Maxies Bistro & Wine Bar in Edinburgh, City of

The most uncomfortable seats! I paid £80, but it was definitely not worth it. Even if you request a comfortable seat, they won’t let you sit at a decent table. We were crammed in, sitting too close to other people. The food wasn’t good either. Save your money and go somewhere better than this place

We had mulled wine and Hot Toddys… I wish we didn’t have them. Absolutely overpriced and disgusting. My mulled wine was served in a dirty glass and the hot toddys were watered up so much that you could hardly taste any whiskey. Would never return.

Our group stopped by twice during our few days in Edinburgh in September, and we really enjoyed our first trip. I believe the person who served us was the owner, and she was very attentive and nice. The second time we came, we joked about it being the "B Team" since they were less attentive, but we still had a nice time. Everyone raved about the port wine with honey (I opted not to have it), and while I didn't LOVE haggis, I was glad to have tried it at this particular spot.

We absolutely loved it! A beautiful, cozy, family run restaurant. Nice environment and a great menu. We ate there twice during our stay in Edinburgh, the staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. Big thanks to Ross and Lisa for making us feel welcomed. And also thank you Lisa for the shells. My daughter will treasure them! We will be coming back whenever we visit again :)))

Had a lovely lunch here for my birthday, very sweet and attentive staff and nice views! Offered me cake as a treat 🎂 Would definitely recommend for lunch. 🌸

Lovely place! Good food and good wine. Wonderful service too, thank you

One of the best restaurants in Edinburgh!

Excellent food, incredible service. Enjoyable experience.

Very tasty food and very large portions. Our steak was cooked very nicely and for a great price!

Surf and turf was outstanding!! The peppercorn sauce was the star of the show! Everything was perfectly cooked. Best meal we had on our London/Edinburgh trip so far!

I dint understand the bad reviews. Food here was excellent. Fish and chips were not greasy but light and fluffy. Great taste. The mussels, in an orange-brie-dill sauce was unique and delicious. Service was quick and friendly. Price was reasonable. The space is a bit tight but it wasn't uncomfortable. But that rates atmosphere 4 of 5. Still, I'd recommend this to my best foodie friends.

Stumbled upon Maxies as I didn’t realize I walked onto Victoria Terrence! The ladies working are very kind and attentive. The food was a great portion size and dessert was nice and light. Thank you!

We thoroughly enjoyed every morsel of these traditional Scotish dishes! Wonderful food & service!

Food was very tasty, highly recommend the lamb dish really good. Service was great and dishes came out in very good time. All three front of house staff were excellent.

Came in for cocktails and an appetizer, Finn, Ross and Jules were anmazing and took great care of us. Crabcakes were tasty and I love the chutney!! Thanks all!

Horrible food. Most likely the worst we got in Edinburgh.

The best food we’ve had here and Ross was an excellent server with great suggestions.

The most rude waitress and very slow kitchen. It was like the waitress did not even know how to do her job.

By far the best haggis in town. Beautiful presentation and plating. Whatever customer service or atmosphere issues you could have the food will absolutely overcome it all.

Food was disgusting. Greasy as hell and no taste (except grease) Salad was old and scraffy and the prawns on the salad were deep fried but the menu die not let you know that. Horrible. Service was okay though.

Had the haggis (my first time trying) and it was excellent. My small salad was yummy & freshFish & chips were very tasty. If you are a tourist visiting any of the small sit downs in Old Town you should always get a reservation to be sure you’ll have a spot.

Good service and great meal. We had the mussels and the seafood linguine, and drank Guinness, a great scotch with ice (Dalwhinnie) and a hot chocolate with Bailey's.

Excellent penne pasta, nice view & people watching

Classic dinner of fish & chips and Scottish meat (well cooked which is not easy…) If the meal is not taken on the terrace, the setting is cramped. Table not very clean when we arrived for dinner (too bad).

