't have to think about tipping, it's already included in the final amount.

Cheap and really good food if you’re in Edinburgh its a solid choice

Very good burgers, fries also (a little lukewarm unfortunately), fish and chips also very good, to make.... Pleasant setting, pleasant staff despite our disastrous Franglais 😄, speed

Nicely decorated restaurant, great service Best ribs I've eaten at a restaurant <3

When my children were little, we'd often visit here. The food was always good value for money... Not tonight it wasn't! Sadly, The Filling Station has lost its sparkle, rather like the country it represents. I ordered the 'Classis' Loaded BBQ Melt at £18.00. Not wanting to create a scene in front of my guests, I persisted out of politeness, but rather than giving us cutlery, they'd have been kinder, offering me a hammer and chisel. The chicken was solid and dry, I say chicken, it was mostly batter and not fresh either. Every dish was poor quality, child sized portions, unlike the standards they once provided. All the sides have been stripped bare from the plate... It appears this hyperinflation of paying more for less became apparent tonight. I wouldn't eat here again!

Loved it we went to meat up with a few friends and everyone loved it .waiters were lovely. Everything was great great for meeting up with people and very family-friendly. loved it great night out🥳🥳🥳

Great spot for drinks and their burgers are great.. friendly service and well located. I would recommend this spot for sure 👍

I came for the garlic bread, but stayed for the rest of the American classic fare. Lively atmosphere with racing decor and friendly, attentive service. Ready to refuel you when recovering from your hike up to Edinburgh Castle.

It was a terrible decision to eat here. Several places were packed, we were all hungry, and this place had available seating. Should have been our first clue! My daughter-in-law ordered a Caesar salad with chicken....chicken was dry and no cheese. She asked for cheese and after 10 minutes the waited came back and said, "We ran out of cheese yesterday." I ordered the pizza, no words can describe how bad it was. My husband ordered the nachos. Talk about stale, oil soaked, gross food. My granddaughter ordered the club without bacon. Guess who got bacon? Our son ordered the Cajun wrap and he said it was good. All in all, not a place I would ever recommend.

Food was tasty and the service very friendly.

Been here 2 times in the last couple of days, between 30-60 min before closing time, and both days they already 'closed the cash desks' so the staff could go home in time. So you could not order anything anymore, also not to take away. Friendly suggestion: adjust your opening hours...

Breakfast in here was great. Love the way they service American bacon. Staff were friendly and helpful. Wide range of items on the menu for every taste. The decorations of the restaurant is awesome all states themed. Highly recommend coming here.

Great food friendly staff great atmosphere

We ate breakfast here on a Saturday and Sunday. Food was consistently good , as was the service. Different waiters each day but the service was friendly and nothing was too much trouble -they even accommodated requests for extra accompaniments that weren’t on the menu. The waiter informed us that the 10% service charge was discretionary but we were more than happy to pay it for such great service. Can’t understand the negative reviews as the six of us loved it.

Terrible service. The manager kicked us out of the place because we wanted to eat at the bar. Since we arrived a very angry attitude. Don't go, they will treat you badly.

The very rude manager yelled at us and kicked us out of the place. Terrible service

Great food. Exemplary service. Reasonable cost. Fun afternoon with my daughter was rounded of nicely in there.

Just a great evening, lovely food and fab staff!

I recently booked a table at The Filling Station, requesting to be seated away from others as my son has additional needs. Despite the restaurant not being full, they seated us right next to a group of people, completely ignoring my request. This was incredibly disappointing and added unnecessary stress to our visit. To make matters worse, the waitress who served us was unfriendly and gave us a rude look when we asked for the bill, making the entire experience uncomfortable. Given that the restaurant wasn’t even busy, this level of service was unacceptable. Very disappointing visit.

We had pizza and it was good. Service was fast.

Lovely atmosphere and quick and good service. We went here for dinner on a friday night for dinner towards closing times when it was surprisingly empty.

Well located and nice place, and that’s all that they have to offer. The food is regular and the service is horrible, if you are a tourist don’t eat there. The manager offer an horrible customer experience.

We went here for a meal as we were on the High Street. Chose here as we have had lots of decent meals here in the past. We're extremely disappointed as the food was awful. Ordered chicken wings to start which were nice but lukewarm. My daughter ordered tenders but they came smothered in mayo. My daughter and I ordered barbecue chicken pizza. Omg it was awful. Could not cut and it was so chewy. Unable to eat. Chips were fine. My husband ordered a burger which was overcooked and the bacon on top could have soled your shoes. Waitress did take off the cost of the pizzas but a meal out was thoroughly spoiled by awful food. Apparently they were training a new chef. Avoid this place at all costs.

I needed somewhere to eat while exploring Edinburgh and thought their menu sounded good. The interior is identical to Frankie and Benny’s although it is run by a different company so I’m unsure if that’s intentional. The service was good and the food was delicious. The issues I have is that it isn’t priced as a mid-range chain restaurant. It’s priced at high end but the quality isn’t the same as high end. For example, it cost me £8.50 for a starter of soup - the same as in a high end independent place. Also, the toilets were rank, I’m sorry to say. In desperate need of cleaning and regular checks. As much as I’m sure the kitchen is clean, as the restaurant was, it is off putting to see a place have such dirty toilets.

Food was great. However, the cleanliness of the toilets left a lot to be desired. Spoke to staff regarding the toilet issue , they just said they couldn't get anyone in to clean them !

Spent 2 weeks driving around Scotland and this was the best place we ate in. Fabulous atmosphere, very friendly staff. Will definitely be back next time we are in Edinburgh.

Server was fantastic, young blonde girl.. gr8 food!

Lovely staff. Fish and chips too oily for my liking.

First food stop on my trip to Edinburgh. Lovely food. Great service. Recommend

Super dry food, how am I still hungry after eating full meal?

VERY DISAPPOINTED: - I'm coming for the third time, I should point out that I'm 31 years old and I don't look 18! I order a cider, they ask me for my passport. Which I left at the hotel but which I have a photo of as well as all my other documents on my phone. Let us refuse. On the other hand, the thirty-something guy sitting next to me, who orders a bottle of wine, is not asked for their ID. (Knowing that the two previous times I was served beers without asking). - When the waitress clears us we ask for the bill. Let us wait 15 minutes. (The restaurant is empty, there are 3 tables). Once we have the bill, we ask to pay. We wait ANOTHER 15 minutes before being cashed. I will not come back again, even though I loved this address and recommended it.

The food wasn't good and it was expensive for what it was. The chips were hard and fish was barely cooked. 2 x fish and chips, a beer and a glass of wine - £56! First and last time we've been.

Called in on a Saturday night was busy but staff very friendly and helpful, the food was first class and great choice on menu drinks and good reasonable prices were not rushed and will call again

Much better than you would expect. You won't find any children's restaurants in Edinburgh. 10 pounds for children's pizza, drink and 2 scoops of ice cream. The ambience was also good. I had a steak that was good too. Not a gourmet restaurant, but you should use it with 3 children. Very relaxed. Prices ok for the Royal Mile

Great food but you could have better options for what you pay for. Perhaps that’s cause it’s on a touristy street

We liked it so much, we are there twice! If you have a food allergy, they bring you a laptop and you can see your choices. Great staff! Food was quick, fresh, and hot. Great for groups!

We had a drink at seating outside. Informed no outside table service for food or drinks, which is fine. On getting drinks at bar saw that a 12.5% service charge had been added - not fine. A service charge just to stand at the bar and get a drink ! I asked for charge to be removed which they did no problem. I feel sorry for the staff who have to implement this tourist rip off tactic.

We were in Scotland for a few days. We had a very great meal at the filling station. The service was great. The restaurant was clean. The food was delicious.