The location of the shop very nice if the weather is good to sit outside. The service not good What we got for drinks and food below average Edinburgh fantastic

Very busy but staff were 10/10.

The food was not impressive, but the wiew was great.

Lovely resturant. Food was lovely. Staff very attentive. Went due to going to Edinburgh Tattoo and next to castle. Food a little pricey but expected due to location. Please try for yourself and take no notice of bad reviews. We didnt and so glad we went.

Best haggis in Edinburgh! Fish and chips are also really good.

We only got a couple cocktails here one night (Rusty Nails) but watched lots of their food go by and it looked absolutely delicious. The view is nice and the service was very friendly.

Absolutely divine place, food was outstanding, service brilliant, what a jem find. If you are in Edinburgh go and try them. We had chicken stuffed with haggis with peppercorn sauce. Best meal I've had in ages!!

Mixed opinion.. we didn't eat very well it was quite fatty but the fish and chips before the area was incredible!

The vibe in this place is so lovely. It was wonderful sitting on the balcony area watching the world go by with a drink in hand. Inside has a little cave like feel and is very cosy and snug feeling with the cushion scattered seating. Myself and my friends also got a Groupon deal which was brilliant value. We had a starter and main course each for a very reasonable price. There was a supplement if you chose a dish over a certain price £13.95 if I remember right. The starters were all delicious, one black pudding, one fishcakes and one brie wedge...the chutney with this was super tasty! We all had the chicken stuffed with haggis for main, the portion was massive, however chicken was slightly overdone, though im sure we were just unlucky with that this time. We will definitely come back, overall, it was such an enjoyable experience.

We just arrived in Edinburgh and decided to have dinner here. The place is not very "picturesque" but it is nice and clean. The menu isn't exactly satisfactory either but what we ate was good. Of course we ate fish & chios.

Had a great meal, steak and pasta was well cooked! Order the brie and cranberry, well worth it!

Interesting balcony view overlooking Victoria Street, but the food was rather mediocre. Service was rather sporadic, and overall, we were disappointed. I don't think we'll bother to go there again.

Not a tourist trap. Actually amazing! Worth going, best haggis! Cheaper than it says.

Went for lunch as a group of 4, we wanted to try a selection of food so ordered a handful of starters. The staff were so accommodating, even pushed tables together and even gave us extra plates. Food was absolutely lovely too! If the weather allows it, sit outside as you get a wonderful view of the street underneath.

You cant have a coffee and cake inside the bistro. A ridiculous rule that can make someone uncomfortable because if you do not dine in they ask you to leave.

Food was ok, not impressed with the dessert Cranachan , just a bowl of whipped cream and a bit of raspberry. Highlight was good service from one of the staff Fin.

amazing!! we were so lucky to have found it via the roof terrace - we had the haggis starter, which arrived boiling hot and so quickly, the seafood linguine and the mussels. we had an issue with the mussels in the linguine which was quickly resolved by the kind staff who offered a replacement without any fuss! the atmosphere and interior are 10/10, with stained glass windows, brick detailing and cushioned corner tables .. all in this hidden spot!!

Too handsome! Fabulous food and perfect service. I tried a traditional fish and chips.

Extremely good food and service.

We passed by by chance and ate here. The service was friendly, but we waited an hour for the main course. Starter came in a reasonable time. The Cheesy Garlic Bread is nothing special, but it's way too big. Afterwards you are already full. The haggis was ok. The smoked salmon cream tasted somehow strange. The fish and chips were terrible. The fish tasted like dry, bland frozen fish. Plus a few fries. Carelessly prepared, unseasoned and oily. The rib-eye steak was ok, but nothing more. Plus a few fries. The broccoli was unseasoned and overcooked. The garlic butter with the meat was forgotten and, when asked again, came almost at the end. The beer comes in a can. We paid £105 for the whole thing. Way too expensive. Unfortunately the price/performance ratio is not right at all.