Pasto in famiglia e ottima scelta devo dire, il locale è molto bello e il personale molto attento e gentile. Il cibo ottimo, ho potuto apprezzare un ottimo fish and chips, un wrap di pollo e ottime le chicken wings in salsa bbq davvero pttime , ottimo anche il brownie con gelato e salsa di cioccolato intiepidito e molto goloso.

Such a disappointing visit tonite ,Such bland ,dry & unappealing food !! Burger was so disappointing -No taste ,Chips were cold only thing 1/2 decent was the dessert but @£7.20 -It should be -Such a shame as its been here for over 25yrs (my 2nd awful experience) Now I know why it was so quiet & The fringe was on & Streets were so busy ?? Expensive too for Dry n bland not to be repeated ,They also put a service charge which we quickly took off -U need to improve or you'll not be here by Christmas!! -Sorry Guys there are so much better ,Fresher,Tastier & cheaper places to Eat in Edinburgh

Very tasty food worth every penny, serviced by very friendly staff in a great atmosphere.

As this was my first time to Edinburgh we decided to come to this restaurant from a recommendation and we visited on the 14th of August 2024 and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the Highland burger which was brilliant. It was beautifully topped with haggis, which I have never tried before and I really really enjoyed, the service here was fantastic and the restaurant itself was extremely accessible to wheelchair users as well. An absolutely wonderful place to come and I urge everybody to try this restaurant. You will not be disappointed.

The soup of the day, good. We had mushrooms and it was good. But the 12oz of only regular meat: it took a long time and then we saw that it is a fibrous meat taco, type of blood sausage. What was really good were the fries. I think that if you take them out of the hamburger, you break their nerves a little and it just takes them a while. They directly add the 1 2.5% tip themselves... With a couple...

Food was nice and it came quickly. Waitress was a bit rude though.

It’s great place to have a drink and food The staffs are very friendly and welcoming

Visited for a family birthday. Great atmosphere, food, and service.

I live in Edinburgh and have been here a few times over the years, I've been disappointed every time I have come. Our recent experience has forced me to write a review as I have always given them the benefit of the doubt. I know it's Fringe season, and the Royal Mile is heaving with people, so I expect the staff to be a bit stressed and to wait to be served. However, our experience this time was so bad that we actually walked away. They clearly have employed staff over the festival who actually have no interest in their customers. The service is shocking, the people around us looked like they had given up their will to try and get the attention of the server, and the food that I could see looked soggy and microwaved at best. We were only intending on staying about 40 minutes to have snacks and cocktails before a show. However, we walked away as it took way too long for the server to even acknowledge us. When I stopped her as she passed our table, she rolled her eyes and turned her back on us as she wouldn't serve us at an outside table as we had our son with us. It was absolutely ridiculous, and she could have said something when we first arrived. Looking at reviews, I note that the company can't even be bothered to reply to anyone's review, which shows a complete lack of interest in customer experience. I'm pretty sure this place is only still open due to the sheer volume of tourists passing through. It is very unusual of me to write a negative review, I mostly post on Trip Advisor when I have had amazing food/service. So believe me, I am genuine in my experience. It's really not like me to call people out. However, I feel that in this situation, it's warranted.

Sorry but have had a better meal in McDonald's 4 times the price Wrap hard ,wilted lettuce , lukewarm chips , coleslaw looked dodgy (warm ) so didn't eat 🤮🤮

This place is a complete joke! So hacked off that I reactivated my TripAdvisor account just to post this. Used to frequent the Filling Station in Perth all the time and it was great! Was out for our son's 10th birthday. Were lucky enough to get an outside table during the festival. Needed a bite to tide us over until a prebooked early tea. Figured we'd grab a couple of plates of chips as well as cocktails and milkshake. Waitress eventually told us you have to order a meal (not drinks) if sitting outside. Apparently chips don't qualify. Fine we're happy to go inside then. Totally get that during festival that folk will nurse a drink to watch street performers. Kids not allowed inside. What? I get kids aren't allowed at a bar but really?!? What a dump!

Service charge added to bar bill for 2 drinks !!!! Also the cleanliness of the toilets was disgusting.