Garlic bread was awful smothered in garlic oil made bread soft and soggy

The restaurant was very busy even at 2pm when we arrived for lunch. The service was uneven but the food was delicious, especially the leek and potato soup. Be sure to try the cranarchan dessert.

We didn't know where to eat (were starving) and got to walk in front of this place, we asked for advocato and pawn salad, and the soup of the day that came with bread. Everything delicious and the service was very nice, the girls very helpfull.

A great spot to relax while doing the sights of Edinburgh. A gorgeous view from the terrace. The service was friendly and the food was nice but average. Fairly expensive for the quality. Still a nice place to sit and relax with a drink.

Family business with a warm atmosphere and authentic food included a Scottish twist!

This is an amazing gem. Unique interior, superb stained glass windows as you walk down a staircase to the restaurant. Extremely comfortable and atmospheric. We ate in the basement, but there is a roof terrace. Superb sea food and Scottish delicacies. Friendly and welcoming staff.

Maxies catered for our Wedding breakfast after our ceremony in the City Chambers. Amazing service, great communications and planning from Lisa and her team meant our day went without a hitch. When i say breakfast - thats exactly where it started, from about 11am to approx 7pm, our every need was sorted. The warm welcome and ongoing "no request was too much trouble" approach. Drinks flowed and food was available on demand. every guest (we had 24) commented on the great day, that the venue and experience was flawless. The bill was very fair bordering on too fair.. We were out on the terrace for the most part.

I had the haggis here and it was tasty. The atmosphere here was cute and welcoming. Overall good experience, but when compared to other restaurants and pubs that we experienced in Edinburgh, this place falls in the lower bracket. This place will satisfy if you want food in a very convenient location by the castle but you will likely pay for it in taste.

The worst plate of fish and chips we have ever eaten! My brother and I visited this lovely bistro today. It has a balcony and the setting is just beautiful! However, we paid just over £16 each for our meals and wish we hadn’t!! The chips were extremely overcooked and broken into pieces and I was shocked when the waitresses put the food in front of us on the table. We had asked for peas and were told it didn’t come with peas! My brother and I looked at each other in disbelief! There was no presentation just a plate of fish and the worst chips you can imagine. After a bad start we through at least we have the Cranachan deserts to look forward to. 15 mins after taking our order, the waitress approached us saying sorry can I get you something else because we can’t offer the cranachan as we have no oats! Unbelievable!!! The service is extremely slow and I could not believe when I heard the waitress tell a group of tourists that she recommended the fish and chips. I felt like saying no please don’t waste your money. I would not recommend this place to anyone.

This place is very pleasant, we had lunch on the terrace overlooking Victoria Street and it was extraordinary! The place is very unusual! I 100% recommend this bistro restaurant, very good value for money!

🚨 Tourist catch to escape! 🚨 The service is OK but the dishes are tasteless and expensive.

But stop relying on people who rely on the lonely planet and the backpacker because they are looking for home-style meals to reassure themselves. No, we’re not “at Léon’s” down the street in your neighborhood. We are in Scotland. The tastes and textures are different. The lamb chops were not Provençal style as that reassures you but in a delicious whiskey sauce. The starter is fried Brie and its excellent cranberry jam sauce. The staff is pleasant, smiling and sincere (and has not spent two years in sommelier school to learn to make you believe that you are the best customers in the world). We really enjoyed it and recommend it.

10/10 would recommend! Warm, welcoming, great food, quirky decor.

Great meal in a great place! Thank you!

Today at 5.30 pm. I decided to take my two young children for an early treat tea , no drinks were purchased just 6 starters for us to share for a treat as school finished for Easter. Anyway we did this as the main courses were expensive and we thought we would share. As they both under ten years old. We did not get much of a welcome and not even a hello to the kids, anyway we were hungry and placed the order quickly we were first to place the order in that section , then another couple came in and placed an order but they got there food first. I thought the kids would have got something forst to I asked the lady if we could have at least the garlic bread to get started :she said did you ask for that I said no: but we arrived first. The wine glasses we were going ro drink water from were dirty. I stood up and took them to the bar and asked for smaller glasses , I dorms mention they were dirty The food was not great feel rather unwell tonight heart burn. Service poor no one asked if we would like any other drinks , no one checked if we were hapoy no one cleared our plates until I stacked them all up at the end of the table . No one offered deserts. Such a shame as it was all rather slap dash with no care. The prices were not good value for money as I felt the quality was very poor. Onsiad at the end I woudl not leave a tip but still paid and left feeling very disappointed , I hesitated thinking I will go back and say how sad I get but didn’t want to in front of my 8 and 10 year old well behaved girls . Someone could have come and offered them an ice cream or a desert. Pretty shocking really when we eat out twice a week! I will defo NOT go back , no one said goodbye. I observed the blond waitress bump right into a gentleman who was taking his coat off to sit now and she did not even apologise to him he was shocked that she was just barging by and elbowed him. No care flap finesse , no quality. Years ago this place used to have a very good reputation . It’s a NO NO AVOID and don’t waste your money …

The worst seafood linguine I've ever had

We waited for nearly half an hour for our bread and another hour in between the starter and the mains. The tap water we asked for never arrived. The restaurant is clearly understaffed. Staff’s etiquette is fine though. Food is disappointing - the seafood linguine is overly sweet and spicy, the sauce for the mussels is a bit sour, the chicken is very lean. The quality of the food is subpar and their price is not justified at all.

Quiet and lovely restaurant. Great service and good food!

We just stumbled upon this charming restaurant when walking down the street. Wonderful experience, good seafood, and a cozy atmosphere! Highly recommend!

Friends came to grab a bite to eat on a Friday night without a reservation. Everywhere else was booked but this place has plenty of open tables… looking back, no surprise. Overly priced and generally terrible food. Would not recommend wasting time at this restaurant.

Would not recommend anyone wasting their time here. Bad food that is overpriced and takes too long to receive. Anyone who leave anything above two stars is clearly delusional or has some sort of investment in the success of this restaurant.

Avoid seafood linguine, not the best dish at this place.

Was told it had the best atmosphere, staff and fish & chips in Edinburgh... they did not lie!! The local ciders were superb and the Haggies & Taddies in a whiskey cream sauce were the perfect accompaniment.

Do yourself the service of catching a bite at this super quaint authentic Scottish bistro. Food was fantastic and, this close to the castle, the prices are extremely reasonable!

Lovely meal, attentive staff, great atmosphere

Reading recent reviews,I cannot believe they have eaten at maxies.If 0 was an option that would certainly have been my choice.Avoid or be left wishing you had avoided.You would have better food at any of the fast food chains.Arrived here expecting a nice meal but left very disappointed indeed.You have been warned … AVOID

This is the second time we’ve been here, and was our ‘banker’ after a full visit to the Edinburgh Castle. Don’t be surprised by the smaller entrance, it leads down the steps to a little piece of heaven ! I had rhetorical Haggis, neaps and potato, the sons and their friend, had the fish and chips. All were suitably impressed, with the friend from Cornwall declaring ‘this is better first and chips than anything I’ve had in Cornwall’!! The staff are so friendly and service amazing

One of the best dining experiences I have ever had. Would recommend for anyone coming to town!!!!!!

Great experience, great food, even better service

To avoid at any costs. Food is barely eatable, gross, me and my friends got sick. The kitchen seems to be absolutely disgusting. It's just a tourist trap.

Lovely decor, great staff and superb service

Lovely wee restaurant just off the royal mile, staff very helpful and friendly. Food was delicious and we'll definitely be back ?

a lovely bistro with lovely food, great value for money, got a groupon great value for that!