Perfect spot for perfect food. Great vibes. Strongly recommended. However, they ask for optional service fees , and then they ask if you want to tip again ?! 🤔 like if you tip twice !

I am visiting Edinburgh and tried this restaurant in Royal Mile, we tried Margarita pizza, Halloumi wraps & chips, onion rings and Haggis bites.. All food except Haggis bites was good, got an upset stomach next day.

Visited during the fringe, food was ok, kiddo had chicken but seemed in her words "undercooked and squishy", fries were soft also not cooked enough, then had the cheek to add on a "optional service charge"..... Eh no, I'll no be paying that! Didn't accommodate food for some1 who just had an operation and wanted the smaller portion but still pay the full price..... Kiddo menu seemingly is under 12s only, well what if I identify as under 12, does that count... As nowadays people can identify as teapots 🤣

Probably the worst steak I've ever had.

Poor service by staff. Ordered drinks for an outside table, halfway through order being made up another member of staff came over and stated that the outside table could only be used 'if ordering food not drinks' because there was a child with us and it was during Fringe (which doesn't start until the next week). After cancelling the remainder of the order, we were told we had forgotten to pay the 12.5% service charge. Would not recommend, there are several other much friendlier venues to visit during your stay.

Just had a drink here. Ambiance is great. Very American indeed. The waiters are nice too. What I find cheeky: a 12.5% ​​tip is automatically added to the bill and then the EC terminal asks again how much tip you would like to give. This is poorly resolved and upset me. Drinks were otherwise good. We didn't eat, so I can't say anything about it.

Great Service! Delicious burger!

Went here as it was reviewed as dog friendly - it wasn't - no dogs allowed in the restaurant for hygiene reasons, but allowed in the bar or if eating outside, which is what I did. Had the fish and chips - chips were a bit underdone, and the fish was average. Wouldn't go back.

Hard to review the food when we didn't get service. Seated immediately, it wasn't overly busy, waited nearly 10 minutes, several staff members walked by us and never took our order. We got up and left, nobody questioned us leaving. Many, many other places to eat....try someplace else

The server was very helpful, but the food was just okay. a bit overpriced for what it was

Simple dishes, not good quality Nice place Fast service Toilet not clean

Nice food, good service. I would recommend getting the Ribs!

Got some lunch here, food was spectacular and our servers were very kind. I loved the atmosphere and the really big menu, however haggis balls were strange in an American diner seeing as they’re banned in the US 😂 very cramped and a bit slow but otherwise amazing

Quick food but the choices were all stodgy and some of the meals were cold when we received them. Worked well for a quick meal with kids and wasn’t busy at all on a Sunday afternoon, but I wouldn’t recommend.

Been there three times for dinner. Three times great. The food is good, the service confident and friendly. Always happy to return when I'm in Edinburgh.

This place just simply sucked. Chicken wings and ribs were awful. Sent it back. Chicken wrap was edible but subpar. The authentic Scottish places were an hour wait but this was a walk-in-sit-down so we tried it. Regretted it. I hate to leave a bad review but others should be warned. With that said, the staff was great.

Food was good. Service was excellent!

A place to go if you want to eat well in Edinburgh

I have given this one star as it is impossible to post a review without a star, so the star goes to the lovely Spanish waitress. I ordered Nachos and it wasn't until they were served to me that I was told there was no sour cream. They should have said before serving it to me as it is an essential element of the dish and if I'd known I would have chosen something else. The waitress that took the order hadn't been told about the sour cream and it was not her fault, she was lovely. The salsa was poor quality and all in all very disappointing. The toilets had no toilet paper or hand soap and the locks on some of the cubicle doors didn't work, this was at 12.30 lunchtime. For somewhere in the center of the Royal Mile, with tourists, it was terrible example. I will not be going back.

Ask his children and praise him

The experience was awful!! Unfriendly waiters.. bad food .. old greens on top of food ! Old slicces of lemon !! I am so surprised

Allies for Pride. Allowed middle aged people to use the toilet on Pride.

Great brunch place, very American style. The food was good, service was very friendly.

Very lively place, offered choices for vegans and woman asked upon entering of e had dietary restrictions. Great food!

Average welcome, meal nothing more! One of the only "disappointments" of our Scottish stay, the staff were not very smiling and not very friendly, the meal was good but nothing more for the price charged! There are much better restaurants in Edinburgh!

Good resturant. Food is delisious we oedered steak burger pizza and garlic bread

Unfortunately last night's meal was pretty awful .I have been going here for years on and off . The mac and cheese tasted plastic and was barely warm. I certainly won't be spending money thee again .

Normal environment and fool level.

Dog friendly. The dog was treated like a celebrity. Staff were amazing and attentive. Food was amazing.

After wandering around seemingly forever to find a good restaurant on a busy Saturday we ended up here. My wife and I shared the pepperoni pizza which honestly reminded me of Junior High. Only worse. There are lots of places to eat in Edinburgh , but this was definitely not one of our favorites.

Been going to this bar/Restaurant since it opened on the Royal mile Edinburgh but today went for a few drinks with my wife was refused an out door seat as reserved for people eating ( new rule) unbelievable have spent hundreds probably thousands over the years in this place as I'm from this area (scottish) but unfortunately for the filling station will never set foot in these premises again , the owners need to remember when it's cold and wet and the tourists tend to thin out it's the local people that support these bars that keep them afloat.

A great place to sit and watch the world (literally) go by while having a drink from a great selection of beers and spirits. Bar staff excellent.

We arrived on a Sunday at 8pm and they were not serving food!

Mediocre dining experience. The place is always full due to its location, not its reputation.

Dined here recently while on holiday with friends. Two of us fish and chips which was more like fish jerky. Chips were fine. The other 2 in our party had pizza which they enjoyed. Otherwise, my rating would be a 2. Server was friendly and very accommodating. Would not recommend.

We ordered a pepperoni pizza, it tasted very good, all tought it was a tiny bit too thin. The service was great, the waiter was friendly and our food was served fast.

Came in for some breakfast on our way to the castle. We greeted and seated immediately, the food was quick to come out and they had a good selection. We got the breakfast burger and sausage with potato tots. Food was okay, nothing special but good way to start the day for under £10 per person.

If there was zero stars, I would have rated zero, its that bad.

Awesome place on the royal mile. Sat outside and enjoyed a rare sunlight. Tasted local brew. Very nice experience. Will come back soon.

Food and drink was slow to come to the table and the restaurant wasn’t overly busy. Ordered a mocktail, calzone and fries which came £21.15. I don’t believe that to be great value for money, so I was expecting fairly generous portion. Portion size was on the small size and the quality was just “ok”. Overpriced average food and I left disappointed.

The food that me and my friends had was lovely and the staff are lovely too the beer 🍺 is lovely too the desserts at really lovely

Solid American food, nice service. But above all a very fair children's menu. £6.90 for drink, main course and two scoops of ice cream.

Takes long to to be served but after ordering food came quickly, Food was ok burger wasnt great Kids meal are good value

Very nice place with a good atmosphere. The Highlander Burger is nice and juicy (definitely recommended). Unfortunately the selection of food and dish for kids are not perfect. My son's margarita looked like a drought with some ketchup and cheese. The service is top class always smiles and helpful. Big selection of drinks Thank You

Had the most lovely of Friday evening’s here, excellent food and attentive service from the manager Paddy. Highly recommend!

went visited for a couple drinks and the cocktails are awesome! we talked to a nice gentlemen with pink hair who helped us as we are Canadian and got totally lost and gave some whiskey recommendations they have great cocktails and real scotch whiskey! :-)

I already booked the tabel but when i came to enter the restaurant the one guy said we already closed the kitchen and me reservation was valid bad first experience with them.I don’t come again

Very good atmosphere. I got a lovely Mac and cheese that was served very quickly. Staff were lovely. Would recommend.

Very cosy interior with good, simple food at good prices.