Avoid this place. It was empty for a reason everywhere else full. Drinks -we were a group of 4 and 2 of us get ginger beer. No can, already poured? So no can so obviously from a 2litre bottle behind the bar as it was flat as a pancake but high price tag. Food- Steaks were drowned in a watery sauce rather than in a little jug at the side. Rubbery and not worth the high price I asked for well done. Well it wasn’t which made me retch. In fact 3 mains were sent back all undercooked. Boiled potatoes and frozen broccoli is not worth a £27 price. Where mushrooms? Tomato? So no dinner just had toffee pudding husband had cheesecake. My brother in law had £33 !!surf n turf he ate it but he eats any old ****. Bil £105. No apology from manager lovely big boy apologised 3 times as he was obviously embarrassed. Place cold ,empty ,uninviting. Had to go to a bar for pub grub as we were starving, much better, we should have done that in the first place. So disappointed as we had a great restaurant already booked further away. Cancelled it thinking this one looked good. BIG MISTAKE. Rather starve than go near this joint again.

Was unsure what to expect after reading the mixed reviews but no need to worry when using our Groupon voucher. Both the starters of crab cakes and Brie followed by fish and chips for me and chicken stuffed with haggis for my husband were all very tasty. Prosecco was lovely and chilled and a nice touch when the staff member suggested she brought one glass at the start of the meal and the other later on as she had worked out both were for me as my husband ordered some Innis and Gunn IPA for himself. This ensured both drinks were very fresh and served at the right temperature. Good service provided by the two lovely staff on duty which resulted in a pleasant Sunday afternoon meal. Thank you.

Amazing food, nice service, really recommend

Service rapide, serveuse aimable et à l’écoute de nos besoins. Recommandé !

Lisa was amazing! Brilliant service

Had a lovely 2 course lunch. Excellent food and the host was really friendly. Had plenty time to catch up with a friend in a relaxed atmosphere.

Comida excelente y muy buena atención.

Super bonne adresse, le personnel est avenant. Les plats sont bon avec de bonne quantité. Le seul point négatif c’est qu’il fait très froid dans ce restaurant car il est en sous sol.

It was om Havent been there for 2 years Starters were very limited if dairy free Chips way over done tonight Chicken with haggis was superb tho Staff lovely

Been a few years since last visit, and to be perfectly honest I should not have left it so long, the meal was tremendous, the staff were spot on with their attention to customers. This is a genuine hidden gem close to the Castle, well worth seeking out.

Amazing service and delicious food.

Very Cosy, good food and fair prices

Tourist trap. Do not go here. I didn't know you could ruin fish and chips.

Food not so great, although my friends enjoyed their choices. Also, got a bit too cold around 9pm. Service was great though.

Food was cold in parts, looked like it had been microwaved. A complete disappointment, don’t waste your money!

Great food and good service. No complaints

Looked like a nice place to stop but the managers attitude was not great and made us feel not welcome. The food was average at best. Everyone needs customers no matter how much they spend.

Amazing food with amazing service. Well worth a visit

Food was poor - haggis starter then the seafood pasta. Partner couldn’t eat the pasta as sauce was sickly sweet, haggis was ok’ish. Staff did comp one glass of wine given poor food standard. Great traditional restaurant however won’t return until menu revamped.

Mon premier jour en Écosse : Un lieu parfait pour s’imprégner de la culture écossaise !

Everything is amazing food atmosphere and service are fantastic

Really bad experience unfortunately. Deep fried mushrooms very overdone, could barely get fork into some. Then it got worse…Haggis stuffed chicken was cold in the middle with watery sauce. Cheap gluey haggis with unseasoned mash, barely any neeps. All Presented like school dinners. And inedible.

Lovely wee cosy intimate restaurant. Food was excellent. My hubby had crab cakes as a starter and said they were the best he has tasted. His seafood linguine was also excellent and my starter was avocado and prawns Avocado was a bit over ripe and only 4 prawns but tasted lovely. Main was haggis stuffed chicken which was excellent and huge portions.